International airline pilot raises the voice of rescue dogs

WEST CHESTER, Pa. (WPVI) — “By profession I’m an airline pilot, but by passion I’m an animal advocate,” said Erin Mariah Murphy, who has been flying planes since she was a teenager. “And there’s absolutely nothing that has taken my life to new heights than adopting Zeke.”

Zeke was originally transferred from a home in Alabama and found his way to the Brandywine Valley SPCA. As Murphy would say, Zeke had made it “halfway home.”

“He had a hard time getting adopted,” Murphy said. “And during my volunteering, I kept an eye on him and then I ended up making my house his forever home.”

Since 2018, Zeke has inspired Murphy to advocate for animal rescue. This creative spark manifested in a new children’s book aptly titled “Halfway Home”.In the text, Murphy stylizes Zeke’s journey with colorful illustrations. A fictional character picks him up from an air rescue and eventually becomes his adoptive parent.

“So many people don’t know about air animal rescue services,” Murphy said. “And so, as an Airman, being able to combine those two elements and inspire the next generation of companion animal advocates was just something that I really felt called to do.”

Two dollars from every book sold through Erin Mariah Murphy’s website is donated to the Brandywine Valley SPCA (BVSPCA).

Part of Murphy’s volunteering is transporting dogs from airplanes to the BVSPCA with their Second Chance program.

“We are partnering with a number of organizations to get them to us, in particular rescue wings, who we work with,” said Arynn Brucie, BVSPCA Communications Manager. “Everyone is coming together. It’s just a really cool thing.”

From July 23, 2022, the BVSPCA will run a Super Pets for Super Prices promotion. Fees will be waived for large adult dogs and adult cats until July 31.

To learn more about adoption or volunteering, visit their website.

RELATED: Pennsylvania Doctor Wins National ‘Vet of the Year’ Award