Here's the little guy we flew in yesterday evening from Louisiana. Because of his size and his crippled leg, the rescue group in Shreveport who pulled him from the local shelter had named him Tiny Tim, or Timmy. His flight arrived right on schedule, just about 7 p.m. We had flown him on Delta from Shreveport to Atlanta to Minneapolis and on to Missoula.
He weighs all of 30 pounds, if that, and seems to be a Shepherd mix of some sort but mostly "mix" ... and I'm not sure where all those spots came from, either! He's a sweet boy with plenty of energy. We think he's probably only about a year old, maybe a bit more.
It's hard to tell what's wrong with his leg. It reminds us of Jasper, who had a contracted biceps tendon. But it seems different, too -- less flexible, and it appears to get in his way. Jasper at least could pull his leg up and out of the way to go sprinting off; Timmy can't seem to do that, and so it kind of hangs down and bangs on the ground as he walks or tries to run. Thus I don't know if it's a birth defect or a condition caused by an injury of some sort. Here's a close-up:
So we'll have a full work-up done at our vet clinic and make decisions on treatment then.
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It seems like every time we mention we flew an animal in on a commercial airline, someone always asks whether we know about the Pilots 'N Paws group. Yes, we do. But their focus is generally on shorter-haul transports. From their Web site: "A good rule of thumb is approximately a 3 hour flight. This equates to approximately 400 miles. Anything beyond that would have to be coordinated with a second pilot and plane. This is not impossible but can be difficult due to varying weather conditions in different areas."
We've found it's a lot easier, faster and more convenient to fly animals in commercially, given our location and the distances we're usually working with. And it's cost-effective, too: Timmy's airfare was only $320, and the whole trip was done in one quick day.
The airlines still seem to get a bad rap about flying pets, but we've been doing this for 10 years and have never had a bad experience. In fact, we have been very impressed with the attention these animals get along the way. For example, a Delta employee in Minneapolis had cleaned out Timmy's crate, carefully wrapped the soiled bedding in a plastic bag and taped it to the top of the crate, and gave him clean, fresh bedding for the final leg of his trip. A few years ago we had flown another dog, Cody, through Minneapolis as well. An airline employee who takes care of the animals in the pet cargo area had noticed some drops of blood in his crate; she pulled Cody out, examined him, couldn't find any wound, but called us to see if we wanted her to take him to a vet before sending him on. How's that for personalized attention?
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Please vote for the ranch in the Shelter Challenge -- and you can vote every day! Enter "Rolling Dog Ranch" and our state postal code, MT, for Montana, and it will bring up our listing.
Vote in the Shelter Challenge here.Last year we won $3,000 in the first round and then won the $20,000 Grand Prize in the second round, so your votes really do add up and make for a wonderful gift for the animals here.
Thank you!
And here's to all those kind, caring workers at the airlines who take care of animals flying through. It just makes me smile when I hear about people make that extra effort for an animal in transit. {}
Posted by: Janet in Cambridge | June 20, 2010 at 08:18 AM
I am already in love with this boy Timmy. Welcome to your new life...sending him hugs and kisses via e-mail..
Posted by: DT | February 22, 2010 at 11:28 AM
Welcome Home Timmy!
We know you'll have the best of everthing at the ranch ~ you're going to have a lot of fun too!!
Glad to hear all your airline experiences have been great, that's comforting for all of us to know.
Posted by: boundforglory | February 17, 2010 at 09:23 AM
As for transporting animals, we ship birds on continental quite a bit - they have been great. Like you, have also had good luck with Delta. We try to avoid USAir.
Posted by: teri | February 12, 2010 at 07:59 PM
Welcome, Timmy! You're gonna love your new home!!! I think you have the cutest markings. Hope all goes well with figuring out the leg problem.
Wonderful to hear the airlines do such a good job making sure the furry passengers are safe too!
Thank you for rescuing Timmy!!!!
Posted by: Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin | February 12, 2010 at 03:27 AM
Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!
You two are certainly Angels on earth.
Posted by: Maree in NZ | February 12, 2010 at 12:35 AM
What a sweetheart- he found the best home ever!!!!
