Barry Holland has always had an interest in flying.
Flying in helicopters and parachuting in the military, and flying in small aircraft associated with his work overseas only fueled the desire, so Holland got his own small aircraft piloting licence three years ago.
Last year Holland donated a free flight as an item in a silent auction held by Barrhead Animal Rescue Society Nov. 5-12, 2012, where over $4,000 was raised. The original winner handed the free flight over to BARS, to donate to whoever they wished.
After much consideration, BARS founder Terry Colborne decided to donate the flight to Bonnie Vandermeulen as a way to acknowledge her past involvement with BARS. The Grade 12 Barrhead Composite High School student was formerly a BARS student liaison, along with her sister Janet.
Vandermeulen had plans to start a BARS student group when she held the position almost three years ago, however due to various circumstances she was unable to do so.
Though she was not able to form a club, Vandermeulen did manage to come up with other ways to help the cause. This included a noon hour dance fundraiser at the school, where students could donate money at the door to gain access to the event.
“Bonnie and her sister will always be remembered for their contribution to BARS in its initial phase of its beginning,” said Colborne.
After weeks of planning, the flight date was finally set for Friday, Feb. 8. Vandermeulen arrived at the Barrhead Airport just in time to see the small plane she would be flying in circle the clear blue sky and come in for its landing.
On the runway, pilot Barry Holland hopped out of his plane. After deciding where they would be flying to, the two were back out on the runway and climbing into the tiny aircraft.
The first stop was an aerial view of Vandermeulen’s home, as well as Colborne’s. Running dogs, seen only as little moving specks, could be seen frolicking throughout the BARS property.
Over Barrhead and onward to a quick flight over Fort Assiniboine was next. The plane flew along the Athabasca River, frozen and glistening white with snow. Soon after the two were off to Edmonton to check out the big city from a birds eye view.
After a couple hours of seeing things from a very different perspective, the trip came to a close and it was back to Barrhead. The flight was something Vandermeulen thoroughly enjoyed, and won’t forget any time soon.
“The flight was awesome,” she said. “I had lots if fun and I learned a lot about aviation.”
Though Holland enjoys giving tours high in the sky, his piloting doesn’t stop with only people passengers.
Having been a dog owner for the last 16 years, Holland and his wife Sherry began fostering rescue animals about the same time as each of them started flying a couple years ago. The two decided to combine their love for flying with their passion for animals.
Not only are the two actively involved in BARS, but other organizations including the Animal Rescue Transfer System (ARTS). The group was founded in Alberta as a support to existing rescue organizations, and works to move animals out of danger and into holding homes until a rescue has the space to take them.
For Holland, this means flying into remote areas of the province on rescue and supply delivery missions.
The pilot has been working with another rescue called Cause for Paws, which was started by a group of teachers in Fox Lake. In the remote community, they are often on their own with no vets or supplies to care for the dogs.
Holland has flown into the small community with his plane packed full of dog food, crates, and other supplies as needed. A fond memory of a trip to Fox Lake stands out in his mind.
“I had a little pup that was a last minute passenger out of Fox Lake that rode in my lap most of the way down after escaping from the box we had fashioned into a crate,” said Holland. “Dogs seem to travel very well.”
Another tale Holland enjoys recalling is one of a gentle giant, who suffered from the carelessness and neglect of a former owner. The pilot’s rescue mission saved the dog’s life, and is a happy ending he is fond of.
“Of note was the big furry, friendly dog that someone had put a wire collar on when he was a pup, and as he grew it became imbedded in his neck,” said Holland. “Bringing him out of a remote village so he could get veterinary care was very rewarding.”
Holland has done between 15 and 20 rescue flights since he began using his plane as a one-way ticket to freedom for animals in need. He and his wife like to support BARS, ARTS and Paws for the Cause because they are lesser known organizations, and they prefer to provide help where it is most needed.
For Holland’s wife, the best part of rescuing is taking in abused, neglected or abandoned dogs, and seeing the results of their combined efforts as the animals slowly comes out of their shell. The couple uses their own three rescue dogs to socialize the newcomers, and introduces them to other people.
“It’s comforting to then see the animals going to a loving, forever home,” said Holland. “On this we agree, it is very rewarding.”
However Holland’s favourite part is still the flying.
“Doing something I really enjoy while providing a unique service that covers a special need,” he explained. “Moving the rescue animals to where they can get the care they need.”
