Our Heroes

We’ve all been transfixed by the story of Chesley (Sully) Sullenberger, the pilot who eased US Airways A320 safely into the frigid Hudson River on Thursday, saving all 155 people. He has been hailed as a hero by New York Mayor Bloomberg and New York Gov. David Paterson.

The fact is, Sully and his family, Lorrie, Katie and Kelly, have always been heroes in our book. With the Alameda puppy raising group lead by Diana Hirzel, they raised two pups: Fran and Misty, and have been to many Fun Days on our California campus. They’ve also provided love and care to three of our breeder dogs: Goldens Pita and Rainbow, and more recently Twinkle, a Lab. Twinkle (pictured) is retired now with Sully and his family. She produced 19 puppies, five of whom went on to become Guide Dogs.

Selfless volunteers like the Sullenbergers are role models for all of us. Caring expertise, it seems, is all in a day’s work for this family. We’re so proud to have you and your family with us, Captain Sullenberger!

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Updated January 22, 2008:
Read more about Captain Sullenberg's heroism at these websites -

San Francisco Chronicle, "Bay Area pilot hailed as hero in N.Y. plane crash"
Contra Costa Times, "Wife of Danville pilot says `This is the Sully I know'"
U.K Times, "Immaculate, unflappable and now the hero of the Hudson"