Maryland to California
2011 July through September
Lost in Maryland when a disingenuous person took money from the owner to care for these dogs and then dropped them at a shelter as strays, these two dogs pined for their family for weeks until she found them, thanks to the internet and Facebook. Then the challenge was to get them to California. Six people worked to get them to New Orleans, where we kept them for a week and then flew them back (with our two dogs plus two rescue chihuahuas) to California. The ecstatic reunion was a sight to behold! Here's a photo of their first sight of mom, and at a fuel stop in Roswell, New Mexico:
NEW VIDEO! A week after the reunion, watch Gunner and Cain and their new canine friend Ginger playing on a California beach with their human family! Happy Happy!! Makes all the work of rescue worthwhile for happy endings like this one!
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SEE UPDATES 20110930 and 20110923 BELOW - One of the happiest reunions ever! And along the way, another young pair of chihuahuas added at nearly the very last minute -- Abby and Dinozo -- got their ride back to California, too!
UPDATE 20110929 THURSDAY: The reunion was everything and more than we could have wished for! When Cain saw his mom, in the Business Jet Center at Oakland airport, he literally jumped into her arms while Gunner danced around them both. Happy, happy, happy. What more to say? Here are a few still photos, but take a few minutes to watch the videos, and get ready to smile! Some cell-phone photos of the long day's flight home from New Orleans today are included too. And for the whole story, including photos of their sojourn from Maryland and their time in New Orleans, read on!
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Read and watch the rest of their saga below, from the beginning where they lost first their mom and then their home last summer!
UPDATE 20110923 FRIDAY -- Here are some photos taken in New Orleans with Gunner and Cain and their temporary canine and human packs -- dogs Piper (husky), Ford (long-haired german shepherd), and Tilly (terrier mix) and humans Bonny and Brayton. Gunner and Cain are being so good that most of the time they need no leashes at all, which makes things really easy for us! Well, as easy as having five dogs at a time in one car, one house, one office... Thank heaven for dog parks!
More photos from the week in New Orleans are in a gallery below, plus some photos of their journey from Salisbury, Maryland to New Orleans!
Here's their original story:
The move didn't work out the way it was supposed to! Mom went on ahead to California and left these two wonderful senior canine buddies, Gunner and Cain, with someone she paid to care for them until she could get established in California and arrange for their transport and life with her there. But she didn't know the person well, and he took the money and decided to dump the dogs at a shelter. He claimed that they had been dumped on his property and that he knew nothing about their backgrounds or where they belonged. The Humane Society of Wicomico County in Salisbury, Maryland, smelled something fishy. The dogs looked loved and cared for, they wore new harnesses, they were sweet, social, well-behaved dogs. They found an ID chip in Gunner and traced him back to his mom in California, but she could not yet have them in California and could not afford the $3000 cost she had been quoted to transport them to California.
The Humane Society knew that it would be almost impossible to find a willing and acceptable home for two large ten-year-old male dogs together. The boys are devoted to each other, and separating them would just be too cruel. So they pursued every avenue for transport they could find, including those who advertise that they will fly animals in private airplanes. All responded with reasons such as the dogs were too big (both are about 75 lbs), it was too hot, the distance was too far, and so on. But the word went out. A long-time rescuer in the Maryland area named Sue Nevins heard, and she told another rescuer from Virginia named Patti Stinson, and those ladies started the ball rolling -- er, the dogs moving! It was early August when Patti contacted On Wings Of Care, and we told her that we would be back in the New Orleans area working in the Gulf from mid-August until early September and could fly the boys back to their mom in Oakland, CA at that time.
The plans started flying for how to shuttle the dogs to New Orleans so that we could fly them home to California. We had planned to meet some Sea Shepherd friends in New Orleans over Labor Day, who were driving there from Atlanta, GA. Perfect! They could drive the dogs to us! So the ladies of Maryland and Virgina began networking for the dogs' journey down the east coast to Susan in Atlanta. But then Hurrican Irene hit. That ended those plans, so we postponed a week. Then Hurricane Lee came to New Orleans, and we postponed again. We finally set the date for the weekend of September 17, and we had a chain of five different people set up to get the boys from Salisbury, MD to New Orleans, LA. And it worked!
