Second chances. Its what we built No Dog Left Behind upon. Making a difference in the life of an animal that otherwise would have been forgotten. The story of Birch hits home for our team. His journey, and the journey of thousands of others we’ve helped, reminds us that beneath each sad story lies hope. Hope for a new beginning and a second chance. What lives will these animals impact? How will their story change our own?

No Dog Left Behind Pilot Jonathan Plesset, along with No Dog Left Behind Landpilot Don Siegel, who would be taking his first flight in the No Dog Left Behind Plane, headed out to give Birch a new beginning. Birch was left for dead in front of a church. He weighed 36 pounds and was suffering from a slew of health problems. He couldn’t walk and had to be carried away. After spending time in a shelter recuperating with a loving staff he was ready to take the next step in his road to redemption.

Birch, along with 23 other dogs, each needing the same fresh start, boarded the No Dog Left Behind airplane. Their journey started in Kentucky, with the amazing people at Wags To Riches – Helping Animals In Need, Morgan County Animal Shelter -West Liberty,Kentucky, and Wolfe County Animal Shelter. Their trip to Pittsburgh would link them up with Foster Families via Cross Your Paws Rescue.

Birch went to a home in Irwin, PA. His new family was incredible. Kim and Dan, along with two daughter, two dogs, four cats, and a turtle all welcomed Birch into their home. Birch spent his first night sleeping on the sofa. After seeing him on the trip and then seeing him in his home the transformation was remarkable.

Be sure to watch till the end of this video so you can see the remarkable journey completed for one special dog that just needed a chance.

This mission was sponsored in the memory of Gene Weitzen whose passion for animals and aviation is celebrated by his loving family.