Barbara & Frankie
www.joyfulpaws.com
Posted by: Barbara Techel | February 11, 2010 at 08:48 PM
Welcome Timmy--you're a cutie pie and I love your markings. Good information to know about the airlines because you do only hear the horror stories.
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | February 11, 2010 at 07:37 PM
Oops, the page I should have linked is catahoularescue.com/catahoulas.htm
They're our state dog!
Posted by: Lynn (in Louisiana) | February 11, 2010 at 02:37 PM
Timmy looks so cute. I hope the solution to his leg problem ends up being a simple one. Thanks for saying something about your airline experiences. I've been wanting to fly and see family for an extended visit but don't want to leave my dog behind. Maybe I don't need to be as afraid of the planes as I have been.
Posted by: Maery Rose | February 11, 2010 at 01:39 PM
Steve, "U" and Alayne are such neat folk! and Timmy you are now safe for life!Kudos to the airline people who love and take care of these precious brings as they travel.
Blessings for all!!
J & M from Knoxville
Posted by: John & Margaret | February 11, 2010 at 01:30 PM
Hello Timmy! You're still in the trying to figure out what- awfulness-life-will-hand-me-next mode but soon you're going to realize you've hit the doggy lottery. If there's such a thing as paradise this side of heaven, you just landed in it. Soak up the love from near and far; we're sending it in from the field. XOXO
Posted by: Miranda | February 11, 2010 at 12:04 PM
Sweet picture! - cute lookin' little dog - good lookin' big guy - another happy solution - can't wait to hear more about little Timmy :)
Posted by: Angela | February 11, 2010 at 11:59 AM
He's adorable.
Posted by: Mary | February 11, 2010 at 11:12 AM
I think I see some Catahoula in Timmy. I have a Catahoula mix. Real thin coat and very high energy. Are he's feet webbed? They're a really unique breed; check out www.catahoulas.org
It seems as though Timmy is one of the youngest newcomers to arrive in awhile. What fun to have a puppy to get to know!! I can't wait to hear how he adjusts, who he makes friends with, what the Vets say after their evals, etc. etc.
I wonder if Dusty and he could be friends.
Oh, and I talked to the hubby last night and he agreed that it would be an honor to participate in a leg of a car transport. I'm an hour northwest of New Orleans.
Posted by: Lynn (in Louisiana) | February 11, 2010 at 11:03 AM
Timmy - you are darling! And good things are in store for you, just like they were for "Tiny Tim!" And hurray for the airline employees who have shown kindness and care for these pups! Hurray!
Posted by: Lisa Koch | February 11, 2010 at 10:50 AM
Welcome Timmy!! You have truly come home to the a wonderful life. Thank you Steve & Alayne for opening your hearts yet again. 4 more lucky, lucky souls.
Posted by: Doe George | February 11, 2010 at 10:36 AM
Timmy looks like a real sweetheart. It's so great to hear your stories about the nice people at the airlines that go the extra mile to make these dogs comfortable. We usually only hear the horror stories. God bless them!
Posted by: Kristi Gross | February 11, 2010 at 10:31 AM
Welcome Timmy and thank you so much for giving him a loving home!
Sandra, all the way from Slovenia
Posted by: Sandra | February 11, 2010 at 10:31 AM
Timmy looks like he may have Australian shepherd in his DNA which means he'll try to "herd" everyone including people...That is once he settles in. He sure is a cutie! Welcome, Timbo! You have just landed in a pot of jam or Alpo, whatever your preference!
Posted by: Kathleen Rivard | February 11, 2010 at 10:28 AM
Timmy
Welcome HOME
Posted by: Eric | February 11, 2010 at 10:26 AM
Timmy! You are precious, adorable, and one very lucky boy. Don't be dismayed by the snow and cold temperatures. You'll be loving it and rolling in it in no time!
What a handsome guy you are! Yes, Steve... you too. :o)
Thanks again to Steve and Alayne for bringing this boy to the Ranch. If anyone will do the right thing for him, it will be you. And I'll just bet he gets adopted before too long!
Kudos to the airline employees who take such good care of the pets.
