Lynden relief efforts include animal rescue groups

Top row, from left Janice Bardell, Konstanz Hahn, and Tiffany Luikert. Front, Makenzie Oddino with son Weyland and Kai-uh.

During the pandemic, the Paws Across the Pacific project drew attention to Lynden Air Cargo's transport of shelter animals from Hawaii to Seattle. But long before that, Lynden supported a variety of animal shelters and rescue efforts across Alaska. According to Lynden Air Cargo Customer Service Supervisor Makenzie Oddino, more than 100 dogs have been flown from Emmonak to Anchorage for adoption in support of the Best Friends Animal Rescue over the past few years.

Lynden transports at least one animal per week. Makenzie and Customer Service Representatives Konstanz Hahn, Tiffany Luikert, and Janice Bardell meet the flights and provide special care to the dogs or cats. "We send empty kennels to Emmonak and then meet the flights when they come in to make sure the animals are taken care of and have someone to pick them up," Makenzie explains.

After Typhoon Halong hit Western Alaska this fall, almost 200 dogs were stranded. "The people were evacuated, but the animals were not," says Jesslyn Elliott, Executive Director of Bethel Friends of Canines. "Lynden has been helping us send out essential items to these animals. We matched up dogs to owners when they were flown into Anchorage after the typhoon, which was very rewarding. We are so appreciative of Lynden's support."

Bethel Friends of Canines is a nonprofit rescuing dogs all over the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, an area spanning nearly 58,000 square miles that is inaccessible by road. All dogs are transported via boats, snow machines, or planes.

Another nonprofit, Straw For Dogs, also benefits from Lynden's support. "By donating and discounting shipping charges, Lynden Air Cargo has made it possible for us to provide insulated dog houses and straw to dogs who are living outside in Alaska with inadequate shelter or no shelter at all," explains Kim LaJiness, Vice President and Board Member at Straw for Dogs. "We have been inundated with requests for help since Typhoon Halong. Lynden Air Cargo is truly saving furry lives by helping us provide comfort and relief to dogs who would otherwise be suffering in our extreme Alaskan weather."

This work has a profound impact on Lynden employees as well. Three years ago, three-month-old Kai-uh was on one of the Emmonak-Anchorage flights. She had been abandoned and had a collar so tight it was embedded in her neck. "When I saw her, I knew I wanted to take her home," Makenzie says.

Scott Hicks, Lynden Air Cargo President, adopted rescue dog Ollie, who was brought to Anchorage in 2020 at six months old. "Using our equipment for good is one of our core Lynden values," he says. "We are proud to help people and animals in remote communities, especially after disasters like Typhoon Halong."

A new arrival in Anchorage.