Skip to content

Wrigley Heiress Charters Private Plane for Marine's Dogs to Fly Cross-Country



Reposted from ABC News

Click Here for video

A good Samaritan with deep pockets chartered a private jet to fly a Marine's dogs across the country to the soldier's new base on Sunday, after the pets were deemed too big to travel on commercial flights.

Helen Rosburg, the great-granddaughter of chewing gum industrialist William Wrigley, said she was more than happy to help out Andrew Morales and his family upon hearing that they may have to leave their beloved pets behind.

"He was going to lose his dogs and I said 'Not on my watch,'" said Rosburg. "He's a hero on so many different levels. The Wrigleys are an extremely patriotic family and I am a true Wrigley child."

Morales had rescued Dusty and Wyatt while on an overseas tour of duty almost three years ago and could not bear to part with the two part-Anatolian Shepherds.

"In Afghanistan, they are pretty much your best friend," Morales told ABC Affiliate WWAY.

 After he was reassigned from his base in southern California to camp Lejeune, N.C., in October, Morales called various airlines to book travel for the dogs, but was told that the dogs were too big for commercial planes landing at the airport at his new base.
He called the rescue league that had initially helped bring the dogs back from Afghanistan, and they made an online appeal on the family's behalf.

Rosburg, a self-described animal lover, said she first heard about the family's plight after a friend posted the appeal on her Facebook wall.

Rosburg acknowledged she has a reputation for rescuing animals and at-risk youth, as well as supporting the military.

"Everybody in my circle knows what I do," said Rosburg. "If they see an impossible situation, they'll post something to my [Facebook] timeline."

Rosburg is a horse exhibitor and published romance novelist who raises German shepherds for "personal protection, military, police, service." She is the founder of animal rescue organization, On the Wings of Angels Rescue, and has pigs, chickens, goats, cattle, donkeys, rabbits, cats and exotic birds on her farm in Tampa, Fla.

The family said they were thrilled that Rosburg came to their rescue, and said they would love to thank her in person one day.

"From the bottom of me and my wife's hearts we really appreciate what she did for us," said Morales.

They may just be able to, if Rosburg has anything to do with it. The heiress said she would "absolutely" love to meet them. "We've just got to find a way to get together," she said.

Last year, a former Marine, Shaun Duling, raised $4,000 to be reunited with a dog he was forced to leave behind in Afghanistan. Duling enlisted the help of an organization called Nowzad, which helps rescue animals in Afghanistan, to bring the stray back to his home in Alexandria, Va.

More Stories

  • Letter To The Editor

    Dear Kentucky State Fair Board,

    My name is Melissa Moore; I am an American Saddlebred, Hackney and Roadster horse trainer. I am a second generation horse trainer whose family is deeply immersed in this equine industry and has been for over 75 years.  

    Read More
  • UPHA Office Moving

    UPHA is relocating to a new address. Kindly update your records with our new location. The postal address is P.O. Box 3728, Midway, KY 40347 and the physical address is 123 East Main St, Midway, KY 40347. Read More
  • From the Desk of Edward R. “Hoppy” Bennett

    Dear Members of The American Saddlebred Community, 

    As predicted, we have received pushback from various members of the Saddlebred industry, namely the American Saddlebred Horse & Breeders Association (ASHBA).  When we made our decision to replace the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) with Equine Sports Council (ESC), we were aware of and discussed this pushback and moved forward with the changes, knowingly.

    Read More
  • River Ridge Is USEF Lite Rated

    Barbara Dunham, manager of the River Ridge Charity Horse Show, announced that the show has been granted USEF Lite status for its April 24-27 event at the Ohio State Fairgrounds, Columbus, Ohio. Read More
  • ASHBA Special Release

    In response to recent developments surrounding the World's Championship Horse Show (WCHS), the American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA) is pleased to announce the launch of a dedicated webpage to serve as a news hub for its members. This webpage will provide timely updates and information as the situation evolves. Read More
  • Morgan Grand National Update On New Coliseum

    The Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show is one step closer to the beginning of a new era as progress on the new state-of-the-art coliseum in Oklahoma City continues on schedule. Read More
  • Update On Citrus Cup Regional - New Venue and Dates For 2024

    Join in for fun in the sun at Citrus Cup at its new location, the fabulous World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida, on April 24-27, 2024. Fay Lowry will be judging all main ring classes. The new revised class schedule includes classes for Morgans, Saddlebreds, Hackney, Harness Pony, Open breed, carriage, ranch riding, and dressage divisions. Read More
  • ASHBA Special Release

    Many of you received an email today from David Beck, President and CEO of Kentucky Venues, that indicates a decision has already been made by the Kentucky State Fair Board (KSFB) to change the governance of the World's Championship Horse Show from the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF).  Read More
  • ASHBA Special Release

    The American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA) is extending the National and National Amateur Futurity weanling nomination deadline until May 1, 2024... Read More
  • ASHBA Special Release

    The American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA) has given the Kentucky State Fair Board (KSFB) notice to terminate its 1995 agreement with the KSFB to provide support to the World’s Championship Horse Show (WCHS). The termination notice was hand delivered to the KSFB on Friday, March 15. Read More