A Very Special Commemorative Lifesaving Fight

LIFESAVING FLIGHT

Lelan was a dog lover who would have turned 16 on August 4th. He tragically lost his life through suicide after silently struggling with bullying and mental health challenges recently. 

His mother is a director of a rural shelter who Homeward Trails has taken dogs from occasionally over the years. The pain of losing Lelan was clearly unbearable and it seems like an unsurmountable feat to turn such loss into anything positive. Homeward Trails is beyond honored to participate in this incredibly special effort that will do just that.

In Lelan’s memory, several animal rescues, in partnership with Seuk’s Army, hope to bring awareness to the mental health struggles so many young people face while also highlighting the healing and comfort animals can provide during difficult times. We also wish to do something lifesaving that Lelan would have loved in his honor.

Seuk’s Army is named for Suek Kim, a dedicated pilot who saved countless lives by flying them to awaiting rescues and who tragically died in 2025 when his plane crashed as he was flying rescued animals. The loss of Seuk is another tragedy almost too deep to fathom. But his legacy and his band of dedicated pilots and supporters endure in his honor.

On August 3rd, HT will participate in a lifesaving flight that will bring animals from Lelan’s community. The animals will be flown into the DC area on a private plane by dedicated pilots of Seuk’s Army.

Homeward Trails needs donations to cover the vetting that each of the dogs we take in will need – all come to us with heartbreaking, harrowing stories that highlight the power of resilience, love and endurance – all things that Lelan and Seuk would appreciate.

A portion of what we raise, after we are able to cover our animals’ medical costs, will be donated to Seuk’s Army to continue their lifesaving rescue operations.

Here are the very special animals Homeward Trails is hoping to take in with your support:

Ashton is a small Doodle who was found dumped in the woods. He had clearly been horribly neglected and no one knows how long he had been out on his own. The heat, the bugs and mud all tangled up in his horribly matted fur – the suffering he endured just hurts our hearts. He was terrified and starving. He had to be trapped and thankfully a wonderful rescuer on the ground was successful in doing so. He has a very long road ahead of him, but we can’t think of a better dog to give a 2nd chance to in honor of Lelan and Seuk. We are preparing for a long-term foster and much vetting to get this boy on the road to recovery. Donation goal: $1,850

Sweet Betsy is only 4 months old and was dumped in a milk carton on the side of the road. A milk carton. Just tossed aside like a piece of trash. This poor girl also has a long road ahead of her and will require extensive vetting and a long foster to help her gain her confidence. She deserves a life of love, warmth and caring. Donation goal: $850

Kanga, Capri and Roo are three siblings who were horribly treated and became an official cruelty case that had to involve Animal Control. Sadly, conditions and treatment must be VERY BAD if Animal Control is this southern area get involved and actually take the animals. 

They were so sick that for the first 24 hours it did not look as if they would live. The pain and suffering they had endured is unthinkable. Their rescue and flight to Homeward Trails will finally put them on a path that we hope will allow them to leave their horrific past behind. Like Ashton and Sweet Betsy, they too have long roads to recovery ahead of them. We desperately need donations to cover their extensive ongoing medical costs, long-term foster and whatever else may come their way. We want to give them EVERYTHING they deserve. Donation goal: $3,000

Tulip was also found discarded near the woods with fur so matted she lost it all. As a tiny little girl all alone having to fend for herself, we have no idea how she survived at all. She too will need extensive medical care and a longer-term foster to get her settled. In addition to other ailments from neglect, she is heartworm positive - so very expensive to treat. But again, she deserves all that we can possibly give her. Donation goal: $2,100