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Despite the huge demand for dogs as family pets, certain breeds can’t seem to catch a break. Though the no-kill movement is catching on, many shelters across the U.S. still euthanize “unwanted” animals to make room for incoming adoptees.

Up-and-coming nonprofit group Dog Is My Copilot (DIMC) is giving these dogs another chance. Since regions differ in the types of dogs they prefer, DIMC coordinates with other rescues to transfer breeds to places that adopt them more quickly. The organization was made possible through the efforts of pilot and retired surgeon Dr. Peter Rork, who first used his plane to rescue animals in 2008.


As a lifelong Yankee, I was surprised to learn that some southern states have a surplus of chihuahuas, so much so that Arizona shelters put down 2,476 in 2012. A real tragedy, considering the tiny breed is a perfect fit for apartment and city life, and fares well up north.

Such is the genius of DIMC. Last month, Rork and his Labrador co-pilot flew 30 small dogs from Arizona to an Idaho shelter where they have a strong chance of being welcomed into a good home.

DIMC flies to 10 different states in the Pacific West and Rocky Mountain regions, carrying as many dogs as possible on each trip. Rork has rescued over 1,000 dogs since DIMC’s founding in 2012.

You can read more about DIMC and its rescue efforts or leave a donation on their website.


Image source: Dog is My CoPilot

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