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Pilots To The Rescue - January 2026
Pilots To The Rescue News
Happy New Year! 2025 was our biggest year yet, and our sights are set even higher for 2026. But lofty goals come with even loftier challenges. Thanks to Mother Nature, we were put to the test very early in 2026 with a snowstorm for the ages. Fueled by your support and sheer grit, we were able to push past the snow and ice to rescue 221 furry lives (142 dogs and 79 cats) on 7 rescue missions within a single month! Thank you for making sure we didn't lose any of the momentum we worked so hard for in 2025. Read on to learn how inclement weather nearly derailed our first mission of 2026 and meet some of our brave paw-ssengers, including a very special puppy who showed us that hope is bulletproof.
When Winter Said "No," We Said "Watch Us."
We wish we could say 2026 got off to an easy start. Instead, January tested everything we stand for. On our very first mission of the year, 48 animals were counting on us, and the odds were stacked against them. Multiple stops. Long distances. Lives on the line. And then the storm hit. Our rescue plane, Big Paw, sat frozen in place at our home base, Essex County Airport. It seemed the mission was doomed.
But this is what makes the Pilots To The Rescue community extraordinary. Volunteer pilot Stephen Nur and co-pawlet Logan Burtt refused to give up. They quickly called in the airport’s de-icing squad. As they sprayed de-icing fluid, a white cloud of vapor emerged around Big Paw, and we could hear an audible hiss as the ice released its grip. With Big Paw freed, Stephen and Logan took off into the darkened skies with one purpose: to bring these animals to safety. The route was long. First to South Carolina, where our longtime rescue partner, Seuk’s Army, entrusted us with precious cargo. Then onward to Albany, New York, and Manchester, New Hampshire, each stop delivering second chances.
The weather was unforgiving, but your support made the impossible possible. Because of you, these furry souls are starting their new year curled up in soft beds and being showered with squeaky toys, as every dog deserves. That includes our paw-ssenger Daisy, who was adopted just days after the mission. Here she is in her cozy fur-ever home!
Adoption Pup-Date: Levi the Tennessee Lap Dog!
If you’ve ever broken a bone, you know how much pain this poor boy was in. Levi needed a miracle, and because of your generous support, he got one! Here is brave little Levi after his major surgery!
Valentina Survives Cruelty to Find Freedom
On January 23rd, volunteer pilot Stephen Nur and co-pawlet David Lechter took to the skies to rescue Valentina along with 26 other animals, with the help of SE Coast SC Rescue Collaboration. As you can see below, Valentina knew she was on her way to a better life. Rather than hanging back like the other paw-ssengers, Valentina was all eyes up front, soaking up some well-deserved love from David!
Valentina is now safe in the care of Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter, where she will most definitely find her fur-ever home very, very soon. And who does she have to thank? No, not just us, because there’s no Pilots To The Rescue without YOU. If we couldn’t rely on your support, Valentina would be growing up in an overcrowded shelter, instead of a loving home. On behalf of Valentina and her fellow January paw-ssengers, thank you so much for staying loyal to us as we head into 2026. Our goal for this year is to save 2,800 souls, and at this rate, we’re on track to surpass it. But we can’t do it alone. Will you help us save more dogs like Valentina in the months ahead? Remember: Every dollar goes directly towards essential expenses for our life-saving missions, so even the smallest contribution can make a difference.
