May 2025

Pilots To The Rescue News - May 2025

The weather was pure chaos in May, but Pilots To The Rescue’s community was too strong to let a little rain and wind hinder our progress. Thanks to your support, we rescued an incredible 77 dogs and 201 cats from overcrowded shelters in 6 states. We are rescuing more animals every month, and it's all because of you!

And we’ve got even more good news for you: At least 17 dogs we rescued in May are currently settling into their fur-ever homes!

In this month’s newsletter, you can meet some of our most precious paw-ssengers from this month, along with their new families. You can also learn how our amazing shelter partners came together and coordinated these cross-country, multi-state rescues!

15 Dogs from SC Find New Homes in Pennsylvania

On April 30th, one of our dedicated drivers set out to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to pick up 16 dogs from several shelters within the Palmetto State, including the Grand Strand Humane Society,  Peace, Love & Paws Inc., Saint Frances Animal Center and Williamsburg County Animal Care and Control.  With his furry cargo in tow, Owen drove back up North to Richmond, Virginia, where his driving duties were relieved by Pilots To The Rescue’s Ground Operations Manager, Albert Picewicz. After loading up the pups in his van, Albert drove another five hours to Hellertown, Pennsylvania.

While most of the country was sleeping peacefully, staff members of Freedom First Rescue gathered to welcome Albert and his adorable paw-ssengers at approximately 3:30 AM.  We couldn’t be more proud to work with such passionate shelter partners, and their hard work paid off in the most glorious way: 15 of these dogs have been adopted!  We’d also like to thank SE Coast SC Rescue Collaboration for coordinating this mission.

Here are three dogs from this mission in the arms of their new families (from left to right): Suzanne, Spud, and Hazel!

  

When Flights are Grounded, Our Vans Deliver Second Chances

Pam, a beautiful Tibetan Spaniel mix, was surrendered by her former owner who could no longer afford her vet care.  She was one of 43 animals - 18 dogs and 25 cats - originally scheduled to be flown to safety on May 13.  But when severe weather grounded our flight, we had to make a crucial decision.  Thanks to your support, we didn't have to cancel. We pivoted - because our ground transportation vans were ready to roll.  These rescue vans are more than just vehicles: they're lifelines. When the skies close due to stormy weather, our wheels keep turning. Without them, 43 lives - including these tiny kittens abandoned in a cardboard box - would have faced a much more uncertain future.

 

This life-saving mission, in collaboration with BISSELL Pet Foundation, spanned six shelters across multiple states. Another animal saved was Lulu, a mama cat in critical condition.  After three excruciating days in labor, Lulu was surrendered and found to be septic - with four deceased kittens still inside her.  She needed emergency surgery to survive. And survive she did.  Because our van made it possible to get her to safety, just in time.  Your generosity gives us the power to act fast - rain or shine.When the weather says "no," you help us say "yes."

50 Dogs and Cats Travel Over 1,000 Miles to Freedom

May 15 and four stops later, 50 animals we transported from the South to the Upper Northeast on this mission coordinated by Seuk’s Army, a network of volunteer pilots designed to preserve the legacy of fallen animal rescue pilot Seuk Kim.  We could feel Seuk smiling down at us while we traveled over 1,000 miles to bring these animals to a brighter future.

 Albert first drove down to Asheville, North Carolina, where he picked up 30 dogs and 40 cats. He then made his way to Culpepper, Virginia, before heading up to White Plains, New York, and Howes Cave, New York to deliver the animals to our loyal rescue partners. The animals are now safe in the care of the Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley, Compassionate Animal Rescue Efforts of Duchess County (CARE of DC), and Precious Pound Pups, Inc.  Albert spent more than 15 hours on the road, but the hope and spirit of his furry friends kept him going. They knew they were on their way to a better place, and guess what: they were right!

Will you help us bring the unconditional love of rescue animals into more households all over the country? Your support takes sweet and playful dogs like Ruby, Amber, and Arya out of danger and into loving homes, where they belong.  DONATE today!

From our Team at Pilots To The Rescue,  WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!