Local funeral home director, pilot flies puppies to area rescue

Richard Traunero has been a pilot for over 25 years, and for 20 years has volunteered in flying patients to treatments. This last week, Traunero flew six Border Collie puppies from Cincinnati to Tiffin to the Buckeye Border Collie Rescue of Tiffin.The puppies were in a dangerous health situation and are to be nurtured to health by Wanda Heyman of BBCR.Buckeye Border Collie Rescue was founded in 1999 and is a nonprofit run by volunteers. The dogs are fostered in homes throughout the state.Traunero volunteers with Pilots 'N Paws and Lifeline Pilots. "I want to help whenever I can," Traunero said. "It is so gratifying." Pilots N Paws is a non-profit that connects volunteers who can come together to arrange or schedule rescue flights, overnight foster care or shelter, to name a few of their activities.Traunero said in volunteering his fly time it works along with his mission of doing whatever he can to help people."The dogs are so appreciative and know when you are helping them," he said.Traunero said he even rescued a golden-doodle who came home and stayed with them.Traunero always wanted to be a pilot and started his training in 1992. He leases aircraft from Tiffin Aire Inc.