As I write this part of the story, Gunner and Cain are with me at the New Orleans Lakefront airport, in an upstairs office, with me and my two senior rescue dogs Ford and Tilly. They are snoring peacefully on blankets next to each other and just a few feet from Ford and Tilly. They must know that there is only good here for them, and they have learned to trust all the human angels who have been caring for them from day to day for the past few months.
Below are some photos of the boys and their journey thus far, which has brought them to New Orleans. We're planning to leave for California in a day or two, as weather and schedules permit. A day or two of settling in and getting some good rest with a loving family will do them some good. They are very, very sweet dogs!
We'll start with photos of them at the shelter in Maryland, where the staff loved them as if they were their own. Gunner is the brindle one on the left, and Cain, who takes his lead from Gunner on most everything, is the black and white sweetheart on the right.
Here are photos from the road trips of Saturday and Sunday, September 17 and 18. And following the photos are brief stories of the wonderful people who made this happen. Following that will be the story of the rest of their long journey back to mom in California -- which as of this writing has not unfolded yet!
Here are more photos from the week in New Orleans, 18-25 September, 2011:
For those of you who have sometimes wondered how you could do more to help rescue animals, note here that all of us involved here are everyday working folks who fit this stuff in on the side -- and love doing it. Yes, it's inconvenient, and we sometimes get dirty and tired. But the animals are grateful, the people are the kindest, and you know you've saved some lives and hearts, canine and human. There's never a regret for a moment of it.
Kim Engst from the Humane Society of Wicomico County in Salisbury, MD (photo 1a). Characteristically modest, Kim would only tell us about the 'incredible kennel staff' they have there, and from the obvious care and attention and love these dogs received there, she does not exaggerate!
Val Garcia is a major cat rescuer in northern VA who heard about these two dogs and started networking by email, eventually reaching Sue and Patti and, through another great rescue networker from the east coast -- Russell Ashton, reached On Wings Of Care.
Sue Nevins drove the boys from Salisbury to Fredericksburg, VA (photo 1c). She has been doing rescue work for nearly seven years, focusing on getting dogs out of high-kill facilities and transporting them into rescues where they will find forever homes. She has just recently formed her own non-profit for this work, "Roadrunner Rescue."
Patti Stinson drove the boys from Fredericksburg, VA to Concord, NC (sorry, we lost these photos of Patti, but they're in her car in photo 2a!). Patti is a dedicated and experienced rescuer with more than 18 years in the work. Read about her work here, including her insightful "Rules of Responsible Rescue."
Todd Wilson drove the boys from Concord, NC to Greenville, SC (photo 3a). Todd learned about the need for help for these dogs on a message board of a local rescue group (Animal Adoption League). He became involved with animal rescue groups this summer, when he found a beautiful boxer mix stray, worked hard with a local adoption group to find her a wonderful family, and "quickly became hooked on helping dogs and people find each other." Welcome to the work, Todd!
Kathy Kleeman drove them from Greenville, SC to Atlanta, GA (photos 4a--4e). Kathi learned of this journey from being on Patti's mailing list, and when she saw the need for transport between Greenville and Atlanta, she volunteered! She has done volunteer work for animal rescue before, and her sister is a DVM in VA who knows Patti, but this was her initiation into volunteer animal transporting! And she will be doing more!
Susan Hartland welcomed them into her and Erwin Vermeulen's home in Atlanta, GA for the night and drove them, with her and Erwin's foster dog Missy, to New Orleans on Sunday (photos 4c--6e). Susan has been rescuing animals, domestic and wild, on small and large scales, for a very long time. She has lived in Washington and Georgia, and on ships that travel the world and save whales in Antarctica from illegal slaughter (a former Communications Officer for Sea Shepherd with Erwin who was their Chief Engineer). Her own dog, a cattle dog named Tango, is still going strong at 16 years! She and Erwin have hearts that care for Mother Nature's animals deeply and unequivocally.
