Vinicius “Vinny” Lima, a private pilot from Southwest Florida, is soaring to new heights by adding furry friends to his passenger list.
Lima, who has been a pilot for years, recently started transporting dogs to new homes or shelters with available space.
His initiative began after learning about the high number of dogs euthanized due to overcrowding. Teaming up with the nonprofit Pilots N Paws, Lima began flying these pups to safety. He found that the experience is rewarding for him as well.
“It’s that sense of liberty. When you’re up in the air, there’s nothing else around you,” said Lima.
Through Pilots N Paws, Lima connects with kill shelters in need. He recalled a conversation with a woman from Sebring who told him, “If these are not out of here by tomorrow, the next day, they’re basically dead.”
“That’s how I said, I’ll go ahead and I’ll take them,” Lima said.
Turning his passion for flying into a mission, Lima said, “When you look at them and you see their faces, and you just think to yourself that you just saved another life, it’s, it’s a gratitude that you, I don’t even know how to explain it.”
He noted how the dogs seem to enjoy their flights.
“They feel that sense that you’re getting them out of that bad place that they’re in, and you’re giving them a new chance of life,” Lima added.
Lima covers the fuel costs himself.
“If you have the chance to be able to do something good out there with so much evil going on in this world today, just do it,” he said. “It makes you look at life completely different.”
Lima remains busy with his rescue missions and plans to head to Georgia to pick up two more dogs. Pilots N Paws is always seeking more pilots, and those interested can click here.
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