For the love of stray animals, an Army veteran learned to fly, bought a plane for $65,000, and began rescuing “furry companions” who were about to be put down across the country.
Paul Steklenski, a 45-year-old veteran from Schwenksville, Pennsylvania, has always had a passion for animals and wanted to help them in any way he could. Paul decided to devote his time to rescuing animals from shelters at this point.
The kind man rescued Tessa, a homeless dog, from a local rescue group a few years ago. He was moved by the fact that so many of these innocent souls were about to be put down, so he set out to save as many dogs and cats as he could. In May 2015, the veteran founded Flying Fur Animal Rescue, a rescue organization dedicated to saving “animals one rescue flight at a time.”
Since then, the generous man has flown his own jet to save over 1,500 animals from shelters across the United States. “There were times when I wanted to give up because I didn’t think I could do it when I first started flying,” Paul explained. “Seeing the animals at the shelter was upsetting.” It was heartbreaking to think that so many animals were being [euthanized] due to being trapped in one area.”
Paul admits that seeing those creatures in distress makes him cry at times, but that healing them and seeing them happy makes him feel alive. The Army veteran explained, “It’s a highly emotional job, but it’s also incredibly gratifying.” “I realized I could make a difference by going down there, picking them up, and transporting them to other shelters.”
“I have a feeling they’re aware that better things are on the way for them.” It’s extremely satisfying. It doesn’t just affect the animal; that dog or cat will have an impact on someone else,” Paul explained.
Paul Steklenski, you’re an angel! If you want to help this hero save more innocent lives, go to Flying Fur Animal Rescue.
