We recently had the chance to connect with Peter E Rork MD and have shared our conversation below.
Peter E, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Rising at 6 am…feeding my three dogs, enjoying a cup of coffee, catching up on email, then to the gym by 7:30. Return home by 9 am and prepare are breakfast. Walk my dogs 4-6 miles a day (depending on the am gym workout) then back to the house and shower up.
Telephone call with Dog Is My CoPilot ED, Kara Pollard, and managing the day to day operations that involve three Cessna Caravans, three rescue flight coordinators, 8 pilots, and the associated bills that need payment.
Then hand writing thank you notes for those who have become part of the solution and have donated monies to Dog Is My CoPilot.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
A retired Orthopaedic Surgeon who combined his love for dogs with his skills as a pilot and the time to make it happen. In the Summer of 2012, I created the nonprofit “Dog Is My CoPilot “ with the express goal of saving as many otherwise healthy and perfectly adoptable animals from needless euthanasia. Doing good on a large scale is very difficult, but I did not know how to give up. I have scaled up from one pilot and one aircraft, flying 1,000 dogs (and some cats) from high risk situations to organizations that will never put down a healthy animal, to four aircraft, 8 full time employees, and saving 5-6,000 animals a year.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
My father. Instilled in each of his seven children a work ethic that has served us well.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Never give up on your goals and dreams…there is no Plan B
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
Zero euthanasia. Enforcement of spay and neuter programs, elimination of puppy mills and backyard breeding, licensing breeding organizations to allow inspectors to ensure that humane treatment is given
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When have you had to bet the company?
When I purchased our first Caravan in 2016 with no plans on how the loan was to be repaid
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dogcopilot..org
- Facebook: Dog Is My CoPilot Inc
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
