Flying with Bodie
Flying with Bodie
By Michele Finstad
In early January, I received an email from Sue Clark informing me that she was told by Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue that there was a golden that needed transport (via airplane) from Arcata, California. It was an email that I had been waiting for since I bid on this trip at HBGRR’s fundraiser Kibble and Bids. I was going to FLY to Arcata to meet Bodie! Apparently, Bodie was found abandoned next to the highway. The Humane Society rescued him but after a while felt that Homeward Bound could give him the care that he really needed and find him a home more easily.
On Friday, January 10th, I excitedly drove to the Sacramento Executive Airport to meet Sue and wait for Adam to arrive with his plane in which we would be transporting Bodie the golden. It was a pristine day, one perfect for flying, at least in Sacramento. I was soon to learn that the Arcata Airport was the foggiest airport in the country! Sue (a pilot herself for over 40 years) and Adam continued to monitor the weather until they were satisfied that the conditions were favorable for landing. And up we went! It was fabulous! In about one hour, we arrived at the Arcata Airport and were greeted by Bodie and his wonderful caretakers. While they were sad to see him go, they knew it was the best thing for Bodie. Sue has accompanied many dog transports and knew exactly what to do. Bodie was loaded into the cargo area just behind our seats where he settled in after takeoff (which was not so settling for him). Jody Jones greeted us when we landed in Sacramento and Bodie was on his way to a new “golden” life.
During this wonderful experience, I learned about an organization named Pilots N Paws. Adam, our pilot that day, volunteers his time and plane to facilitate animal transports. What an inspiration to discover that there are individuals out there who do this kind of work. Adam was tons of fun, a great pilot, and the owner of a golden. (I knew I liked him from the start).
Thank you to Homeward Bound, PNP Pilot Sue Clark, Pilot Adam, Pilots N Paws, and the weather(!) for making my adventure one that I will never forget.