There’s a common misconception that animals in shelters are unwanted or unruly. The reality is most of these at-risk pets are just in the wrong place at the wrong time.
NATASHA MCKENTY: Amelia Air has an ambitious goal to save 500 animals this year. Founded by long-time aviator Dean Heistad, the airborne rescue group has been operational since August 2019. Together with his co-founder, Petra Janney, they have already liberated 170 dogs and cats from high-kill shelters, soaring them to safe-havens…
The meaning behind the name is twofold. “Amelia Air” was chosen in honor of Heistad’s first rescue with his wife, Katy — a Great Dane named Amelia, who jumped straight into the cockpit during her liberation. “She actually leapt up onto the wing [of the Cessna 310] and just climbed right into the cockpit,” he said. “She was excited to go somewhere in a plane. . . . We landed pretty quickly on [the name] Amelia. She’s an airport dog.”
But there’s another unique connection to the name, one that resides within Janney’s family tree. Her grandmother, Macy Putnam Janney, was a cousin to George P. Putnam. (George) Putnam, of course, was the husband of American aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart…
Today, Janney has around 110 flight hours. “I’ve been rescuing animals since a couple of days after I got my license,” she said. Janney, Heistad and volunteer pilot Dr. Rob Allen, who uses his Cessna Conquest for rescue flights, see themselves as “the missing link” for often forgotten shelter animals. Together, they work to alter their furry travelers’ fate while advocating for an “adopt don’t shop” mentality…
Since the rescue relies entirely on donations, the flights need to be orchestrated most cost-effectively… “So, if we raise $25,000 per year, that’s 250 animals,” he explained. “If we bring in $50,000 this year, we’ll have the money to save 500.” Their most successful fundraiser to date raised over $32,000 thanks to campaign manager Stacy Schecter, and some star power. The Academy Award-winning actress Allison Janney, who has three rescues of her own, also happens to be Petra’s aunt…
There’s a common misconception that animals in shelters are unwanted or unruly. The reality is most of these at-risk pets are just in the wrong place at the wrong time… Each year, millions of animals are euthanized in North America due to overcrowding in shelters. Often, they are young and healthy, and their only fault is homelessness… Thanks to Amelia Air, many animals have soared to safe homes.
Thanks to a small team of dedicated volunteers on both U.S. coasts, Amelia Air is well on its way to saving hundreds of lives in 2021… In an attempt to cover the administrative costs, the rescue is staffed by volunteers. This ensures that 100 percent of the funds donated go toward the cost of rescuing animals. Contributions are tax-exempt, and donations can be made at www.ameliaair.org. SOURCE…
RELATED VIDEO: