IF THEY COULD FLY

Harley & Leo have never been in a plane, which has made me wonder, if they could fly… would they?

This has been a debate with longtime anipal Col (RET) Richard Smith, who for decades, flew  B1/B52 bomber jets for the Air Force, and has been a CIRRUS owner for more than 10 years…

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Their buddy finally got them out to the airfield

We’ve established they both love riding in the car. Actually, Harley’s crazy about movement of any kind, and Leo’s crazy about anything that Harley’s crazy about. Hummmmm?

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They’re looking like they were naturals at this huh?

If you read GIRLS WEEKEND, NO DOODLES ALLOWED you had an opportunity to read our “Just Doodling” column from the fall edition of The Virginia Maryland Dog Magazine. The “featured” article – PILOTS N PAWS, truly touched my heart and it lingered there for weeks…

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When Pam Wahl (Magazine editor) invited The Boys to join her and some of the Pilots N Paws volunteers to greet the pups, I was like “absodoodle!”

Intrigued by the article, our furrend Richard was elated when he learned I wanted to take The Boys to the airfield. One thing led to another, his aviator mind cranked up and “Operation – Doodle Flight” went into the “full throttle” position.

HERE WAS THE PLAN:

He and DH would remove the back seats to accommodate the travel crates. The flight would take approx. 20-30 minutes, while his wife and I departed at the “crack of dawn” for a two hour drive – yuck!

First however, we had to see how Leo would react to the plane. So off to the airfield we went.

Good sign – he seemed relaxed sitting “by” the plane…

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If you’re wondering – “Wilson” was nearby

Even with the other planes moving about, he was comfortable enough to lay down – great sign…

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Can’t let go of the lease, they might chase a plane

It was now time to get in!

Anything with wheels on it, must call Harley’s name. He jumped in the plane like it was a Mini Cooper…

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Harley will ride anything with anybody!

Leo did just fine too, he was a little more reserved, yet he showed no real fear. He just needed a little “hoisting” onto the wing…

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Leo deserves those little wings the pilots give children – “where’s his wings Richard?”

They seemed to have no problem whatsoever sitting in the cockpit…

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When it’s time to take off, I wish you luck getting Harley in the back!

Now that we’ve gotten you all excited, here comes the big let down…

“Operation – Doodle Flight” could not take off as scheduled – the plane required a part that didn’t arrive on time…

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But here’s some good news, we still made it to West Point, VA!

We still got to witness an incredible display of selfless service helping mans’ best furrend.

We just traveled the long way – via Mini Van – HA!

So read the article on PILOTS N PAWS RESCUE, an inspiring story about a “match made in heaven.”

This picture seemed to get the most stares from the few folks that walked by. I must admit, I would have stared myself…

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Whats up? Never seen a doodle in a plane before?

As always, thanks so much for reading, and share this story with people who have a passion about pups and planes…

4 Comments
  • Caren Gittleman
    October 9, 2013

    Dakota would NEVER fly, he doesn’t even like the car. I adore Pilots N Paws, they do marvelous work!

    • Cathy Bennett
      October 9, 2013

      So sorry to hear Dakota doesn’t like to travel. Yes, the folks associated with Pilots N Paws are pawsome people. They are true angels.
      Thanks for reading!

  • Tiffany
    October 11, 2013

    That is awesome!! Love the paw-liots picture too.

    • Cathy Bennett
      October 12, 2013

      THANKS Tiffany! –

      I love the one with Leo in the cockpit – we had a blast