A rescue that exemplifies the true spirit and meaning of the Pilots N Paws program.

A few years back a little 6-week-old German Shepard puppy named Murphy suffered a broken front leg. The breeder I understand made plans to euthanize poor Murphy because of that. By chance three wonderful people, June Chamness, Kris Shultz and Dr. McAfee, all stepped in and rescued Murphy from his fate. June was a vet tech and Kris organized the emergency transfer to an Iowa clinic for surgery. Kris contacted Lynn Snyder from Iowa City who is an avid Pilot N Paws rescue coordinator who posted Murphy’s urgent need for a rescue flight. I saw the post and immediately volunteered to do a leg of the transport from Valparaiso, IN to Moline, IL. From there Norma Jolly did a ground transport to Cedar Rapids, IA. Upon examination it was determined a more extensive surgery was needed. Jan Erceg decided to send Murphy to Des Moines, IA. where Dr. Brent Reimer performed surgery on Murphy installing plates and screws to correct his fracture. Additionally, I need to mention a group named Critter Crusader who took Murphy’s case on and paid for all his medical treatment. Not enough can be said about this wonderful group. After that he was transported back to the German Shepherd Rescue of Iowa who, with the help of Julie Kasper, fostered Murphy back to health.

Murphy was eventually adopted by a loving family in LaSalle, IL Randy and Julie Gunia. They changed Murphy’s name to Pollux when he became part of their family. Murphy’s doing great 3 years later, chasing squirrels and rabbits, you’d never know he was injured.

All who participated in the rescue kept in touch and had a reunion at Pollux’s family’s house. Pollux will always have a special place in my heart, he is one special dog. I continue to keep in touch with Pollux and his family as they always post photos and videos of his silly antics. Because of how caring all the fosters and rescues were with Murphy, I started a company called Blue Sky Bakery, Inc which makes dog treats. I wanted to help all the unfortunate animals somehow. Since then I promised to donate a portion of sales to rescues, fosters and rescue pilots.

As I said in the beginning, this is what Pilots N Paws is all about, a group of caring people who mutually got together to help an unfortunate animal.

Thank you Pilot N Paws for all that you have saved.