What’s the best way to break in a new plane? With a life-saving rescue mission of course! Pregnant momma-to-be Celia was estimated to be just 10 days away from giving birth. With the shelter already out of room, her rescuers were desperate to find her a flight up north where she could have her puppies in the comfort of foster care. Luckily, Amelia Air team members David & Petra had just arrived on the east coast to fly their newly acquired Beechcraft Bonanza S35 back home. It was a once-in-a-Leap Year match!

Not much was known about this cute doggie’s backstory, but her rescuers thought she had a tendency to look like a sweet seal, so they named her Celia! On Leap Day, the great team at Saving Sumter’s Strays handed her over to David & Petra for a flight up north. She was a very laidback copilot and quickly won over the hearts of everyone who came together to find her a freedom ride. When David & Petra dropped her off in Leesburg, Virginia, she even got to spend a night at our founders’ home with our charity’s namesake, Amelia. Celia was very keen to eat out of Amelia’s elevated bowl, and with her belly that big, who can blame her! 

After discovering a fondness for chew toys, Celia got a ride from the Canine Humane Network to her foster home the very next day. Many thanks to all who made this rescue possible!

**UPDATE: Ten days later, Celia gave birth to seven healthy puppies in the safety of her excellent foster home. All of her puppies and Celia have since been adopted to loving new families! Thank you to Saving Sumter’s Strays, the Canine Humane Network, and everyone who helped give this mom & her babies a better life!