Friday, January 20, 2012

The Flying Ace

Ace was living in Tennessee with a family who had rescued him from a bad situation.  They tried to find him a permanent home in their area but weren't able to do so.  Ace is deaf, and the family needed to find him a home with someone who was willing to take on a deaf dog.  I said if they could get him to me, I'd take him as a foster dog.  That's where the wonderful people at the Dogo Argentino Rescue Network stepped forward.  They put me in touch with a pilot from Pilots N Paws, who would use his own time, money, and his own plane to fly Ace to me.  He also took many pictures along the way so I could tell you about it.
The Flying Ace
Ace used to be named Doofus, by an uncaring owner who thought he was stupid just because he was deaf.  The family who rescued him renamed him Einstein because they quickly realized he was really smart.  Since I have fostered a dog named Einstein very recently, I decided to change his name (he's deaf, so he doesn't mind).  And since Pilot Jim told me that Einstein wanted to fly the plane on the way here, I decided he must be a great pilot so I renamed him Ace.

Ace in flight
Ace is an amazing dog.  He did great on his flight here - after supervising Pilot Jim and finding that he was a more than capable pilot, he watched out the window for awhile to make sure Pilot Jim knew where he was going, and then like any smart relief pilot, he took a nap so he'd be well rested and ready to fly if Pilot Jim needed a break.

"Wake me if you need me, Pilot Jim!"
 Fortunately for everyone involved, Pilot Jim did not need to call on Ace's untested flying skill, and they made it safely to the ground without any help from Ace.  Pilot Jim has flown many of these flights, rescuing dogs all over the country and flying them to safety.  It always amazes me how many people are out there willing to help these homeless animals.  Pilots N Paws is a non-profit agency devoted to saving innocent animals by pilots donating their time, money and talents to get these animals to rescues, shelters, and adoptive homes all over the country.  Huge thanks to Pilot Jim for helping to save Ace!

"Thanks so much Pilot Jim!"
After the flight, I met Pilot Jim and Ace at the airport, where we posed for a quick picture.  Ace looks quite proud of himself for making it through the flight.
"I flew all the way here!"
He's now at my house and settling in nicely.  He's met all the other dogs and loves to play with Jefferson and Roo.  Charlie is still being stand-offish, and Ziggy seems to think I tried to replace him while he was gone, but everyone else just loves Ace.  He was already fully vetted by the family who rescued him so he'll be ready to start training and trying to find a new home right away.  He's such a sweet dog that I think he'll have no trouble finding a home.

19 comments:

H Ski said...

What a great organization. Reading all the stories it always amazes me how willing everybody is to help these dogs! It is so great!! I can't wait to hear more about Ace!

brooke said...

Awww Ace is a cutie! I love all his spots!
Yeah for Pilots N Paws too! That's great that Ace now has a great chance to find his perfect home!

Anonymous said...

So excited to read your first blog about him! Very happy to know that he is doing well. I look forward to future updates :)

Of Pit Bulls and Patience said...

Look at that face! I just want to squish it!

Tucker The Crestie said...

What a cutie! Ace is just adorable and I can't wait to hear more about it!

JacksDad said...

What a happy story! Thanks to everyone involved for all their hard work!

Casey Jones' Mom said...

You know once Ziggy reads this blog you will have to take him on a plane ride.

Ace is so cute. How old is he.

Dog Foster Mom said...

Casey Jones' Mom - you are so right! He'll demand to go in a plane so he isn't missing out on anything. Maybe I can hide this blog post from him.

Ace just turned one year old.

Kolchak Puggle said...

What a gorgeous dog! I would love to hav on just like him. Someday, I will. Until then, I'm rooting for a great home for this lucky pup.

Bobby said...

How good it was of everyone to help so much.
He looks a fine dog and brave to fly.
Licks Bobby

pibble said...

What a handsome guy, and what an adventure! You really are a special lady. I wonder if he knows how lucky he is to "land" (heh, heh, get it?) with someone like you?

shellygriffis said...

I love the new name! I was so thrilled to see your post - keep them coming! XOXOXOXOXO

Unknown said...

Ace sounds like he will not be with you long!

Brandon - The dog with a blog said...

OMD, Ace is such a handsome fella! I hope everything works out with his training; he sure is a special doggy!

-Brandon

ScoobyMom said...

Jim,
I just love this story. You do great work and you are a blessing to so many of us in rescue and the dogs you help us save:)

Emily @ Our Waldo Bungie said...

He is so cute! Can't wait to hear more about him!

Stefanie (aka Blueberry's servant) said...

Great job Ace! A much better name for you. I had a foster the original owners named "Lazy" - honestly, some people...

He looks like a sweet dog - I'm sure he'll find a home soon!

Emily said...

What a cool organization! I have never heard of such a thing but so cool there is something like that out there and so many people willing to help in different ways.

Anonymous said...

Ace is a PERFECT name for him! What an adventure he's had so far. I'm just so happy so many peoples came together for Ace and I wish I could gives Pilot Jim a big, slurpy, brindle kiss for what he does.

Ace, I hope, hope, hope you gets a family very soon who appreciates you and luvs you for the Most Wonderful doggie you are!

Wiggles & Wags,
mayzie