AnguillAir has flown a rescue dog from Anguilla to the United States in its cargo hold, marking a first in its new partnership with Fly To Freedom Dog Rescue.
Stella, a seven-year-old Belgian Malinois, was transported to Newark Liberty International Airport on 15 March, where she was welcomed by the Conte family of Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
The flight marks a milestone for the US-based non-profit group, as it establishes another route for larger dogs from Anguilla and St Maarten to travel to find new homes.
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In a press release, group founder Leigh Fazzina said: “Many of the larger rescue dogs on Anguilla simply don’t have a chance at life if they aren’t adopted locally on island – they risk euthanasia unfortunately.
“This partnership with AnguillAir changes that as it creates a new pathway for these larger dogs to reach loving forever families in the United States.”
AnguillAir’s CEO Adam Scott and his flight crew have offered to transport Fly To Freedom Dog Rescue’s dogs on the airline free of charge. This works out as a US$400 donation per dog.
The partnership was developed through collaboration between Fazzina and Rebecca Taillon from Fly To Freedom Dog Rescue, and AnguillAir’s Scott, Robin Smallwood and Chloe Mosley.
Tallion, group transport coordinator and accountant, said: “From the moment we began speaking and meeting with the AnguillAir crew, it was clear how much they cared about animals.
“Together we built a plan for how this programme could work safely and reliably, and we are incredibly grateful for their commitment to helping us save more dogs.”
Mosley, senior cabin crew at AnguillAir, said: “From the moment we met, it was clear our values were aligned and together we can create something truly life changing.
“Stella’s journey to the USA showed us the dedication and care behind every rescue, and we’re deeply grateful to everyone involved.
“One flight can make all the difference, bringing a dog closer to the safe, loving home they deserve – and we’re committed to helping many more in the future.”
Stella’s story is one shared by many island dogs. After living for seven years in St Maarten, she lost her home when her owner relocated to Canada and could not bring her along.
“Tonight Stella begins her new life,” said Dekha Swanston, owner and manager of Morlens Veterinary Clinic in Anguilla and the St Maarten Veterinary Clinic.
“She will live with a loving family and the safety and stability every dog deserves.”
Morlens Veterinary Clinic in Anguilla and the St Maarten Veterinary Clinic both played a critical role in her care while she awaited rescue.
Swantson cared for Stella for several months while the clinic’s team, including veterinarian Shirelle Sammy, helped ensure her medical care, safety and wellbeing.
During the final stage, Gary Swantson, the clinic’s head veterinarian and owner, escorted Stella by boat from St Maarten to Anguilla so she could catch her flight safely.
Amanda and Tyler Donato, visitors from Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, who were honeymooning in Anguilla volunteered to escort Stella on the flight.
“Amanda and Tyler were thrilled to help make this happen,” Taillon said. “Without volunteers like them, rescues like Stella’s simply wouldn’t be possible.”
Stella will now live with the Conte family in their home in Jamison, Pennsylvania, alongside their two golden retrievers and two cats.
Fly To Freedom Dog Rescue is an all-volunteer donor-funded non-profit organisation dedicated to rescuing island dogs from Anguilla and St Maarten and transporting them into forever homes in the US.
Founded in 2019, the organisation works with volunteer foster parents, transporters, vets and airlines to give at-risk island dogs a second chance at life. Learn more here.
