Doctors said that she only had a couple of weeks to live, so this pilot flew her to her adoptive family 400 miles away so that her final days would be filled with love.
Ashlyn was an elderly dog in a North Carolina shelter, and she wasn’t doing well. She’d lost a lot of weight and had sarcomas, which were malignant tumors beneath her skin. But it wasn’t too late for her to strike gold.
When the New England Humane Society (NEHS) identified a suitable home for Ashlyn to spend the last few weeks of her life, all she needed was a means to get there. So the founder of Flying Fur Animal Rescue (FFAR), Paul Steklenski, decided to fly her up on his plane.
Steklenski became sad as he piloted the plane with Ashlyn in the seat next him, thinking about how this may be her final flight anywhere.
Even though Steklenski is used to transporting needy puppies to rescues so they may find loving homes — he normally transports between 15 to 30 dogs each month — the elderly dogs particularly tug at his heartstrings. “Those are the ones where you really focus on what they’re going through,” Steklenski explained to The Dodo.
Ashlyn was nervous at the bit of the two-hour travel. “She seemed a touch distant at first,” Steklenski remarked. “Then she’d kind of open up a bit and get closer.”
He surely made her feel better by feeding her dog treats. “She then gave me one paw, then the other,” he explained.
“She then rested her head on my lap,” Steklenski explained. “That means a lot to me. That is all that is important. That is the prize in and of itself.”
Steklenski decided to take up flying as a hobby in 2013, at the same time he adopted a dog. These items were unconnected at the time, but they were irrevocably intertwined soon after.
“We went to pet stores, then to shelters, and began to discover the difference,” Steklenski told The Dodo last year. When he discovered how many needy animals are in shelters, he decided to put his new hobby to good use.
Ashlyn would not be where she is now if it weren’t for him. While everyone assumed they were transporting her to the hospital, her recovery has led rescuers to believe she may have more time than they imagined.
“Her condition crushed me when I brought her up from the airport,” Tracy Lander, who has three dogs of her own and has been fostering dogs for the NEHS for two years, told The Dodo. “She had lost 39 pounds and her optimum weight is between 65 and 70 pounds. She came to me wearing a sweater, and when I removed it, I could see every rib.”
Lander began feeding Ashlyn three times a day to help her gain weight. She also gave her vitamins to assist her deal with her numerous health issues, which ranged from skin problems (induced by chemical burns) to cancers.
Ashlyn gradually began to change. “She’s getting out more,” Lander observed. “She’s a fantastic eater… and she adores me.”
Ashlyn has even begun to cuddling with Angel, another of Lander’s dogs. Xander, Lander’s boxer mix, has also expressed an interest in connecting with Ashlyn. “He’ll simply walk up to Ashlyn and start licking her,” Lander said. “He believes that he can heal everyone with his mouth.”
Ashlyn moved in with the Landers in January, and no one knew how long she’d be there. Now that it’s April, they don’t think of her as the fospice dog, but rather as someone who reminds them to live in the now and cherish every day — which is always a wonderful lesson.
“She understands she is adored,” Lander added. “No matter what happens, she knows she is loved.”
No one expected Ashlyn to make such significant leaps the day she boarded Steklenski’s plane. She went from being a tired shelter dog to becoming a member of a loving family, which is precisely why Steklenski does what he does.
“I never envisioned discovering something so wonderful, so rewarding that it would eclipse practically everything else in my life,” Steklenski remarked.
A Pawsitively Amazing 17th Birthday: Celebrating Our Dog Companion
On daily basis is particular when you might have a furry good friend to share your life with, however at the moment, it’s additional particular. It’s the one that you love dog’s seventeenth birthday! Seventeen in human years interprets to fairly the milestone for our canine companions, and it’s a motive to have a good time their loyalty, love, and the enjoyment they’ve introduced into our lives.
Because the solar rises on this outstanding day, you possibly can see the thrill in your dog’s eyes. They may not perceive the idea of birthdays, however they actually know one thing’s totally different. It’s a day stuffed with additional cuddles, tasty treats, and infinite playtime.
Your canine companion, who’s been with you thru thick and skinny, deserves the world on this big day. Let’s take a stroll down reminiscence lane and replicate on the unbelievable journey you’ve had collectively.
Seventeen years in the past, a bundle of fur entered your life. Your pet was a ball of power, a curious explorer, and a loyal good friend. You’ve shared numerous adventures since then. From muddy paw prints in your clear flooring to the infinite pleasure they introduced into your life, each second has been valuable.
The bond between you and your dog is unbreakable. Your canine good friend has been there to have a good time your triumphs and luxury you throughout your lows. Whether or not it’s a cheerful day on the park or a quiet night time on the sofa, your dog’s presence is a continuing supply of happiness.
Birthdays are all about celebrating, and your dog’s day is not any exception. Spoil them with their favourite treats, a brand new toy, and maybe a particular doggy cake. Don’t overlook the birthday hat and celebration decorations to make the day much more festive. Take them to their favourite park or give them additional stomach rubs – it’s all about displaying your appreciation.
The love you share along with your dog is a testomony to the extraordinary bond between people and animals. They educate us about loyalty, resilience, and unconditional love. They present us the enjoyment within the easy issues, like a recreation of fetch, a wagging tail, or a comfortable nap collectively. Your dog’s presence has crammed your life with heat and companionship.
As your dog turns 17, it’s important to do not forget that, like people, they may want a bit extra care and a focus. Common vet check-ups, a balanced weight loss program, and a comfortable place to relaxation are extra vital than ever. Nevertheless it’s all price it to make sure that your devoted good friend is comfortable and wholesome.
Seventeen years have handed, and your dog has aged gracefully, bringing knowledge and allure to your lives. Their graying fur and slower tempo are indicators of a life well-lived. On this big day, cherish each second along with your beloved canine companion, for they’re household.
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