Southern hospitality may be renowned, but unfortunately, not all creatures receive equal kindness. According to retired pilot David Tan, who spoke to Madison Magazine, stories of animal cruelty and abandonment in the southern states are all too common. Dogs and cats are often discarded like unwanted furniture, leaving them in dire situations.
Tan, a former U.S. Air Force pilot, has made it his mission to help these animals. He donates his time and plane, an Aermacchi SF-260, to transport animals from the southern states to new homes where they will be cherished by loving families. Over the last 10 years, he has transported over 360 dogs, 23 cats, pigs, goats, and even a bat named Bruce.
His efforts are part of a non-profit organization called Pilots N Paws, which matches pilots with pets that need to be transported to shelters and rescues. These organizations, like Underdog Pet Rescue, find forever homes for the animals. Tan averages one rescue flight per week, but the demand for pilots is high. “There’s never enough. There’s just a lot of dogs that need to be moved,” he said.
Tan’s favorite part of Pilots N Paws is meeting the new owners and seeing these animals being placed in loving homes. “You sort of say, ‘Hope you have a great rest of your life,’ you know? ‘Hope these people love you forever,’” he said.
Despite offers of payment, Tan refuses to accept any money for his services. Instеаd, hе donаtеs it to thе rеscuеs so thеy cаn pаy for mеdicаl bills for thе аnimаls. “The people who really pull the weight are the rescues. They’re always short [on money], especially when it comes to medical care for the animals,” Tan said. “It just costs so much nowadays.”
By helping these furry friends, Tan is also keeping up his piloting skills. “If you fly, it’s a perishable skill and you must keep current,” he said. “So rather than take a flight and go somewhere for what we call the proverbial $200 hamburger, I’d rather be flying dogs.”
Through his selfless acts, Tan is making a significant difference in the lives of these animals, proving that kindness and compassion know no boundaries.