Pilots To The Rescue News - November 2024
Fresh off one of our busiest months of 2024, Pilots To The Rescue continued our momentum into November by completing several massive rescues. Over the past four weeks, we rescued 34 dogs and 72 cats, including a sweet kitten requiring an emergency amputation of his left leg. We're able to go on urgent missions like this because of our new plane - Big Paw - which can comfortably fit more than 30 animals at once. In this month’s newsletter, you can meet some of the animals we rescued in November, including an adorable litter of 9-week-old Pitbull pups. You can also learn a new tip for teaching your adopted dog how to stop pulling so hard on their leash during daily walks!
Thank you for your support in making these missions possible!
PTTR Teams Up with Hartz for Epic Rescue in SC
Noel and Holly were two of the 24 animals we rescued from homelessness in rural South Carolina on November 20th. These playful yellow lab mixes were abandoned by their owner in a mobile home park, where they were living independently until they were picked up by animal control. Fearing Noel and Holly would be euthanized without intervention, our dedicated partners at Saint Frances Animal Center ensured there was room for the pair for an upcoming rescue with PTTR. Departing from Essex County Airport in New Jersey, PTTR Top Dog Michael Schneider and co-pawlet Jason Oliver flew to Georgetown County, South Carolina, to pick up 7 dogs, 8 puppies, and 9 cats. Michael and Jason then flew back to Essex County Airport, where the dogs were received by staff members from New Jersey's Mt Pleasant Animal Shelter, Freedom First Rescue in Pennsylvania, and Happy Homes Animal Rescue in Old Bridge, New Jersey.
This mission was proudly sponsored by Hartz Loving Paws, the shelter outreach program of leading pet care brand, Hartz. PTTR and Hartz have been working together for several months to raise funds for Hurricane Helene relief efforts, particularly concerning displaced pets. Since the beginning of our partnership, we've collectively raised over $20,000!
Accompanying Michael and Jason on Big Paw was Hartz photographer and videographer Kelcey Dubinsky who instantly forged a bond with a fun-loving paw-ssenger from this mission named Hopkins! Also onboard was a litter of eight beautiful baby Pitbulls. Like Noel and Holly, these pups were abandoned by their former owner. When the pups were discovered, they were completely alone, with no momma dog in sight. Thanks to Hartz Loving Paws, the pups will now have the opportunity to be adopted by loving families.
Making this mission even more special was our poor paw-ssenger Oreo, a kitten who was found wandering through a convenience store in Georgetown County. A staff member at Saint Frances Animal Center was heartbroken to see Oreo dragging his injured leg up a flight of stairs. A local veterinarian eventually determined that Oreo’s leg had been damaged so badly that it was beyond repair. The only solution was a total amputation. Oreo's local shelter didn't have the means to coordinate the procedure, but that's when PTTR swooped in. With the help of Happy Homes Animal Rescue, Oreo was able to undergo emergency surgery just one day after he arrived in New Jersey. He is currently recovering from a successful procedure and will now get the medical treatment he needs to enjoy a higher quality of life.
PTTR Shepherds 45+ Animals Across the Northeast
On November 22nd, PTTR’s AMAZING driver and ground transportation manager, Albert Picewicz, got behind the wheel of PTTR’s Paw-ty Van for another huge rescue: 47 dogs and cats!
First, Albert drown down to Southern Pines, North Carolina, to pick up the dogs from Caring Hearts for Canines in Aberdeen, North Carolina, as well as a clowder of cats from The Barker Rescue Project in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the Bertie County Humane Society from Windsor, North Carolina, and the Humane Society of Dillon County, South Carolina. From here, Albert drove about 225 miles up to Richmond, Virginia, where he picked up four more kittens from Paddy’s Friends Kitten Fosters.
With all of his furry cargo finally in tow, Albert headed back up north to Abington, Pennsylvania, where he dropped off three dogs to Lucky Pups Dog Rescue. Next, Albert drove another four hours to Bloomfield, Connecticut to drop off 11 dogs to Dog Star Rescue, and the remaining five dogs to New England Puppy Rescue. For his final stop, Albert made his way to Worcester, Massachusetts, to drop off the cats to staff members of Cat Tales CT. Rest assured, these shelters are doing everything in their power to help these pets find loving homes during the holiday season.
Adoption Tip of the Month
If your dog has a lot of energy, going for walks may be the best part of their day. In fact, they might get so excited that they start pulling on their leash so they can get where they want to go faster. From a bystander’s perspective, it looks more like the dog is walking you, even though you’re supposed to be the leader. That’s why it’s important to teach your dog how to walk calmly beside you. Your dog must learn that you are in control of the walk, and that pulling you along is not good behavior.
The key is to teach your dog that being near you comes with rewards. So, when you’re just hanging around the house and your dog is calmly sitting next to you, give them plenty of positive reinforcement, maybe even a treat here and there. Once your dog gets the hang of it, start rewarding them when they walk by your side in your house or in your backyard.
Your dog should also learn that walking next to you means they get to move forward, but pulling you along means they have to stop. The second the leash starts to tighten on your grip, stop walking. Just stand still, stay quiet, and don’t move until your dog gets the message and stops moving forward. Eventually, your dog should turn back to you and wait patiently. Since this is good behavior, you know what to do: more positive reinforcement!
This Giving Season, Your Donation Goes TWICE as Far
It’s Giving Season, which means it’s time for nonprofit organizations like PTTR to step it up and remind our community why their loyalty means so much to us.
Over the next few weeks, we plan on saving even more lives than we did in November and traveling even greater distances to do so. Whether it’s in the air or on the ground, we are committed to rescuing as many animals as we can. Last month’s rescue with Hartz has brought us lots of attention, and we want to keep that momentum going into 2025.
In a spectacular act of generosity,Modern Aviation has launched a matching fundraiser to help fund our upcoming mission on December 5th. Thanks to your support, we are already more than half way towards our goal! Every donation - no matter how small - will go directly towards fuel, supplies, and other essential expenses for this cross-country trip to relieve overcrowded shelters in Louisiana AND North Carolina.
So, in honor of Giving Season, please visit pilotstotherescue.org/support to find out how you can DOUBLE your DONATION and help us fly these innocent souls to safety. The more donations we receive this time of the year, the more pets we can put in loving homes just in time for the holidays!
