Pilots N Paws to organize Gulf Coast animal rescue effort

One of the hardest decisions for pet owners to contemplate is what to do when they suddenly can't help their best four-legged friend. For many, posting a sign at the local corner store or dropping their pet off at an adoption center seems to be a betrayal of the highest degree.

However, many pet owners in the Gulf Coast had to make this hard decision after their livelihoods were threatened due to the BP oil spill.

Already overcrowded shelters in the Gulf are feeling the increase in animals dropped off at shelters and pounds, and the costs to care for these animals are starting to skyrocket. Unfortunately, euthanasia becomes the fate of those animals who cannot find a new owner or a foster home.

A nonprofit group called Pilots N Paws wants to change it all.

Pilots N Paws, with the help of AeroPremier Jet Center, is organizing an airlift of abandoned animals in this region. Starting on Sept. 17, Pilots N Paws volunteers will fly to the Gulf Coast and take animals to a number of designated points across the country. This year, up to 30 general aviation aircraft will transport these animals from New Orleans Lakefront Airport to Lakeland, Fla.; Washington, D.C.; and Caldwell, N.J. Special transports will take some of the animals to Chicago; Memphis, Tenn.; Iowa; and possibly Houston.