Beno was but one of the nearly 40 pitbulls confiscated by the St. Martin Parish Sheriff in Lousiana as a result of their breaking up a large dogfighting ring. Once seized, the dogs became the responsibility of Michelle and her staff at the St. Martin Animal Shelter. Michelle was diligent in assessing each dog and finding rescues for those deemed suitable. A large number of them went to rescue in Missouri, where they will be rehabilitated and made ready for public adoption.

Beno knew nothing about fighting, he was just 5 months old at 25 pounds. All he wanted was to catch a ride to Las Vegas where his rescue could find him a home and a human who will love him as he was meant to be loved.

Beno left New Iberia, Lousiana on a Friday with Ben Cook, an air force pilot. (No, not in government iron.) The pair arrived in Austin just before 8 p.m. that evening.

Ben with Beno

The pup was traveling with a bag of dog food bigger than he was!

Beno overnighted with Austin Executive (EDC) employee Carlos Flores who then returned him to EDC on Saturday for pickup by Tanya Card.  After one night, Carlos said he’d be happy to foster Beno for a little longer if necessary.  Beno was definitely winning hearts along the way.

l>r. Front desk staff, Carlos in blue shirt, EDC lineman, and Luis in front

The weather for Saturday wasn’t looking to be the best.  In order to allow the first leg to even leave Louisiana, a backup foster that could keep Beno for a week or two needed to be found just in case the flight couldn’t launch out of Austin.  Fortunately, Heather at Don’t BULLY Me Rescue Texas, said she could fulfill that role.  Mother Nature did cooperate, but the long distance transport wouldn’t have made it without her willingness to help out if needed.

Tanya flew Beno to Midland, with copilot Luis Orozco.

Charlie Spence was waiting in Midland to fly the mellow pitbull on to Clovis, NM.

Charlie and Beno take off from Midland.

Once there, PnP pilot Andrew Becker and his wife drove him on to Albuquerque.

Dave with Beno

Long-time and well-known foster Dave cared for Beno on Saturday night, then took him to meet PnP pilot Richard Hoover and his wife Sunday morning. They drove him to Flagstaff, where they connected with a gentleman whom the rescue had found. He was driving to Las Vegas from Phoenix, so he agreed to detour thru Flagstaff to allow Beno to ride with him the rest of the way. Beno made it to his new foster home right around 6 p.m. Mountain Time on Sunday.

Beno’s first three legs were by plane and last three by car.  Richard and Andrew are both pilots but elected to drive Beno rather than fly due to some nasty winds and other circumstances.  There are some dedicated pilots who will go out of their way to do something like this when they can’t fly.

It was a long affair for Beno, but he made friends wherever he went and was a great ambassador for the Pitbull Breed. One pilot said Beno had changed his mind about his formerly-negative opinion of the breed. Many, many thanks to all who borke up the ring, found rescues, flew, drove and fostered Beno. He wouldn’t have made it without everyone doing their part.

Click here for Beno’s adoption page.  His rescue is A Home for Spot.

Kristina Smith, Beno’s new foster mom, says “He is awesome just a big bundle of joy. And all my foster babies and my own dogs love him. He’s definitely enjoying being a dog with lots of doggy friends.”

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