It was a perfect day, the kind of day that will linger in your memory forever. Thank you to the pilots who spent the day working together– determined to connect with other pilots who were waiting for them in Marianna, FL, Clemson, S.C., Knoxville, TN and Morgantown, WV. The pups headed to rescue groups in Caldwell, NJ had the longest day with three groups of pilots and volunteers flying, then walking and watering them as their journey progressed. The pilots connecting in Clemson, S.C. had 31 dogs arriving who were greeted by a group of volunteers ready to offer them a hug and some water. Many of the 79 dogs who were headed to various locations in Florida transferred to a group of pilots in Marianna, anxious to fly them on the final leg of their transport. Two of our pilots made their way to Memphis and one of those two then traveled on to Iowas delivering his precious cargo. One more pilot and co-pilot flew to Missouri with four darling dogs on board. All in all 54 planes were involved.

Subaru, our loyal partner, made sure that transportation was available from the FBO to the hotel and back along with providing our hotel rooms and catering breakfast for us all the morning of the transport. As you will see in the photos, Petmate who has been standing beside us for a long time now, provided all the crates for our pilots to use, just as they do all year long. We are extremely fortunate to have two companies partner beside us because they care about the lives of animals in need. THANK YOU BOTH!

AeroPremier Jet Center at Lakefront Airport in New Orleans is just that, PREMIER! They welcomed us with generous hearts, provided a ramp specific for this transport, fuel discounts, mechanics if needed, and a wonderful cookout Friday evening for our pilots. They worked diligently to make sure this event was efficient and successful. Thank you to Rolando and crew!

The rescues and shelters in Louisiana, worked tirelessly for weeks preparing all these adorable dogs for transport. It was a bittersweet day for them as they said goodbye to each pup but they did so knowing that they saved that life and made room to save yet another dog in need. Thank you to the sending groups!!

PAWS, friends of Placquemine Parish

Jefferson Parish Shelter East

Jefferson Parish Shelter West

Don’t Cruel Sanctuary, Albany, LA

Tangipahoa Parish Animcal Control Shelter, Hammond LA

East Baton Rouge Parish Animal Control Shelter, Baton Rouge, LA

Northside Humane Society, Barton Rouge, LA

Lafayette Animal Control Shelter, Lafayette, LA

Rescued Dogs Adoption Center, Mandeville, LA

Kaplan Animal Control Shelter

St. Bernards Parish Shelter

Tammany Parish Shelter

The receiving groups opened their hearts and their doors to offer a chance for these 171 displaced dogs of NOLA. Thank you for making room!

Lucky Dog Rescue D.C.

Petconnect in D.C.

Homeless Animal Rescue Team DC

Lakeland SPCA

Tampa Humane Society

Humane Society of Pinellas County

Suncoast Animal League

Tampa Bay SPCA

Humane Society of Naples

Second Chance for Puppies and Kittens

Pet ResQ Inc. in NJ

Friends of Homeless Animals in NJ

Kings Harvest in Davenport, Iowa

Lab and All Breed Rescue in Memphis

Second Chance Barnyard Rescue MO

Please remember the people and the animals of NOLA. We cannot forget them and we will most assuredly remember the incredible sight as the sun rose that Saturday morning in September….

http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=157219370973197