Flying Human’s Best Friends to Forever Homes
As a spine surgeon, my days are filled with delicate procedures and intricate diagnoses. It's a profession that demands precision, patience, and unwavering dedication to the well-being of my patients. However, amidst the demanding schedule of the operating room, I've found solace and fulfillment in an unexpected passion: flying.
From a young age, aviation captivated my imagination. The freedom of the skies, the thrill of takeoff, and the sheer beauty of aerial vistas mesmerized me. Despite pursuing a career in medicine, my love for flying never waned. So, when I obtained my pilot's license, it felt like reclaiming a piece of myself that had long been dormant.
Combining my skills as a spine surgeon with my passion for flying has been a profoundly gratifying experience. But it wasn't until I stumbled upon a unique way to merge these two worlds that I truly understood the power of my dual passions.
Several years ago, I became involved with a local rescue organization that specializes in transporting dogs to their forever homes across the country called Pilots N Paws. It's a national network that lists dogs who need a forever home and people who are ready to welcome them but live too far away to drive. Pilots like me get to volunteer to pick up the dog and fly it to the new owner. These dogs come from various backgrounds—some abandoned, some abused, but all in need of love and care, and all worthy of our love and attention. Witnessing their resilience and unwavering spirits touched something deep within me.
With my expertise as a pilot, I realized I could make a tangible difference in the lives of these animals. So, I volunteered to fly rescue missions, transporting dogs from overcrowded shelters to loving families waiting eagerly to welcome them into their homes. It was a decision that transformed my perspective on both medicine and aviation.
Each flight is a testament to the power of compassion and human connection. As I soar through the skies with precious cargo on board, I'm reminded of the profound impact we can have on each other's lives. Each dog is placed in the back seat in a small crate. I can transport dogs as large as 85 pounds. It's normal to hear a few whimpers of anxiety as the engine fires up, as the airplane feels distinctly different than the automobiles to which they are accustomed. Dogs have emotional expressions that become familiar and obvious as you interact with them over time. That look on their face as we zoom down the runway is hopeful, yet frightened optimism. Maybe this human will love me back if I show affection.
I believe, and veterinarians I’ve spoken with confirm, a reassuring look from you and affirmational petting will reassure a dog and calm it down under most circumstances, even if it doesn’t know what’s going on around it. When we land, the dog’s hopes are rewarded, as the joy and gratitude on the faces of the families as they welcome their new furry companions is a sight to behold—one that never fails to warm my heart.
But the benefits of these rescue missions extend far beyond the simple act of rehoming dogs. Studies have shown that the companionship of a pet can have significant positive effects on our emotional well-being. From reducing stress and anxiety to providing companionship and unconditional love, dogs have a remarkable ability to heal our hearts and lift our spirits. This can make a profound difference in the mood and attitude of patients recovering from illness or spine surgery.
As a spine surgeon, I've witnessed firsthand the healing power of human-animal bonds. For patients recovering from surgery or coping with chronic pain, the presence of a beloved pet can provide comfort and motivation on the road to recovery. It's the dog who can’t wait to see you every morning and greets you with affection. It's the dog that waits by the window for you to come every day from work. It's the dog that is first to jump in the car without even knowing where you are going - it just wants to spend time with you. This isn’t an illusion and it isn’t manipulation on the dog’s part to get what they want (cats on the other hand are a different story but that is a different article…).
Dogs’ brains possess and process chemicals, hormones, and emotions precisely the same way humans do. Their brains cycle serotonin, with similar effects on their moods. They produce and process dopamine, a hormone in all of us that is a motivator for behavioral rewards. But most importantly, dogs’ emotions of affection, joy, loyalty, and companionship are affected by oxytocin - the same hormone that causes people to feel affection and attraction for one another. Oxytocin is the chemical that makes you want to hug and cuddle your loved ones, and dogs have a lot of it, as any owner will attest. This is important because it means that the emotional exchange and bonding between humans and canines is 100% genuine and authentic with a chemical mechanism that can be observed in a neuroendocrine system very similar to humans. In other words, their love is real.
By facilitating the adoption of rescue dogs, I'm not only saving lives but also promoting the emotional well-being of both humans and animals alike.
Moreover, my involvement in these rescue missions ensures that my time-consuming hobby of recreational piloting is used for good. Rather than simply indulging in the thrill of flight for my own enjoyment, I'm using my skills and resources to make a meaningful difference in the world, and I remain in service to people who benefit from my skills. It's a gratifying feeling knowing that every hour spent in the cockpit is dedicated to a cause greater than myself.
Of course, there are challenges inherent in combining my profession as a spine surgeon with my role as a volunteer pilot. Balancing the demands of a busy surgical schedule with the logistics of organizing rescue missions requires careful planning and coordination. But the rewards far outweigh the challenges, and the sense of fulfillment I derive from these endeavors is immeasurable. Pilots N Paws takes care of much of the logistics of matching dogs with new owners; I just have to map out the route and schedule the flight.
In the end, my journey as a spine surgeon, recreational pilot, and volunteer dog transporter is a testament to the transformative power of following one's passions and embracing opportunities to make a positive impact. Through the convergence of medicine, aviation, and philanthropy, I've discovered a deeper sense of purpose in flying and a fulfillment than I ever thought possible.
As I continue to navigate the skies, guided by the twin engines of compassion and determination, I'm reminded of the profound words of Amelia Earhart: "Adventure is worthwhile in itself….now where the hell am I?" The greatest adventure of all is the journey toward healing, both for ourselves and for those whose lives we touch along the way. And lastly, if you spend enough time with a dog who shows you gratitude for bringing it into your family and giving it a home, you are rewarded with one of the very few relationships you will ever have containing pure loyalty, love, joy, and devotion. A dog will give its life protecting or rescuing you, and I have heard countless people discuss their recovery and long physical therapy regimens say they don’t know how they would have done it without their barking best friend. We owe dogs a debt, and the only way we can repay it is to make sure they have a loving home.
My advice to a patient who is on their healing path after spine surgery or facing any long-term health challenge is to get a dog for support or spend time with a therapy dog from a reputable service. A dog guarantees love and support without criticism or judgment. If you are considering bringing a dog into your life or providing your current dog with a companion, please consider a rescue. Various rescue organizations work with Pilots N Paws to fly your new best friend to their new forever home.