Bonny Schumaker received them in New Orleans and will fly them back to Oakland, California for On Wings Of Care (photos 6a--6e). She is the President and Founder of On Wings Of Care, so if you're reading this website, you already know what floats her boat! But without the support of her dedicated Directors and Advisors, many of these rescues couldn't be completed or afforded. Special thanks to OWOC Directors Deb Castellana and Dave Couch for this one!
And last but definitely not least, some wonderful kind-hearted people have donated funds to help us all afford to help make this journey happen, and it could not have even begun without their help, as their generous encouragement has given us the courage to plan beyond what we could yet afford: Kathy Kleeman, Sharon Sirkus, and Brayton Matthews -- thank you for being silent heroes too!
Stay tuned for the rest of the story, as the flight back to California occurs this week!
Pellie Lou!
"The Story of Pellie Lou - a Pelican who survived the Gulf of Mexico oil spill"
by Bonny L. Schumaker, Ph.D.
With 46 photos from the Gulf of Mexico.
ALL proceeds go to benefit Gulf wildlife!
Order your autographed hard copies or an electronic copy here!
Follow Our Flights!
You can track our paths for several days after them, when we keep our GPS "SPOT" transmitter on "Track" mode. For the latest flights, see
For our latest journeys see (Track our flights).
Read about our rescues under Rescue Tails!
Here are some samples:
Adios to hunger, Bienvenidos a Love!
20130611- Seven lucky rescued dogs from Mexico are now being fed and pampered in southern California, and are ready for their forever families!
From Streets to Royalty!
20130610 - Feline Patience and Humanity at their best brought these two beautiful kitties from despair to delight, after some superb rescue and logistical efforts by rescue groups from all across the country. (This is a "Before" photo! Check out the "After" photos!) 
A Dog Named Pepper Doesn't Give up Easily on Life!
20130428 - This 15-yr-old deaf, blind, arthritic senior held out in a hot, dry, desert parking lot until love finally found him!
CHAZ - No Ordinary Extraordinary Cur!
20130422 - Left to die but instead, this super-intelligent deep-hearted dog discovered love, family, and even fun -- from the most unlikely mentors!
Turbulent Trails for Tails from TX-20130413
Six rescue dogs from east Texas find forever homes in Nevada and California!
Skip the Wonder Sled Dog - 20120930
Happy Update! 20130312
Last but not left! 20130106
Happy Update - 20130311!
20121223-Thanks to Sheba, the rescued and rescuer
Who was rescued, and who was the rescuer? Anyone who has known this kind of bond has felt something so deep, so real, so ancient, that it cannot be described with words. These bonds ground us and free us from pettiness in our lives. Thank you Sheba. Rest in peace.
A Letter From Your Admirers! 20121231
20121208- 43 Dogs go from dead-end in Porterville to homes and happy hearts!
This was a last-minute challenge that seemed beyond even our own grandest heroic imaginings. But it turned out not to be beyond the devoted hearts and energies of about 30 rescuers, shelter staff, volunteers, and families working together. Forty-three (yes, 43!) dogs in one day, from dead-ends in a Porterville shelter to homes and real lives with real humans who love and want them. Rescuers ROCK! 
20121206-Saga of Squee: From orphan with mange to her own fur-ever family!
Orphaned very young, left alone and hungry til her fur fell out and her skin was covered with mange. Thanks to some big-hearted Texas rescuers, not only did she recover, she found the family who wanted to love her forever. How glad we were to be able to give this little pup with the big paws the ride to the rest of her life! 
20121205-Blackie Goes Home at Last, and Taylor Turns Texan!
Four long months since Blackie's lifelong human companion and partner Tammy suffered a serious injury from a passing truck and disappeared from his life. Suddenly Blackie was in a shelter kennel, and Tammy fought for her life as she dreamed of her beloved dog. Thanks to many people, both of these souls survived to find each other again! This was a rescue and a reunion we'll never forget.
