When Kenneth and Fran Lipton’s 5-year-old miniature pinscher Lucy, was hit and killed by a fast moving vehicle, they were grief stricken. They decided to get another dog to join their family.

They began their search by going on-line and soon found a non-profit organization called Internet Miniature Pinscher Service (IMPS) based in Florida. This group saves these wonderful dogs from shelters. The regional coordinator for Texas is Katherine Harlan. There are many people who provide foster care for the abused, neglected and abandoned animals. The veterinarian bills while the dog is in foster care are covered by IMPS.

The Liptons contacted the organization and received information about a five year old ‘min-pin’ named Chloe. Through a chip in her ear, her sad history was revealed. Her health records and even her ‘real’ name were accessible. Her original owner had died and the children had abandoned Chloe to the streets. She was near death when picked up and taken to a shelter. She was eventually released and put into foster care in the home of Joan Owen of Big Springs.

On Saturday, Jan. 9, another non-profit organization, Pilots for Paws stepped in to provide the next and, hopefully, last leg of Chloe’s journey. They flew her and another dog into the Live Oak County Airport to meet their forever owners.

The pilot, Garrard Mitchell, is a fighter pilot serving in the U.S. Air Force stationed in San Antonio. He flew his personal plane to bring joy to the people and the dogs to new, loving homes. The second dog is now the pet of Margaret Land, who drove from Kingsville to claim it.

Mr. Lipton said, ‘We are glad we found an organization that cares and that we were able to adopt this lovely pet.’ Welcome home, Chloe.