Long-distance rescue mission

Chow Chows Roscoe, left, and Bear, right, relax on the living room floor in Sherry Patton's home Monday afternoon. Patton rescued the dogs from being euthanized in Ohio. They were flown to Fort Scott Saturday through the Pilots and Paws organization. (Tribune photo/Michael Pommier)

Two senior Chow Chows got a new home in Fort Scott thanks to a loving resident and the Pilots and Paws organization.

Roscoe and Bear were recently rescued by Fort Scott resident Sherry Patton from the Humane Society of the Ohio Valley. The society had to take in a large number of animals at once and were forced to euthanize others to make room, according to Appalachian Ohio SPCA President Robin McClelland. Roscoe and Bear were on the list to be euthanized because of a lack of interest in adoption.

"It's not like there was a big waiting list for them," McClelland said.

Bob and Linda Herd, of Manchester, Mo. pose with Roscoe and Bear and their plane. The Herds were responsible for transporting the dogs on their third and final leg from St. Louis, Mo. to Fort Scott. (Submitted photo)

McClelland organized the transport after being contacted by a friend in New York who had been contacted by Celeste Ridgway with the Humane Society of the Ohio Valley. Ridgway was contacted by Patton after seeing the dogs online.

Patton has been in love with Chow Chows all her life and rescued one, named Vader, while living in Florida. Vader was by her side for 15 years, and helped her around the house after she suffered a stoke. He died two years ago and she has been looking for another since.

"He was right with me, he was my right hand," Patton said.

Roscoe and Bear came as a set as they were litter mates and have been together all their lives. The two 12-year-old dogs suffer from some medical problems such as arthritis.

"For her to take on two senior chows ... I give that woman much credit for providing them a great home for their remaining years," McClelland said.

The Pilots and Paws organization is what made the adoption possible. Patton said if it were not for Pilots and Paws, she would not have been able to adopt the dogs. Although Pilots and Paws operate every day of the year since their first flight in February 2008, this transport was part of the Pilots and Paws 5,000, an effort to transport 5,000 animals in eight days.

The organization's goal is to transport animals which need medical attention or a new home at no cost.

"I just couldn't believe that some one would take their time, their gas .. they ask for nothing ... to bring them this far, just to help the dogs out," Patton said. "It's an excellent group, I couldn't believe it."

Patton is now resting at home with her two new companions who feel right at home.

"I got them Saturday and its like they've been here their whole life," Patton said. "They're good boys."