Coronavirus has affected every area of our lives, and lockdown rules mean that lots of things can’t go on like normal – even when there are important jobs to be done. Some of the lockdown effects are obvious, from people bringing their offices home to supermarkets and schools enforcing social distancing rules to a delayed postal service.
But one little-known but still incredibly important job has been affected, and it was down to some selfless volunteer pilots to step in and save the day.
Service dogs carry a whole range of vital responsibilities and care for the physically disabled as well as the blind, deaf, and those with debilitating mental illnesses, such as severe anxiety.
These dogs usually fly to their intended country through a normal domestic flight, but as many of these flights have been cut because of the lockdown rules, suddenly these important pups had no way of reaching their support partner.
It was looking like many people in need of support were going to be stuck without any help, but then some heroic volunteer pilots stepped in with a truly selfless offer. Martyn Lewis, Josh Hochberg, and Jeff Stewart are three private pilots who offered to bring 108 puppies to their trainers’ homes in southern California, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Montana, and Texas.
They didn’t expect any payment, and they worked tirelessly around the clock to ensure that the dogs were able to get to the places that they needed to be.
Speaking to Insider, Michelle Williams, public relations and marketing coordinator at Canine Companions for Independence, said:
“Not only are they giving their plane, but their time, their fuel. They’re going out for full days … it’s just incredible.”
Not only are they incredibly selfless, but these men are humble too. Martyn Lewis told Press Democrat:
“As a pilot, it makes you feel good to be on a mission, rather than just flying around.”
Thanks to these three pilots, over one hundred dogs have been united with their support partners, and Canine Companions couldn’t be any more grateful. CEO Paige Mazzoni said in a statement:
“We are so grateful to Martyn and to all the pilots, staff and volunteers who are helping our puppies to get to their volunteer puppy raisers during this unprecedented time. At times like these, it is wonderful to see the goodness and kindness in people who want to help however they can.”
What a lovely act of kindness.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
