When United States Marine Andrew Morales was reassigned from southern California to Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, he faced a heartbreaking dilemma. His two beloved dogs, Dusty and Wyatt, had been by his side since his military service overseas. But as he prepared for the move, he discovered that his canine companions were too large to fly on any commercial airline. The thought of leaving them behind was unthinkable. Fortunately, a surprising act of generosity from a stranger changed everything.
This story, which highlights the strength of the bond between humans and animals, as well as the kindness of strangers, quickly caught attention online. The issue of transporting large dogs by air is not uncommon, and for military families who often relocate, it can pose a serious challenge. In Morales’s case, the two Anatolian Shepherds had been rescued during his tour in Afghanistan. As he told WWAY, “In Afghanistan, they are pretty much your best friend.” The dogs were more than pets—they were family.
After exhausting all options with commercial airlines, Morales reached out to the rescue league that had originally helped bring Dusty and Wyatt to the United States. The organization shared his story online, hoping someone might be able to help. That’s when Helen Rosburg, a philanthropist and heiress to the Wrigley chewing gum fortune, saw the post on her Facebook timeline and decided to take action.
Rosburg, who is known for her support of both military personnel and animal rescue efforts, didn’t hesitate. She chartered a private jet so Morales and his dogs could travel together to their new home. “He was going to lose his dogs and I said ‘Not on my watch,’” she told ABC News. “He’s a hero on so many different levels. The Wrigleys are an extremely patriotic family and I am a true Wrigley child.”
Rosburg is also the founder of On The Wings of Angels Rescue, an organization dedicated to helping animals in need. According to her, friends and acquaintances often share difficult rescue cases with her, knowing she may be able to help. “Everybody in my circle knows what I do,” she said. “If they see an impossible situation, they’ll post something to my [Facebook] timeline.”
The emotional weight of the situation was not lost on Morales and his family. The Marine and his wife were overwhelmed with gratitude. “From the bottom of me and my wife’s hearts we really appreciate what she did for us,” he said. The opportunity to keep their family together during a stressful transition meant the world to them, and they hope to meet Rosburg in person to thank her. Rosburg, for her part, said she would love to meet the Morales family and is confident they’ll find a way to connect.
I found this detail striking: Rosburg’s quick and decisive response came not through formal channels, but from a simple Facebook post. It underscores the power of social media to connect people in meaningful ways and to mobilize help where it is urgently needed. Her actions also reflect how individual generosity can have a profound impact, especially when it aligns with personal passions—in her case, supporting veterans and rescuing animals.
This uplifting story has resonated with many because it touches on several deeply human themes: loyalty, gratitude, and the importance of standing by those who serve. It also sheds light on the challenges faced by military families, particularly when it comes to relocating with pets. As more people become aware of these issues, perhaps solutions like pet-friendly transport options will become more accessible.
Stories like this remind us that compassion can come from unexpected places and that sometimes, all it takes is one person to make a life-changing difference. For Andrew Morales, Dusty, and Wyatt, that person was Helen Rosburg—a woman who saw a need and responded with action, ensuring that a Marine’s family stayed whole.
