Ashlyn, a senior pup with a North Carolina shelter, was having a difficult time. She was half her healthy weight, had cancerous tumors beneath her skin, and had multiple other health conditions, including some believed to be a result of chemical burns.
Ashlyn wasn’t expected to live long. The New England Humane Society managed to find someone who would be happy to take Ashlyn in and foster her for the last few weeks of her life, but that perfect home was 400 miles away! That’s when the founder of Flying Fur Animal Rescue, Paul Steklenski, stepped in to help.
Flying Fur Animal Rescue
Steklenski took up flying in 2013, the same year he adopted a pup of his own, and it wasn’t long before learning more about shelter dogs led him to form the organization. He usually helps to fly 15 to 30 pups to new homes every month, but despite being used to this job, he couldn’t help feeling emotional when he thought about how this may be Ashlyn’s last ride, ever.
Flying Fur Animal Rescue
Ashlyn was nervous and hesitant at first, but with the help of some kindness and dog biscuits, she slowly opened up to Steklenski. Soon, she had her head in his lap, which, to Steklenski, was all that mattered. As the plane touched down, she was a much warmer and happier pup, and that transformation increased when she met her new foster mom, Tracy Lander.
Flying Fur Animal Rescue
Lander was shocked at Ashlyn’s condition, and she knew she had to work hard to get her back into a healthier condition. She fed the pup three times a day in healthy amounts to help her gain the weight she was missing, and she made sure never to forget to give her any of the medical supplements she needed.
Tracy Lander
It wasn’t long before Ashlyn became more confident and slowly befriended the other pups in Lander’s home. She began to spend time snuggling with a new best friend and has become very attached to Lander. Three months later now, it seems like there may be more time left in her yet! And no matter how long her life will be, she knows she is loved and has a home now.
Tracy Lander
Feature Image Source: Flying Fur Animal Rescue