Today we’d like to introduce you to Peter Rork.
Hi Peter, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
After I closed my orthopedic surgery practice in Jacksonville Wyoming I founded the nonprofit Dog Is My CoPilot the organization tasks itself with saving as many at risk dogs and cats as possible. I began flying with a Cessna T206H with the goal of saving up to 1000 animals a year I rapidly outgrew this Aircraft and replaced it with a Cessna 208B caravan my first rescue flight in this Aircraft had 251 animals on board I’ve since grown the organization to one executive Director three caravans three full-time pilots two rescue Flight coordinators and six part-time Pilot volunteers. We now fly 1000 animals a month delivering them nationwide our organization rest on our three principles we only fly for nonprofits we only fly for animals at risk, i.e., from kill shelters to not kill shelters, and we never charge ascending or receiving organizations for our services.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This has been a real learning experience. One of our aircraft was damaged in a storm and was grounded for two years. We are now back to full strength with three Aircraft, the logistics of flying 75 to 1 to 200 animals at a time and coordination of the centers and the receivers can sometimes be daunting. We have it figured out after a few errors.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a retired, orthopedic surgeon, undergraduate studies at Rutgers College, followed by the University of Maryland school of medicine. I did my internship and residency at the University of New Mexico, followed by a fellowship and surgery of the hand and a second fellowship in knee and sports medicine. I served as a position for the United States ski team from 1986 to 2009. I served as an oral board examiner for the American Board of orthopedic surgeons from 2000 to 202,014 I was awarded of the FAA Wright, Brothers Master power award for 50 years of accident, free and violation free flying. I am a father of three and a grandfather of four.
What are your plans for the future?
Living well, enjoying life, staying healthy being fully committed to my family, saving as an as many dogs and cats as possible
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dogcopilot.org
- Facebook: Dog Is My CoPilot
