Homeless Dog Saved From Death Row Is Too Excited to Leave Pilot’s Side As He Flies To New Home

Jan 28, 2019

Some dog and cat shelters simply cannot treat, house or care for all of the animals that come in.

These high-kill shelters seem to only make an effort for the best-looking dogs that could be adopted without much effort.

A stray Great Pyrenees dog found in North Carolina was taken to a high-kill shelter. Fortunately, his ending was much happier than expected.

The Great Pyrenees, named Woody, was 5 years old at the time of its rescue. The dog had mange and was infested with fleas. The poor being also had heartworm and a host of other problems requiring extensive and costly veterinary care.

As a stray, the dog had been fending for itself. Local dog catchers captured Woody and drove to the nearest shelter. The shelter couldn't treat Woody's problems and planned to euthanize the dog. At just the right time, the LaMancha Animal Rescue group stepped in and took Woody.

LaMancha Animal Rescue accepts all types of animals. The problem was that Woody was in North Carolina, and LaMancha is in Pennsylvania. Paul Steklensi, a former Army pilot who volunteers for LaMancha, stepped up to fly Woody to the rescue group's facility.

Paul took Woody and four other dogs from the shelter. Those dogs were also about to be euthanized.

Woody weighs 84 pounds and had never been on a plane before. He seemed to enjoy the experience. Woody spent the time looking out the window. At the rescue center, Woody was treated for fleas and mange.

The veterinarians treated Woody's other problems, too. After washing and brushing, Woody's coat gleamed. Woody can now run and play with other dogs. The organization recorded a video of the flight, Woody's care, and his new temporary home.

Woody is available for adoption and looks forward to living in a loving home with a family who can shower him with plenty of attention and take him on walks every day.

What do you think about this story? Have you ever gone beyond expectations in order to help an animal? Do you have any pets that you have rescued? Let us know in the comments and pass this along to your friends and family to see what they think!