On October 5, 2013, literally hundreds of volunteers both pilots and rescues came together in Hinesville, Georgia and surrounding areas and states to change the lives of over 400 animals through Operation Special Delivery. Sam Sweeney covered the story for WZVN in “Dogs Rescued Through Pilot Program” posted on October 5, 2013.

NAPLES, FL – Four hundred dogs from all across the southeast are getting a second chance at life. Twenty-five dogs landed in a new home, 11 cuddling together in Ellen Herrs’ single engine Cirrus.

“They go to sleep! Usually within 10 minutes everyone is asleep,” said Herrs.

Herrs is just one of nearly 50 volunteer pilots who gave up their Saturday to help rescue abandoned dogs from a kill-shelter in Georgia.

Herrs donated her plane and gas to make this happen.

“It’s a volunteer thing. I find that I can always use some time flying. Although, my husband may not agree, since he pays the gas bill,” said Herrs.

Herrs is part of a group called Pilots n’ Paws.

“We help to move pets that are abandoned or have been rescued from shelters that are overcrowded to areas here in Naples, where the Humane Society is going to help find these dogs a good home,” said Herrs.

The group of dogs headed to the Naples Humane Society, where they are expected to be adopted in less than two weeks.

“Since there are so many condos and stuff, it’s a small dog community. So they are sending smaller dogs down here to get adopted,” said Matt Miller with the Naples Humane Society.

All of the dogs would have been euthanized had it not been for people like Herrs.

“I wish people would consider spay and neutering their pets. A lot more dogs could be saved if there weren’t so many unplanned pregnancies for dogs,” said Herrs.