{"id":397350,"date":"2023-08-23T14:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-08-23T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.saipantribune.com\/?p=397350"},"modified":"-0001-11-30T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"-0001-11-29T14:00:00","slug":"Boonie-Flight-Project-to-ship-38-homeless-animals-to-US","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saipantribune.com\/index.php\/Boonie-Flight-Project-to-ship-38-homeless-animals-to-US\/","title":{"rendered":"Boonie Flight Project to ship 38 homeless animals to US"},"content":{"rendered":"

In honor of national Clear The Shelter month, Boonie Flight Project has once again teamed up with Saipan Humane Society and Guam Animals In Need to ship a total of 38 homeless animals to loving homes and partner rescues stateside\u201410 of these animals being from Saipan.<\/p>\n

Boonie Flight Project, founded by Saipan Humane Society founder Lauren Cabrera and her Guam-based best friend, Kelsey Graupner, in early 2021, has been a beacon of hope for boonie dogs. This project aims to find loving homes off-island for these remarkable canines. Since its inception, the organization has successfully flown nearly 600 boonie dogs to loving homes and partner rescues stateside, including 51 dogs from Saipan and Tinian, previously partnering with the Saipan-based Boonie Babies Rescue to fly their dogs as well.<\/p>\n

Boonie Flight Project has cultivated a growing community of supporters, many of whom return to adopt a second or even third boonie dog. According to Cabrera, the dogs\u2019 manageable size, distinctive appearance, loyalty, and intelligence make them irresistible companions. \u201cThese dogs possess remarkable mental and physical resilience\u2014qualities that have evolved through their survival instincts. They\u2019re highly trainable, and the perfect addition to any family. They truly are the ultimate companions,\u201d Cabrera adds.<\/p>\n

Behind the scenes, the Boonie Flight Project faces significant challenges in transporting dogs off the island, particularly from Saipan. The process involves not only selecting adoptable dogs, ensuring their health, and securing foster homes but also actively finding suitable adopters through social media. \u201cIt\u2019s remarkable that people are willing to adopt dogs they\u2019ve never met in person, but we have worked hard to build that trust by picking exceptional family dogs for our program,\u201d said Graupner.<\/p>\n

So, how does it all come together? Once a dog is chosen for the program, they\u2019re showcased on social media. Interested individuals submit adoption applications that are reviewed by Mary Stinson, BFP\u2019s Kansas-based adoptions coordinator. After confirming compatibility, an invoice is sent, and flight arrangements are made. Graupner and BFP Operations director Stephanie DeForge collaborate closely with the pet shipper to maximize available aircraft space.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve had to be incredibly resourceful in this aspect. I\u2019ve literally had to create a layout of the entire plane to optimize the number of lives we can save,\u201d said DeForge.<\/p>\n

Extensive paperwork is required for the flight, including veterinary health certificates and export documents, which are prepared and submitted to authorities in Guam and Hawaii by Kelsey and Stephanie. Kelsey then tirelessly arranges connecting flights with pet-friendly carriers like Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, facilitating the journey from the charter\u2019s landing in Honolulu to the final destination, often via Seattle. Boonie Flight Project also coordinates teams of dedicated volunteers in Honolulu and Seattle to care for dogs during layovers, assist in creating travel crates, and manage airport transfers.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is tons of work,\u201d Cabrera said, \u201cbut what we do is so rewarding. With just four core volunteers\u2014busy with families and jobs\u2014the impact we\u2019ve achieved is pretty amazing. I cannot tell you how happy I am to have moved some long-term residents out of the Saipan animal shelter and be sending them off island, along with clearing out adoptable animals at Guam\u2019s animal shelter.\u201d<\/p>\n

For more information about the Boonie Flight Project, adoption opportunities, and how you can support their mission, visit www.boonieflightproject.com<\/a>. (PR)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Boonie Flight Project is teaming up with Saipan Humane Society and Guam Animals In Need to ship a total of 38 homeless animals to loving homes and partner rescues in the United States.<\/p>\n

-CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
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