Being an animal lover who has flown a lot of animals (dogs, cats, crow, ferret) this seemed an ideal program. I signed up and took a mission to fly a “puppy” that needed to get from Idaho Falls, ID to Forks, WA. Idaho Falls was too far for a one-day round trip so ground transportation was arranged to Nampa, ID airport (S67). My flying buddy, Steve, volunteered to come along when I told him the puppy was a Bull Mastiff that weighed in at 150 pounds! Steve seemed to think that I might get into trouble flying alone with a dog that size. That’s the kind of friend Steve is.
Our route of flight took us over familiar territory, to Burns OR, then west to Nampa. Empty country out that way, but pretty to fly over with pine forests and the Owyhee reservoir. From then on, over the Snake River and into Nampa was new territory. Nampa is a nice airport with an FBO that sent a guy out to meet us and fuel the plane. Meanwhile we met the ladies handing off our puppy, Brutus. What a sweet and beautiful boy! I took him for a short walk, as did Steve so he would understand we were the new bosses. Then it was time to load up and fly.
I led Brutus out to the plane, where a nearby helicopter was running up, and another plane was taxing in. He ignored them. I opened the door, pointed, and said “Brutus. Get in the Car.” (Yes, I knew it was a plane, but he wouldn’t!) The darling dog simply looked around to be sure I was serious, and then clambered inside, with just a bit of help finding where to put his foot on the strut. On the entire flight from Nampa with two stops on the way to Pierce Co (PLU) this sweet boy took up the entire backseat, but caused no trouble.
So, pilots, if you’re looking for an excuse to fly that your spouse cannot find fault with – sign up and save a life.
