US Airways - July 2013 - (Page 56)

v Top Dogs opportunity to ask expert volunteers — those who have completed more than 20 transports and are a part of the Trainer’s Circle — any questions about taking the trips. Sharon Johnston, a Circle member who has made 29 transports, shares some tips she’s learned. “I always bring some extra toys that the puppies can take with them to their training,” she says. “And I always, always, always have a backup plan when I’m ﬂying — whether it’s another route to get to the destination or just a way to get home.” John Boyle, who has helped with more than 40 deliveries, explains to the new volunteers that they should be prepared for anything. “I had to transport a puppy from Phoenix to Ottawa,” he says. “It ended up being a twenty-hour day.” But he keeps a positive attitude about it. “We’re transporting precious cargo. These breeders have entrusted us with a gift.” Puppies’ First Flight 56 JULY 2013 usairwaysmag.com DOGGIE DIGITS PHOTOS (FROM TOP) BY BRYAN KINKADE AND BRIAN GOMSAK Having completed training, volunteers can enter a lottery system to conduct a transport. Don Hoshauer and Kelli Heilman were among the lucky few to recently accompany eight-week-old yellow Labs from Phoenix to Washington, DC. “This is my second transport,” Kelli says. “I haven’t had much luck getting picked so I was super excited when I found out I got this one.” Don, however, is a member of the Trainer’s Circle and has made more than 20 transports. “I don’t know exactly how many I’ve done,” he says. “But I’ve been to the Czech Republic for one transport, Canada three times, and I’ve done a bunch of domestic transports.” Left: Kelli They meet their two pupHeilman and pies, Cody and Carly, from Don Hoshauer Power Paws Assistance Dogs, shepherd Cody and at nine o’clock on a Friday Carly through evening. They’ll be taking the Phoenix Sky red-eye ﬂight from Phoenix. Harbor International “We arrive in Charlotte a little Airport. after six in the morning, catch Below: Mette, a connection to DC, and get an assistance dog in around nine. We’ll drop the dogs off with their trainer, then catch a ﬂight back to Charlotte at two and then a ﬂight back to Phoenix, arriving around ﬁve in the evening tomorrow,” Don says with a smile. The puppies arrive with typical puppy energy. Don and Kelli juggle the dogs and their care kits, which include a few toys, food, a shot record, paperwork, and some accident supplies. Both volunteers travel light — each with just a knapsack. After acclimating to the airport setting, the puppies quickly tire out. They plop on the ﬂoor outside the security gate as a few youngsters run over to pet them. “Helping those in need of service animals warms my heart,” Kelli says. “And being asked questions by passengers and being able to increase awareness about assistance dogs, and what 1999: Puppies in Flight they do, is very rewarding.” begins The puppies are clearly tuck300: number of employee ered out, so Don and Kelli carry volunteers enrolled in them the remainder of the time the program — through security, on the ﬂight, 184: transports completed on to the next ﬂight, and ﬁnally in 2012 to their new trainers. 2,167: total employee So after traveling across the volunteer hours in 2012 country and back, is it worth it? 8 weeks: minimum age Yes. Don explains, “In 2007, I for puppies to travel had a serious bout with cancer, $5,000: amount in gift and after I made a full recovery, cards given to Assistance I knew I wanted to get back to Dogs International volunteering as a way for me to agencies by Puppies say thanks. Puppies in Flight gives in Flight volunteers me the opportunity to do that.” http://www.usairwaysmag.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of US Airways - July 2013

US Airways - July 2013
Table of Contents
CEO Letter
From the Editor
Did You Know?
Making It Happen
Hot Spots: Family-Friendly Vacations
Wine & Dine: The Other Portland
Great Tastes: Benjamin Steakhouse
Wine & Dine: A Crafty Measure
Diversions: Fresh as You Please
Great Tastes: Savor
Great Escapes: Now Resorts & Spas
Adventure: Climbing Mt. Rainier
Travel Feature: Grand Cayman, the Epicure's Island
US Airways: Top Dogs
Special Section: Northwest Arkansas
Golf: Primland, a Course Apart
Special Section: North Carolina High Country
Puzzles
Readers Resource Index
Your US Airways Guide
Video Entertainment
Audio Entertainment
U.S. and Caribbean Service Map
International Service Map
Airport Terminal Maps
US Airways Fleet/Customs & Immigration
Passenger Info/Contact US Airways
US Airways MarketPlace®
Window or Aisle?

US Airways - July 2013