Ashlyn, an elderly dog from a North Carolina shelter, faced a grim future. Underweight and battling sarcomas—malignant tumors beneath her skin—her time seemed limited. But just when hope seemed out of reach, her life took a remarkable turn.
The New England Humane Society (NEHS) found a loving foster home willing to care for Ashlyn during her final days. All that was left was finding a way to get her there. That’s when Paul Steklenski, founder of Flying Fur Animal Rescue (FFAR), stepped in.
Paul, a pilot dedicated to transporting shelter animals to safety, offered to fly Ashlyn 450 miles to her new home. As he piloted the plane, Ashlyn sat nervously beside him. Paul, moved by her fragile state, found himself reflecting on the significance of this journey. “This may be her final flight,” he thought, his heart heavy with emotion.
Although accustomed to flying dozens of rescue dogs each month, Paul admitted that elderly dogs like Ashlyn hold a special place in his heart. “You really focus on what they’re going through,” he explained.
During the flight, Ashlyn began to warm up. At first hesitant, she eventually placed her paws on Paul’s lap, signaling trust. “She rested her head on my lap,” Paul recalled. “That means a lot to me. That’s the reward in itself.”
Paul’s journey into animal rescue began in 2013 when he adopted a dog and simultaneously learned to fly. The two seemingly unrelated events became intertwined when he discovered the sheer number of shelter animals in need of homes. Determined to make a difference, Paul combined his passion for flying with his love for animals.
Ashlyn’s arrival at her new foster home marked the beginning of her transformation. Foster mom Tracy Lander, an experienced dog rescuer, was shocked by Ashlyn’s condition. Weighing just 39 pounds, Ashlyn was far from her healthy weight range of 65-70 pounds.
Tracy immediately began nursing Ashlyn back to health, feeding her three meals a day and providing vitamins to address her health issues. Over time, Ashlyn’s condition improved significantly. Her coat became healthier, her appetite returned, and she began forming bonds with Tracy’s other dogs, Angel and Xander.
Ashlyn’s progress has exceeded everyone’s expectations. What was initially thought to be a hospice situation has turned into months of cherished companionship. “She understands she is loved,” Tracy shared. “No matter what happens, she knows she is adored.”
Paul Steklenski’s compassionate act gave Ashlyn a second chance—a chance to be part of a loving family and live out her days in comfort and joy. Her journey from a frail shelter dog to a cherished companion exemplifies the incredible impact of kindness.
“I never envisioned discovering something so wonderful, so rewarding that it would eclipse practically everything else in my life,” Paul reflected.
Ashlyn’s story reminds us of the power of compassion and the difference it can make. Her journey, fueled by love and dedication, is a testament to the beauty of second chances and the profound connection between humans and animals.
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