Miss T'Chen was lost in Hurricane Isaac, and saved 800 miles away!
2012 Oct 02
The same rains that made us work "On WHEELS Of Care" this week kept us grounded for this trip, which serendipitously combined the transport of Skip northward and the joyful and miraculous reunion of Miss T'Chen, who had been rescued and taken to Illinois after Hurricane Isaac, with her family in Baton Rouge!
This flight went almost as planned, and our plane was filled to over-flowing on every leg. And we met some wonderful new cat and dog rescues in Idaho and Oregon!
20 Lucky rescued dogs flown to homes in Canada!
2012 Sep 22
It turned out to a journey full of unexpected challenges, but these 20 lucky lovable canines who had been through the worst of times in California were just the best through it all, and now they are warming the hearts and laps and lives of some very lucky Canadian families! 
Spindletop Scandal and the Search for Scarlett
2012 July 17 - present
With pitbull-like tenacity, we wouldn't take "NO" for an answer. Out of 21 dogs we sought, we have closure on all but two. Alas, one of those two is our Scarlett. 
Tale of seven cities, six cats, and five goats!
2012 July 16
Who knows if the pleas for help brought the plane, or vice-versa.
But when serendipity puts this much together, there's no saying no!
Homeless Mom and Pups no More!
2012 July 08
Sometimes rescuers find the IDEAL person to adopt that animal in need ...
themselves! And in the process, a hole gets filled for the entire family.
This lucky mom now lives with Bear, Sheba, and Dave!
From Empty Nest to Love Fest!
2012 May 11
That last urgent plea came for the five orphaned pups ...
but what about the two large senior boys who would probably never get adopted?
Some people are just angels, meant to be who they are and where they are.
Check out these two and their new happy pack!
JEREMIAH has come home to us!
UPDATE 2012 July 7!
2012 January 13
His adopter called to say she had become ill, and could we care for Jeremiah? You bet we could. We rented a plane and flew to Arizona and retrieved him immediately. Jeremiah was indeed a true friend, and we aim to be his true friends, too. He has been eating like crazy and slept his stress away for the first few days, and now he's acting like a young dog again. Read more here! 
CHAMP found at the airport!
2012 January 01
A sad, scared but dignified young Champ quickly won the hearts of everyone who met him at the New Orleans airport, and within two days we had permission from his original breeders to give him to a young couple with a younger female boxer mix, all of whom fell totally in love with him at first sight! Champ and Miss Princess are leading the good life now, and Champ's new dad finally has the fishing buddy he wanted! They tell us we made their dreams come true. We think they made Champ's come true, too.
Abby & Dinozo -- Two of a Kind!
2011 September--2012 January
Orphaned brother and sister, rescued and adored until calamity struck and they lost their family. Orphaned again, these gentle gems and perfect canine citizens found love and adventure with us until we found them their true forever home! Abby & Dinozo came with us to Washington January 7, and they were welcomed warmly and immediately into a home. Read more here! 
Yo! Get a Load of Yolo!
2011 November--2012 January
Left in the cold, high in the mountains of southern California, life was over before it had barely begun for this orphan teenager.
Little did he know, his adventures had only begun! As of January 7, it's back to snow but this time with a family who adores him, and lots of fun and play in the Pacific Northwest!
Saving Scarlett -- Love Forever at Last!
2011 August--December
Found on the streets, teats full but puppies absent, a battle-torn very hungry pitbull.
Hardly that sought-after doggie in the window.
But after we brought Miss Scarlett home to love and food, warmth and stuffed animals,
we discovered a warm heart and sweet spirit that changed us forever.
Gunner and Cain - A Very, Very Long Journey Home and the Happiest Reunion Ever!
2011 July--September 29, A Joyful Reunion At Last!
Here they are during their flight with four other dogs Sep 29 (New Orleans to Oakland, CA, fuel stop in Roswell, NM). .JPG)
And here's a photo from the happiest reunion ever!
More photos and updated videos here!
Ten dogs from death row to Canada!
