Pilots To The Rescue News - April 2025
Spring is a season of renewal - and thanks to you, it brought hope and new beginnings to 67 rescued animals! Pilots To The Rescue was proud to transport 43 dogs and 15 cats from overcrowded shelters in the Midwest and the Deep South, giving them a second chance at life, love, and family. Your impact didn't stop there. We also transported 6 foxes, 2 skunks, and a coyote from an illegal fur and urine farm in Ohio, an initiative we began last month. These innocent creatures are now living without fear because of you. In this month’s newsletter, you can meet some of the animals we rescued in April, including a group of cats who were left to fend for themselves after being abandoned by their former owners. Thank you for your support in making these missions possible!
5 Dogs, 1000+ Miles to Freedom
On March 30th, stormy skies grounded our rescue plane. But for 5 dogs clinging to the hope of a second chance, there was no time to wait. That's when Onn, one of our dedicated drivers, became their hero on wheels. It’s time like these when we are so grateful to have mobility in the air as well as on the ground. Without hesitation, Onn drove through the night from New Jersey to Northern Maryland to pick up five dogs from the Humane World for Animals. Next, another 990 miles to Kansas City, where the dogs were received by the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City. That's an incredible, 18-hour drive powered by compassion, determination, and your support. Why go to such lengths? Because every life matters. And when you see the fear in their eyes turn to trust - you know it's 100% worth every mile. Pictured below are three very handsome paw-ssengers from this mission (from left to right): Charcoal, Duke, and Rivers
PTTR Steps in to Fight Virginia Homeless Cat Crisis
Pictured here is Ginger, who was abandoned at a grocery store by her former owner in Wise County, Virginia. Employees contacted the Wise County Humane Society after noticing Ginger repeatedly trying to enter the store. When the Wise County Humane Society responded, volunteers quickly realized why Ginger was so desperate for shelter. Not only was she starving to death, but she was literally days away from giving birth to four healthy kittens! Unfortunately, this is not an uncommon scenario in Wise County, which is currently dealing with a massive cat overpopulation crisis. Homeless cats are often found roaming around outside churches, convenience stores, and restaurant dumpsters.
On April 16th, Onn drove to Western Virginia to pick up a whopping 18 dogs and 15 cats from the Wise County Humane Society along with Rescue & RemEMBER in Wytheville, Virginia, and the Rescue Ranch in McRae-Helena, Georgia. After safely bringing the animals back up North to New Jersey, he passed the reigns to PTTR Ground Operations Manager Albert Picewicz. Finally, Albert drove another 125 miles up to Meriden, Connecticut, where the animals were welcomed by the Wise County Humane Society’s rescue partner in the New England region, and the Doggoholic Rescue Foundation in Eastford, Connecticut. All of this was made possible by your support. Every mile, every life - thank you!
PTTR Gives Two Retired Mama Dogs a Chance at Freedom
If you’re wondering why Emma looks so lonely in the photo below, it’s because she’s faced the same situation as countless other mama dogs. Emma had recently given birth when she entered her former shelter. While each of her adorable pups were adopted one-by-one, Emma was forced to stay behind. It wasn’t long before Emma was all alone in her kennel, missing her pups terribly.
Emma finally got her second chance with a cross-country freedom ride from Alabama to New Jersey in partnership with Dallas Pets Alive! and the Animal Welfare Association, which is very confident they can match her with a loving family. It wasn't just the distance that made this journey special - it was the quiet bond that grew in the back of the van. Emma had a travel companion - Calliope, another mama dog who had spent months alone. Together, these two survivors kept each other company on the road, offering comfort the way only fellow mothers can. Please help us bring more dogs like Emma and cats out of cramped shelters and into the arms of loving families.
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