At Dog Is My CoPilot, every flight we take is a mission of love and last month was no exception. While we were responding to the catastrophic floods in Central Texas, helping move shelter pets out of harm’s way, we also celebrated a major milestone: flying our 40,000th passenger to safety.
That lucky dog? Peanut, a sweet pup from El Paso Texas who represents everything our mission stands for.
Peanut and her two siblings were found as strays and landed in an overcrowded shelter in El Paso, Texas, which was caring for more than 500 dogs at the time. Just 10 weeks old and full of puppy energy, they needed out fast.
Thankfully, they boarded our plane with their tiny tails wagging, unknowingly headed for a brighter future in Jackson, Wyoming. They were lovingly fostered by our Executive Director, Kara Pollard, and her family, who taught them important puppy manners and showered them with love. Peanut, our 40,000th passenger, found her happy ending thanks to our partnership with the Animal Adoption Center and that full-circle moment is what keeps us flying.
In early July, record-breaking floods swept through Central Texas, devastating communities and overwhelming animal shelters. Working together with our longtime partner Austin Pets Alive!, Dog Is My CoPilot flew five critical rescue flights to help shelters clear space and respond to the growing crisis.
Over the span of several days, we transported hundreds of at-risk animals to safety across the country. Flying to the East Coast, Midwest, and Pacific Northwest, where rescue partners were ready and waiting to welcome them.
These lifesaving flights would not have been possible without the support of our incredible sponsors. Two of the flights were generously funded by the 15/10 Foundation, while the remaining missions were made possible through the dedicated support of MuttNation and Miranda Lambert, Petco Love, and Lulu’s Fund.
“The Central Texas floods left shelters across the state completely overwhelmed,” said Dr. Ellen Jefferson, President & CEO of Austin Pets Alive! “Without Dog Is My CoPilot stepping in, many of these animals would have had nowhere to go. Their rapid response and ability to move pets out of the region gave our teams the room we needed to respond to the emergency. They helped us save lives plain and simple.”
This collaborative effort ensured that shelters in flood-impacted areas could shift their focus toward reuniting lost pets with their families and supporting their communities through the recovery process.
Dozens of puppies, dogs arrive from Texas shelters at PAWS Chicago; more on the way, NBC Chicago 5 >
After flying pets to safety, we didn’t head back with an empty plane. Thanks to our incredible partners in Buffalo, NY, and Chicago, our aircraft was loaded with over 1,000 pounds of donated supplies for shelters and flood-impacted families in Texas. Crates, cleaning supplies, food, and other essentials were donated by Mutts of the Midway, Buddy’s Second Chance Rescue, and other compassionate partners who saw a need and stepped up to help.
These supplies were delivered to Austin Pets Alive! and distributed across affected areas proving that animal rescue isn’t just about pets, it’s about communities. When a crisis hits, love and compassion fly in both directions. We’re especially grateful to Petco Love, Lulu’s Fund, and Captain Ward, our volunteer pilot, for helping make this mission possible.
Dog Is My CoPilot is now flying two aircraft full time, helping move shelter pets from overcrowded facilities to rescue partners across the country. This expanded capacity allows us to respond faster, reach more communities, and save more lives than ever before.
And there’s more on the horizon: our third aircraft will be taking off by the end of this year, increasing our ability to support shelters during crises and keep up with the growing demand for lifesaving transports.
As we grow, our mission stays the same providing a free and reliable lifeline for animals in need and the people working hard to save them. Every new aircraft, every mile flown, and every life saved is made possible through a powerful network of partners, pilots, and passionate animal lovers.
Together, we’re changing the way animal rescue takes flight.
Whether it’s flying a puppy like Peanut to her forever family or delivering emergency supplies back to flood zones, rescue is about showing up for animals, for shelters, and for communities. We’re so proud to do this work alongside compassionate people like you.
This is rescue at its best. This is Dog Is My CoPilot.
