Born with a passion for both service and the skies, veteran Steklenski never imagined that his two greatest loves—aviation and animals—would converge in such an extraordinary way. It all began with a small yet powerful decision: to purchase a modest plane that would carry not just himself—but hope, opportunity, and life—to shelter dogs across the southern United States.
Shelter after shelter was bursting at the seams, and tragically, far too many dogs faced the unthinkable fate of euthanasia. Steklenski saw these dogs not as disposable statistics, but as living beings with the potential to bring boundless joy to families. Their plight tugged at his heart—especially for those already tagged as “high euthanasia risk.” He couldn’t stand idly by.
So, leveraging both his piloting skills and his deep compassion, he charted a different course: flying these shelter pups to other, more welcoming parts of the country where adoption rates were higher. His small plane became a vessel of mercy, crisscrossing state lines to deliver second chances.
Inspired by the boundless love he discovered in his own rescue dog, Tessa, Steklenski formalized his mission. He founded Flying Fur Animal Rescue, a nonprofit that gave structure, purpose, and momentum to his operation. Tessa became his co-pilot in spirit—her survival and resilience serving as the spark that ignited a movement.
Since its inception, Flying Fur has rescued over 1,500 dogs—each one flown out of danger and into a fresh start. With every takeoff came the electric mix of adrenaline and hope: Would the dog be healthy? Would a family need them on the other end? Each successful landing was a triumph—not just for the rescued animals, but for the trust and kindness of people waiting to adopt them.
Behind the scenes, Flying Fur Animal Rescue is fueled by a network of dedicated volunteers—pilots, veterinarians, transporters, and foster families—each united by the simple but powerful belief that every dog deserves a fighting chance. They prepare the pups, administer necessary care, schedule flights, and handle adoption placements. Every rescued dog’s journey is a collaborative effort.
Steklenski’s work has become an inspiring model of the extraordinary things one person can do when passion meets action. Not only has he saved lives—but he’s also ignited awareness, encouraged new pet adoption efforts, and brought communities together in support of animal rescue. Now, as “Eagle One” climbs into the sky, each mission carries more than paws—it carries a promise of goodwill, resilience, and love in motion.