Rescued pet gets a special plane ride

EDGAR COUNTY, Ill. (WTHI) - There's a new resident in the Wabash Valley, at least for awhile. But this one comes with a furry coat, four paws and a tail, as well as a painful injury.

The airplane touched down at the Edgar County, Ill. airport with a special passenger in back. She didn't need a seatbelt, but did require a crate. Her name is Heidi and she's a German Shepherd.

"She was a wonderful dog, stuck in a shelter up north with a fractured hip and no one to fix it," said Paul Warner Animal Rescue President Hellie Smith.

Honey Creek Animal Hospital Veterinarian Mike Staub agreed to help, discounting a surgery that should fix the pelvic injury. Amateur pilot Mark Kozak agreed to fly Heidi down from the Chicago area.

"This really gives me a reason to fly to different airports, different areas and do something good," said Kozak.

Kozak is part of the " Pilot N Paws ," a national charitable network. It saves Heidi a long and stressful car trip. She's the first prospective pet to land at the Edgar County Airport, just north of Paris, Ill.

"It's amazing," said Straub. "This is something that's new to me in the last couple months that they have this group of pilots that will fly animals. It is wonderful."

Staub said Heidi should be able to use her leg about a month after surgery and in another month it will be tough to know she ever had a serious injury. Soon after, Smith hopes Heidi makes someone a perfect and loving pet.

"It's the most satisfying thing there is," said Smith.

Smith is not sure whether Heidi will find a permanent home somewhere in the Wabash Valley or be sent back to the Chicago area.