Sheba-Cosette - this lovely lady waited a lifetime!
(2011 June) 
Jeremiah - a true friend finds a new lease on life!
(2011 May) 
Two Giant Dogs & three cats reunited with their family on Whidbey Island, WA
(2011 April)
Chihuahuas "Betty" & "JellyBean" fly to their rescue in Bremerton, WA!
(2011 April)
New Year's Rescue: 33 dogs & cats are flown to rescue in the Pacific Northwest!
(2011 January)
Hounds fending for themselves for years in Alabama fly to rescue in Arizona!
(2011 Mar)
Romo & Stanley are flown to safe havens in Arizona!
(2011 Mar)
Aerial Monitoring of the Gulf of Mexico - 2013
Site Search
NEWS!
Aerial Monitoring of the Gulf - 2013
June 03 - OIL
May 23-24 - WILDLIFE!
Tue Apr 02 - OIL
Sat Mar 16 - OIL
Fri Mar 08 - OIL
Sun Feb 17 - Coal&Oil
Sun Jan 27 - OIL
Sun Jan 20 - OIL
Fri Jan 04 - OIL
Special Articles
2013 Jun 08 - Bayou Corne #8
2012 May 06 - Bayou Corne #7
2013 Apr 12 - Mayflower, AR Pipeline Spill
2013 Apr 02 - Bayou Corne #6
2013 Mar 23 - IMMS Marine Mammals
2013 Mar 19 - Bayou Corne Sinkhole-#5
2013 Feb 15 - Bayou Corne Sinkhole-#4
2013 Jan 26 - Bayou Corne Sinkhole-#3
2012 Dec 24 - Bayou Corne Sinkhole-#2
2012 Nov 08 - Tar Sands and Texas
2012 Aug 30 - Hurricane Isaac Conquered
2012 Aug 28 - Hurricane Isaac Arrives!
2012 Aug 13 - Sinkhole in Bayou Corne, LA
2012 Jun 13-Dispersant Spraying Exercise off LA
2012 April - Chronicles of the Endeavor
2012 Dec 10 - How Dilute is Dilute Enough?
Aerial Monitoring of the Gulf of Mexico - 2012
Sat Nov 17 - Platform Explosion
Wed Nov 14 - Barrier Islands 1
Sat Nov 10 - OIL
Fri Nov 09 - OIL
Sat Oct 06 - Whale Sharks
Fri Oct 05 - OIL
Fri Sep 14 - OIL
Sun Sep 09 - Hurricane Isaac
Sun Aug 12 - Whale Sharks
Wed Jul 11 - Whales & More
Fri Jun 29 - Whale Sharks & More
Dominica - The Nature Island!
Aerial Monitoring of the Gulf of Mexico - 2011
OIL:
Fri Dec 30
Tue Dec 20
Fri Dec 09
Sat Nov 12
Sun Sep 25
Wed Sep 21
Thu Sep 15
Tue Sep 13 - USCG
Sun Sep 11
Sat Sep 10
Wed Sep 07
Tue Aug 30
Thu-Fri Aug 25-26
Fri Aug 19
Fri Jul 01
Thu Jun 16
Sat May 14
Fri May 06
Thu Apr 21
Sat Mar 26
Wed Mar 23
Tue Mar 22
Mon Mar 21
Sun Mar 20
Sat Mar 19
Fri Mar 18
Sperm Whales & Whale Sharks:
2011 Sep 25, Sun
2011 Sep 15, Thu
2011 Sep 11, Sun
2011 June
Humpback Whales!
Our Gift for YOU for 2011!
Click Here to Smile
from your heart, out! 
Aerial Monitoring of the Gulf, 2010
Galapagos Veterinary Support
Galapagos vets do much with little,
thanks to true friends who shipped a TON of supplies and meds from the U.S. in June, 2011.
Alabama
2011 April --
“Man can no longer live for himself alone. We must realize that all life is valuable and that we are united to all life. From this knowledge comes our spiritual relationship with the universe.”
-Albert Schweitzer
