This Houston stray took his freedom flight through El Paso and we were lucky to learn his story and the amazing people who help these dogs in need. Dog rescuers know it takes a village to save the innocent lives of abused, neglected, and abandoned dogs in need. Thankfully, there are plenty of people out there who are willing to work together to get these dogs into rescues around the country that are willing to take them in and help them find their forever homes. Transporting dogs across the country in cars or vans can be stressful for the animals and drivers alike, so for long distances flying the animals is usually the ideal option.

Thankfully, there are organizations like Pilots N Paws, a 501(c)3 non-profit that works to take dogs from high-kill, overcrowded shelters and fly them to areas where rescues are ready with applicants looking for new four-legged family members.

This week, I was lucky enough to help one of these transport operations to move a dog in need from Houston all the way to Washington state. On Monday, I got a call from the El Paso Pug Rescue that Pilots N Paws were transporting a dog from Houston and the plane that was supposed to get him in El Paso was having issues and wouldn't be able to get him until the following morning. They sent out an SOS to local rescues to see if anyone had a foster available for the night. Normally I foster pugs but the group seemed like they needed someone badly and I was willing to help. I dropped off my puppy at her mom's house (she loves visiting her brother and sister that live there) and headed to the airport to pick up the dog.

Before I got to the airport, I realized I didn't have a crate big enough for the dog to stay in. I reached out to my friends at Double Dog Dare Bakery to see if they had any kennels I could borrow for the night. Thankfully, they were more than happy to help and set me up with a kennel he could sleep in for the night. From there, I headed to the airport to meet my new foster, Astro.

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According to his former fosters, Astro was found on November 2nd stuck in the traffic gate of their condo complex. The couple helped the dog get out before he was crushed by the gate and began fostering him. They attempted to try and find his owners but came to the conclusion he was most likely dumped. They then began contacting local shelters and rescues but were turned away due to capacity and his breed until they reached out to St. Martins Animal Rescue in Oregon. The rescue agreed to take in Astro and would help find him a forever home.

Check out some of the photos of Astro's journey from Houston to Washington and learn more about this big, sweet baby. You can also donate to Pilots N Paws through their website to help them get more dogs out of bad situations and into rescues waiting to help.

Rescue Dogs Transported Through El Paso To Their Forever Homes

This Houston stray took his freedom flight through El Paso and we were lucky to learn his story and the amazing people who help these dogs in need.

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