The DireWolf Express takes flight!

Last night, our living room looked like a command center for a very important mission.

Laid neatly across the couch were all the essentials for one brave little traveler’s journey:

• Boober’s heartbeat toy,
• his pack-scented blanket, two books (our Dire Wolf Project book and the bedtime story),
• a gallon of puppy food,
• his health and pedigree folder,
• the Dire Wolf Project tote bag to carry it all, and of course,
• his Katziela Rolling Rover (a cozy, soft-sided den on wheels that expands for extra room on long flights).

At 1 a.m., Jay rose quietly, still half asleep, pulled on his travel clothes, and began the final pack-up.

Boober, sleepy but delighted to see his favorite human, wagged his tail with that pure, trusting joy only puppies can muster.

He nestled into Jay’s arms, unaware that this morning marked the beginning of a grand new adventure: his flight home to his forever family in New York.

They drove through the darkness to Spokane International Airport, arriving well before dawn.

After check-in, Jay and Boober found a quiet corner of the cell phone lot to stretch, run, sniff, and potty.

They spent a playful hour under the first pale streaks of morning light brushing over the Rocky Mountains.

As the first rays began to peek over the horizon, Boober bounced through the dewy grass while Jay laughed softly, knowing this was their final playtime together before the long journey east.

Soon, it was time to board.

Jay had chosen a window seat so he and Boober could travel in peace, away from the aisle’s constant commotion.

The first flight from Spokane to Portland was a breeze.

Boober nestled comfortably in his Rolling Rover as the engines hummed to life.

When the plane lifted off the ground, Jay’s legs wrapped around him inside the crate.

A comforting embrace that said, “You’re safe, little one. I’m right here.”

Boober handled takeoff and landing like a seasoned traveler.

He earned his wings with quiet courage and a wagging tail.

No lonely cargo hold for this special pup.

No cold metal walls or frightened whimpers in the dark.

Just the soft sound of Jay’s voice, the warmth of a familiar scent, and the rhythm of the sky beneath them.

In Portland, they disembarked with ease and made their way to the next terminal, bound for JFK Airport in New York.

This final leg would stretch across six long hours of open sky, so Jay gave Boober one last potty break before boarding again.

And for those who might be wondering what happens if a puppy needs to go mid-flight, don’t worry… Jay came prepared!

He packed puppy potty pads and planned for quick bathroom trips if Boober gave the signal.

This isn’t just travel; it’s compassionate care in motion, the very heart of our DireWolf Express Puppy Escort Service.

By the time you read this, Jay and Boober should be somewhere high above the clouds, cruising eastward with mountains far behind and the Atlantic waiting ahead.

When they land around 3 p.m. Eastern, Boober will meet his family for the very first time.

There will be tears, laughter, and that unmistakable moment when a human heart recognizes its missing piece.

Then, after hugs and goodbyes, Jay will turn right around, board another plane, and make the journey home.

It’s a full 20-hour day from start to finish.

It’s exhausting, yes, but oh, what a beautiful kind of tired it is!

The kind that comes from love in action, from being part of something bigger than yourself.

And as Boober’s story comes full circle, another begins…

There’s just one more little Fraggle Rock pup waiting to find her forever family.

Sweet Merple, gentle, playful, and full of heart, dreams of park walks, cozy cuddles, and tug-of-war games with laughter in the air.

She’s ready to give her love to a family who will see her for the treasure she is.

If your heart stirs as you read this, perhaps you’re meant to be her next great adventure.

Meet Little Merple

Thank you for being part of our ever-growing Dire Wolf Project pack.

For sharing in these stories, celebrating each new journey, and believing in the heart of what we do.

Together, we carry this vision forward one brave pup, one loving home, and one story at a time.

Jennifer Stoeckl is the co-founder of the Dire Wolf Project, founder of the DireWolf Guardians American Dirus Dog Training Program, and owner/operator of DireWolf Dogs of Vallecito. She lives in the beautiful inland northwest among the Ponderosa pine forests with her pack of American Dirus dogs.