Posted by: Linda | February 11, 2010 at 10:24 AM
Howllo Timmy! (awww those ears)
You are in good hands :)
Looking forward to hearing about his progress and meeting the other Saints.
Wonderful to see a few examples of "Minnesota nice" connected with RDR transport.
You all stay warm and we will keep busy voting!
Posted by: Sasha in MN | February 11, 2010 at 09:56 AM
Welcome Timmy! You sure are cute. You look like you might have a little bit of Cattle Dog in you. Welcome to your new home, you definitely are with amazing people who will take really good care of you!
Posted by: Toni | February 11, 2010 at 09:20 AM
Well Timmy you'll have a great life now!
Posted by: gayle | February 11, 2010 at 08:43 AM
Timmy may have some Australian cattle dog in him. My sister has an Aussie girl. They are, as the vet says, "too damn smart for their own good." These dogs are very high energy and are like border collies in that they need a job and lots of stimulation. My sister's dog is also a rescue and was born with only three feet; her one rear leg has a pad but no foot. She is still active and happy. Timmy is one lucky boy. Thank you for bringing him home.
Posted by: Carole Vail | February 11, 2010 at 07:57 AM
Welcome Tim to the fantastic RDR! You have landed in heaven on earth! (better than winning the lottery!)
Steve, I really want to thank you for the kind words about the good experience you've had with transporting animals with commercial airlines. Having been an employee of one for over 20yrs. we often hear the horrible, but seldom the possitive. It means a lot hearing the upside from you, who care so much. Thank you very much for your kind words for the industry & it's handling of animals.
Personally, I don't understand why they still allow a major dog show to happen in Houston, TX during a very hot time of the year, every year. It has boggled my mind why the people in that business don't wake up & realize what they are subjecting their "prized possessions" to. I think just being a regular dog is much better than being a "show dog" anyday.
Warm hugs to all & a welcome hug to Tim,
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit
Posted by: ginger, Tobias & Tlingit | February 11, 2010 at 07:13 AM
Another chapter of "It's a wonderful life" is about to begin !!
Welcome, Tiny Tim !
Posted by: Bibi Edwards | February 11, 2010 at 06:52 AM
God bless us, every one!:-)
Welcome home, Timmy!
A big hug from Italy to RDR's "new kid in town".:-)
Posted by: Carla Polastro-Nigro | February 11, 2010 at 03:43 AM
Timmy looks like he might have a little cattle dog in him. Certainly he looks like a great addition to your already awesome pack!
Posted by: Glenn | February 11, 2010 at 02:47 AM
I wonder if Timmy has any idea how much his life is about to change for the better! he is absolutely ADORABLE too, I might add!!
Posted by: Kenna | February 11, 2010 at 12:01 AM
Timmy,
I can see you look a little perplexed right now, but don't worry. You will settle in very quickly. It is so wonderful to know that you are in your forever home and will never have to worry about anything again.
We are so happy to meet you.
Posted by: Chloe | February 10, 2010 at 11:42 PM
Good to hear the folks here in Minneapolis are so caring with their pet cargo! Also I want to say again that should you ever encounter an issue with a pet going through Minneapolis, please feel free to contact me and I will help however I can. I am only 10 minutes away from the airport!
Posted by: Heidi, Emmett the Beagle, and Moxie the kitty | February 10, 2010 at 10:20 PM
Welcome home, sweet Timmy. Your worries are over!
Posted by: Mary | February 10, 2010 at 10:18 PM
Awwwwwwww; absolutely spell binding!
Posted by: Cora | February 10, 2010 at 10:02 PM
Congrats and welcome to the ranch!
Posted by: Kate & Luke | February 10, 2010 at 09:14 PM
Awww...what a handsome boy Timmy is! He looks like a happy-go-lucky kind of guy. Let us know what the vets decide about his leg.
There is also another site that I found for animal transport, maybe it can be an alternative...they seem to go greater distances.
http://www.animalrescueflights.org/index.html
Thanks for all you do for the wonderful animals in your care!
Posted by: Ann | February 10, 2010 at 08:55 PM
Timmy, you are one cute pooch!! Welcome to the ranch...it's heaven on earth!
Posted by: Nina | February 10, 2010 at 08:30 PM