Imagine traveling across the country with your dog, getting separated, and quickly realizing that separation could be permanent.
This is what is currently happening with Bailey, a nine year old shepherd mix who has a close-knit bond with her owner. When they were separated, Bailey was lodged at Branch County Animal Control after her owner was taken to jail for a minor offense. Now, Bailey’s time is almost up, and her owner is desperately trying to find a way to send her back home to Washington State, where the duo is originally from. He pleaded that his dog not have to pay for his mistake. Fortunatley, extended family in Washington has agreed to care for Bailey until her owner can join her in their home state.
The Humane Society of Branch County, a no-kill shelter who works closely with Branch County Animal Control, stepped up to help and put out a plea to make this reunion possible. The Lenawee Humane Society heard their plea and reached out to them, having worked with both organizations in the past. Over the past several months, we have worked together towards creating a coalition to help save more animals.
The Michigan Animal Shelter Coalition, which is in its infancy stages, is now working on getting this girl back home to Washington State to her family. This is the first major undertaking for a new coalition of local animal shelters working together to pool resources to save lives.
Pilots and Paws is helping transport Bailey all the way Washington from Michigan.The first plane had some mechanical issues so the pilot family agreed to drive her to the second pilot in Lincoln, MT. The Humane Society of Branch County picked her up from Animal Control, had her vetted, addressed an infection she had and obtained her health certificate (necessary to travel across state lines). They then transported her to Lenawee Humane Society. Our Director worked diligently to ensure all connections could be made to reach the final destination without a hitch. Once all details were completed, Bailey was picked up by her first travel partners to begin her adventure.
Tuesday night, Bailey was transported by Jan from the Humane Society of Branch County to Lenawee Humane Society.
Bailey's cross-country trip officially began the morning of Wednesday, August 25, 2016! Jean, a volunteer with Pilots & Paws, picked up this beautiful girl from Lenawee Humane Society to begin their long road trip to Lincoln, Montana, where they would be met by a pilot who would then fly Bailey over the Rocky Mountains.
Bailey stopping for her first potty break, then wide awake as she traveled through Chicago!
Bailey and her transporters stopped for a few more potty breaks and to refuel. After asking if they reaaalllyyyy had 150 more miles until St. Paul, she decided sleeping would make the time go by faster!
Bailey made it to Lincoln, Montana! From there she flew over the Rocky Mountains with her pilot, Jerry, before meeting her second pilot on the east side of Washington State!
Bailey made it safely to Washington and met up with her second pilot, John, for her third and last leg of her trip to the west side of the state! The two hit it off great and even shared some photos of their amazing view during their flight!
When John and Bailey landed in Tacoma, Washington, they were met by the wonderful staff and volunteers of the Tacoma Humane Society, who would help make sure Bailey reached her final destination – HOME!
Bailey's tail was a blur of excitement and a smile was plastered on her face as soon as she realized where she was. Bailey's excitement, mixed with everyone's relief and joy, was contagious. She had FINALLY made it HOME!
We cannot thank you enough for your support for Bailey! We are still working on covering her travel expenses from her journey, a total of $600. Please consider making a donation today and taking part in this amazing cross-country, life-saving experience.
Thank you for your continued compassion and support.
