The Big Dog in Action: Rescue Flights that Save Lives
This winter, The Big Dog has been soaring through the skies, completing dozens of flights and covering thousands of miles to support our shelter partners. Along the way, we’ve picked up hundreds of furry friends and safely delivered them to loving homes. One special passenger we’re excited to introduce is a sweet senior poodle who’s experienced quite the journey to happiness.
Meet Ginny, Our Sweet Senior Poodle
Ginny’s story is one of resilience and love. This senior poodle was picked up by animal control in Hobbs, New Mexico, after being found running in traffic. When she arrived at our partners, Amazing Grace Pet Rescue, her condition was heartbreaking. She needed immediate medical attention, and the team at Amazing Grace quickly got her the care she deserved. After two months in foster care, Ginny was ready for the next step in her journey. She was transported to Wyoming, where her forever mom adopted her right away. Ginny still needed follow-up care, but with a little love and support, she’s now living her best golden years in her new home, all thanks to her “golden ticket” flight!
Our Pilots: The Heart of Our Mission
At Dog Is My CoPilot (DIMC), our mission is fueled by hard work, teamwork, and the incredible individuals who take to the skies to give animals a second chance. What began as a one-pilot operation has grown into a full flight team, reaching more shelters and saving more lives than ever before. Our founder and chief pilot, Dr. Peter Rork, remains actively engaged in every aspect of our mission, now leading and mentoring a growing team of pilots.
Today, we want to take a moment to introduce the passionate individuals behind the rescue flights—our pilots!
Meet Our Full-Time Pilot Team
Peter E. Rork, M.D.
Founder and Chief Pilot
Better known as “Peter the Pilot,” Dr. Peter Rork traded in his scalpel for a flight yoke after 30 years as an orthopedic surgeon. Instead of retiring, Peter founded Dog Is My CoPilot in 2012 to save at-risk animals. As Chief Pilot, he continues to be actively involved in all aspects of our mission, leading and mentoring our team.
Frank Maresca
Pilot Coordinator
Frank brings a wealth of engineering and aviation expertise to DIMC. A retired mechanical engineer and former structural design expert at Boeing, Frank now mentors new pilots, flies rescue missions, and works with our Flight Coordinator, Lynette. When he’s not saving animals, Frank enjoys working on projects around his farm in Idaho, spending time with his wife, kids, and loyal dog, Nina.
Kaitlin “Katie” Johnson
Pilot
Katie began her aviation career as a flight attendant before earning her pilot’s license. With hundreds of hours in the cockpit, including flying passengers across the Bahamas and conducting aerial surveys, Katie now channels her love for flying and passion for animal rescue into every mission she takes on at DIMC.
Shayne Bradburn
Pilot
Shayne has been flying since he was 16 years old and holds multiple pilot certifications, including commercial and multi-engine ratings. A retired Mississippi Army National Guard veteran, Shayne served in Iraq and Afghanistan before dedicating his skills to rescue aviation. Inspired by his childhood Labrador, Cindy, Shayne hopes to give others the chance to experience the life-changing bond of a rescue pet.
Our Volunteer Pilots: The Backbone of Our Operations
In addition to our full-time pilots, we’re fortunate to have an incredible team of six volunteer pilots who dedicate their time and energy to supporting our rescue flights. These volunteers are essential to keeping our three planes flying nationwide every week, and their hard work and commitment make a tremendous difference in saving lives.
500+ Volunteer Hours
Our volunteer pilots each donate 100 hours or more of flying a year, saving over $75,000 every year.
Teamwork Saves Lives: Our Latest Rescue Mission with Best Friends Animal Society
This past week, the power of teamwork was on full display when Best Friends Animal Society reached out for urgent help. A shelter in Texas was overwhelmed, and many dogs were at risk of euthanasia. Thanks to the collaboration between Best Friends, DIMC, and other rescue partners, 37 dogs took flight to a brighter future in Utah. But we’re not stopping there—another round of transports is underway to help even more dogs find their second chance at life.
These rescue flights are at the heart of what we do. Shelters across the country are overcrowded, and without transport, thousands of adoptable animals face the heartbreaking reality of euthanasia. By working together, we’re able to move dogs from high-risk areas to communities where they have the best chance of finding a loving home.
A Village of Support: You Make the Difference
At Dog Is My CoPilot, every passenger that boards our aircraft is given the “golden ticket”—a one-way journey to a second chance at life. But none of this would be possible without our partners, volunteers, and supporters. It truly takes a village, and we’re so grateful for everyone who makes these life-saving missions possible.
How Can You Help?
Want to make a difference? You can help by adopting, fostering, donating, or simply spreading the word about the importance of rescue transport. Together, we can continue saving lives—one flight at a time.
