Rescue Flights, Puppy Smiles, and Big Thanks All Around
This morning was nothing short of incredible. Three of our XL Bully puppies boarded a plane and headed off to start a brand new chapter with our trusted friends at Freedom Bound Hounds in southern Idaho. These pups are playful, loving, and so ready for homes of their own, and we couldn’t be more excited for what lies ahead for them.
We’re especially grateful to Freedom Bound Hounds for stepping up to take these pups in. Like so many rescues right now, we are stretched thin. Our space, time, and resources are incredibly limited, and we’re currently preparing for another case that’s going to require every bit of capacity we have. Being able to partner with other organizations we trust makes all the difference, and we always encourage our supporters to follow them on Facebook and support their amazing work too.
As for today’s flight? None of it would have been possible without our incredible pilot, Joe. These rescue pilots volunteer their time, fuel, and aircraft to help save lives. Joe was kind, calm, and handled the dogs like a pro. But what really stood out was the way he took the time to include our young puppy assistant, Hugh. Watching Hugh help load the dogs and learn about the process was a reminder of how important it is to engage the next generation of animal advocates.
We also want to give a huge shoutout to Hillcrest Aircraft Company. Their support has been invaluable, not just for allowing us to safely transport animals in and out of Lewiston, but for being so welcoming and generous with their time. Today, their team even gave Hugh a mini tour of their aircraft, including a close-up look at one of their firefighting helicopters.
Hillcrest plays a critical role in our region’s wildfire response, supporting aircraft that help battle wildfires in our area and beyond. The work they do saves land, homes, and lives. We’re incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated and skilled team based right here in our community.
These moments matter. Rescue work can be overwhelming, emotionally draining, and thankless. But days like this remind us why we keep going. It takes a community. Pilots, ground crews, rescue partners, volunteers, donors, and even young helpers like Hugh all play a part in making this work possible.
We’re proud of these puppies. We’re grateful for the people who made today possible. And we’re excited to keep pushing forward, one tail wag at a time.
