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Pups and Props
First, let me state I am a huge dog lover...nothing I would not do for my Cairn Terrier..and this may be a little off topic..but a reminder that dogs and airplanes are not always a great mix...no matter how careful we are, they can get loose and bolt around or into the business end of your (or another) airplane...I had to shut my RV down yesterday because the local airport dog (who I love) was running free and got too close to my prop for comfort.
The noise can spook even the most well behaved pooch..they are unpredictable. Furthermore, a pilot or passenger (or a kid) may get distracted chasing after a loose pet..and get into the prop themselves..yes, it is unlikely, but it is amazing how quickly tragic things can happen. Please don't misunderstand...I'm not advocating a dog ban......just please be very very careful with your pet and prepare for the unexpected...Thanks to all!! |
First off...No matter what breed of canine co-pilot you choose, PLEASE attempt to go through a rescue group before going to a breeder!!
I saw a post from one terrier advocate, and I would like to express my vote for West Highland White Terrier! ![]() http://i709.photobucket.com/albums/w...4/P1010861.jpg This is our first Westie, Sam. He has been on several x-country flying expeditions, and does pretty well. We do slip him a little "doggie downer" before the really long trips, but he is none the worse for wear upon arrival. |
Rupert the pound dog
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rescue v breeder
[quote=jetjok;589023]First off...No matter what breed of canine co-pilot you choose, PLEASE attempt to go through a rescue group before going to a breeder!!
Mark, I would not get a dog from a breeder if there is a rescue dog available that is what I am looking for. In fact I am holding off on buying from a breeder to see if I can find an appropriate rescue dog. One issue that narrows my choice of dog is that I have a close friend with a serious allergy issue. I want my house to be a place where she can spend time in comfort. She can be around poodles and poodle mix dogs. I prefer the laid back nature of a golden retriever. That is why I am looking at golden doodles. The dog should however be small enough to get in my airplane or be on my sailboat without being in the way.....that narrows even the golden doodle breed down. Although it is unlikely that I can find such a dog in a shelter or rescue organization, I have put off buying a puppy from a breeder until I can be sure that no suitable dog is available for rescue. The Florida golden doodle rescue folks are looking for one for me. I have searched the doodle rescue organization websites across the US and Canada. My RV is not ready yet, but perhaps the pilots and paws guys can help if I locate a suitable rescue dog. If I can't find a dog that would meet my needs I will remain dogless. I like the dogs that other posters have shown here. I would love to go to the pound and get a Rupert....he is cool. But that would not work for my needs. |
Good on you for putting a rescue dog in first position. I hope you find a great one, purebred or one of "many flavors", that will not cause any allergy issues.
Please post up a photo when and if it all comes together. I may be very biased towards my Westies, but that Rupert is quite the handsome boy!! |
Top 10 Best Characteristics for a Doggie Co-Pilot
The Top 10 Characteristics for a Doggie Co-Pilot are:
10) Lightweight! 9) Doesn't shed. 8) Doesn't get motion-sick. 7) Doesn't bark (while wearing a mic'd headset). 6) Long-duration potty trained. 5) Calls out traffic factors. 4) Can sniff out emergency landing sites and point. 3) Pumps av-gas and does pre-flights. 2) Can get ATIS, enter flight plans and call out checklists. 1) Has opposable thumbs and is light on the stick! :D |
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[/IMG]The breeder says this guy can do all that and file flight plans for you. |
Pilots N Paws
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Even if right now you don't plan to become a Pilots N Paws pilot, you could register as a volunteer pilot and receive email when dogs are needing transport. My thinking is you MIGHT find a dog that way. Just a suggestion. And of course, you could be a volunteer to fly a few dogs too. RV's make great animal rescue transports. Our current dog was found in our neighborhood and a neighbor indicated to my wife that he would find the owner. A few weeks later, she received a call from the animal shelter. The neighbor had taken the dog to the animal shelter and it was within a week of being put to sleep. We rescued him; that was four years ago, so he's about five years old now. He loves to fly; he has Mutt-Muffs and he really does well, even on cross-countries. I thought he was a mixed terrier, but a pilot friend tells me he is a Smooth Fox Terrier. Whether he's full-blooded or not, I don't know. He weighs about 23 pounds, and I named him Wilson. ![]() We had another dog that is now deceased. He was a Rat Terrier that had a lot of good qualities, but riding in a car was not one of them. I wouldn't even think of putting him in an airplane. So maybe you should evaluate any candidate pups as to how well they travel in a car before adopting them. Might be a good screen. Good luck! |
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We recently got a German shepherd and took him on his first trip. He did OK, a bit apprehensive but loved it when he arrived in Carmel and on the way back was much more relaxed. We look forward to more trips with him. |
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How big is the shepherd? I am wondering if a dog of 45 lbs would do well in the back of my 8A. Tony |
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