High Impact Practices Student Showcase Fall 2025

Paws on Board: Transporting Dogs from Shelters to New Homes

Paws on Board: Transporting Dogs from Shelters to New Homes

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Course Code

LDR

Course Number

3215

Faculty/Instructor

Dr. Haley Winston

Faculty/Instructor Email

haley.winston@ucf.edu

About the Author

The group members of this service-learning project would like to express our sincere gratitude to those who supported and guided us throughout this experience. We would like to thank Dr. Haley Winston for her leadership, encouragement, and the meaningful structure she brought to our course. We are also grateful to Puppy Rescue Flights for giving us the opportunity to serve and contribute to work that makes a real difference. A special thank-you goes to Mike Young, the devoted puppy-flight pilot and “ring master,” whose passion, dedication, and kindness inspired us throughout our project. We truly appreciate everyone who helped make this experience possible

Abstract, Summary, or Creative Statement

Our service learning project focused on supporting Puppy Rescue Flights, an organization that transports rescued puppies, dogs, and cats, and kittens from overcrowded or high risk shelters to rescue partners throughout Florida. The purpose of our project was to contribute to the organization’s mission by assisting with transport operations, promoting awareness, and helping strengthen the visibility of their work. As a group, we participated in flight trips, assisted with ground operations, helped prepare animals for transport, and documented the process to support outreach and education. Through these activities, we learned how much coordination, compassion, and teamwork are required to ensure each animal’s safety from beginning to end. One key lesson we gained was understanding how small actions such as loading kennels, comforting animals, or organizing supplies can create meaningful impact when combined with the efforts of many people. We also learned the value of strong community partnerships, especially through our work with pilot and ring master Mike Young, whose dedication showed us what service driven leadership looks like. Overall, this project taught us that meaningful change grows from consistent effort, collaboration, and a genuine commitment to helping others.

Keywords

animals; pet rescue; rescue flights; dogs; LEAD Scholars Academy; service learning

Paws on Board: Transporting Dogs from Shelters to New Homes


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