Cattle Dogs In Flight!

Cattle Dogs in Flight!

Gina Rourke

Australian Cattle Dog Rescue Association

Those of us who love cattle dogs know they think they actually can fly (especially if a frisbee is involved), but it is the fantastic pilots with Pilots N Paws who make it a reality, helping our small rescue save so many lives! Since January, PNP pilots transported tendogs and puppies, saving them all from tragic ends and helping them on their way to loving futures with their forever families.

This last weekend was just one of many flights. On Sunday, August 21st, pilots Rick Gutlon, Chris Barger, and Marlene and Gary Livack gave Huck and Dolly first class service, getting them from Goldsboro NC to Trenton NJ under the threat of thunderstorms. The first attempt on Aug 20th was ultimately thwarted by weather. We watched the weather all week and waited, and did not know until the last minute if Sunday’s mission was a go. Rick flew out of Durham, NC bright and early and headed to Goldsboro-Wayne Airport (KGWW) where he met Graham Price, ACDRA volunteer and temporary foster for Huck and Dolly. Dolly, who had been picked up as a stray, was pretty nervous about the whole flying thing.

Graham Price and Pilot Rick Gutlon Reassuring Dolly

Huck, on the other hand, lived up to his namesake and seemed quite excited by the adventure. His grin was all the more satisfying given where he had come from. Seized three weeks ago as part of a larger cruelty case, his life had consisted of being kept in a cage too small for him, not to mention the terrier stuck in there with him, with only occassional food and water.

Huck and Dolly ready for take off!

Rick and Chris flew to Williamsburg, Va (KJGG) where they met up with Gary and Marlene for a quick and smooth transition, as well as a bunch of smiles!

Pilots Rick Gutlon, Marlene Livack, and Chris Barger

Rick, Gary Livack, and Chris, and Huck and Dolly ready for round two!

Since they were dodging thunderstorms, Marlene and Gary headed to Trenton, NJ to meet ACDRA volunteer Karen Cox and then hightailed it back home. By the end of the night, with Huck hitting the road to complete his transport, everyone was safe and sound in their foster homes.

What made this transport really special to us was not ONLY was it the second time Rick, Marlene and Gary helped our cowdogs in need, but also their wonderful feedback, that they clearly loved them as we do, and truly shared in the joy of being able to save them.

In May, Marlene and Gary worked tirelessly to help get Harvey out of a very hi-kill shelter in NC to foster care in DC. They not only provided his transport under rather urgent circumstances, but also served as temporary fosters until he could be picked up by his foster mom.

Gary, Harvey, and Marlene

In April, Rick Gutlon took point on an epic journey for Red that had a surprise ending. Rick served as coordinator for a four leg transport from Goldsboro NC to Westerly RI. Pilots Jeff Zagiel, Joe Marsala and Mark Mattie signed on to help get this young, super friendly boy north to foster care. While Joe’s leg was cancelled due to weather. Mark finished Red’s journey and, unknowingly at the time, introduced him to a man at the Westerly airport who would become Red’s forever companion!

Mark Mattie, Red and Jeff Zagiel

Those of us with ACDRA are grateful beyond the telling of it for all that PNP pilots do. We have seen first hand not only your collective dedication, but also how your commitment and energy is absolutely critical to our rescue efforts. Without question, we would not have been able to do our part in saving so many lives without you. THANK YOU!!!