Pilots to the Rescue News - October, 2024
October was a milestone month in the PTTR journey, and one of our busiest of 2024. Over the past four weeks, we rescued 89 dogs and 22 cats, many of which have since been adopted! We also recently acquired a new plane (pictured below) that will allow us to go on more rescues and save more lives.
And it’s all thanks to your support.In this month’s newsletter, you can meet some of the animals we rescued in October, including a group of dogs who were found in an abandoned home in North Carolina along with 50 other caged animals. Scroll a little further down to read a new tip for teaching your adopted dog how to let go of their favorite toy!
PTTR Gives 10 Animals a New Life in Upstate New York
October 25th, 2024 marked a pivotal moment for PTTR: Our first mission with our new Kodiak plane!As if this wasn't special enough, this rescue was coordinated by the legendary BISSELL Pet Foundation to find space for pets who were rendered homeless due to Hurricane Helene.Departing from Essex County Airport in New Jersey, PTTR Pilot-in-Command Paul Mamauag and Co-Pawlet Michael Schneider flew to Asheville Regional Airport in Asheville, North Carolina, which unfortunately bore the brunt of Hurricane Helene’s damage.It was here where Michael and Paul picked up 8 dogs and 2 cats that were supplied by the Henderson County Animal Services Center. Accompanying Michael and Paul onboard were two animal-loving social media influencers: Gabby Epstein and Samantha Schneiter (pictured above with one of her favorite paw-ssengers).Next, the crew flew to Greater Binghamton Airport in upstate New York, where the animals were received by the Susquehanna SPCA. Here, you can meet two more lucky souls who now have a real chance at finding loving homes in New York’s Mohawk Valley:
PTTR Frees 23 Animals from Abuse in NC and NJ
Last month, the Humane Society of the United States got word of a large group of animals who were living in filthy conditions in a 960-square-foot residence in Caldwell County, North Carolina. Following a raid from Caldwell County Animal Care and Enforcement, the dogs were transported to HSUS’ facility in Maryland. Though the animals were safe here, HSUS was concerned about the incoming Hurricane Helene. It was only a matter of time before more animals in North Carolina were going to be left without a home. And that’s when HSUS contacted PTTR in early October. Taking the wheel of PTTR’s Paw-ty Van, our incredible driver, Albert Picewicz, first drove down to Maryland to pick up 23 dogs from HSUS on October 9th. In addition to the NC cruelty case, some of these dogs had been rescued from an illegal dogfighting operation in Cumberland County, New Jersey. With his furry cargo in tow, Albert then drove more than 500 miles back up North to Stratham, New Hampshire, where the dogs were received by the New Hampshire Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NH SPCA). Thanks to the NH SPCA’s ongoing adoption events, at least 8 of these precious pups are currently settling into their forever homes! Here are two more paw-ssengers from this critical mission:
Volunteer Spotlight: Jessie PenaThis month, it’s our honor to spotlight Jessie Pena, the director of the volunteer-driven Pet Orphans Miami. Jessie became involved in animal rescue shortly after she was exposed to the severity of South Florida’s homeless pet crisis more than 10 years ago. She vividly remembers driving down Krome Avenue one day when she noticed a group of homeless dogs on the side of the road.The following weekend, Jessie returned to this same secluded area to find even more homeless dogs. She eventually discovered that people have been driving to this spot on Krome Avenue for years to abandon their pets. Horrified, Jessie swore that she would help put an end to this cycle and serve as a voice for voiceless animals.She has since participated in myriad PTTR rescues, most recently this past month, when she helped coordinate a ground rescue of 12 dogs in Dillon, South Carolina with Toby’s Dream Dog Rescue. During the mission, Albert from PTTR also gave Jessie some essential dog grooming supplies from Hartz Loving Paws, which she promptly delivered to the Southeast Volusia Humane Society to aid the area’s recovery from Hurricane Milton.
Adoption Tip of the Month
Much like “come” and “sit,” “drop it” is another essential command for dogs. When your dog knows this command, they understand how to let go of something that shouldn’t be in their mouths. Teaching your dog to “drop it” is also a way to communicate that fetch is over or isn’t permitted in the house.Here’s how to teach your dog to “drop it.”1.When your dog has their toy in their mouth, say “drop it” andoffer them another toy or a treat.2.Once your dog drops the toy, reward them with a treat and praise.Repeat this step several times over the coming days (or weeks) soyour dog gets used to it.3.Eventually, begin phasing out the second toy. However, you should still reward them with praise and a treat whenever they drop their toy at your command.4.Now that your dog understands what “drop it” means, you can phase out the treat and reinforce them with verbal praise only.
PTTR Needs Your Help to Save More Displaced Pets
If you watch the news, you know that a great deal of the U.S. is still reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. Over the past few weeks, our ground crew has been on the road, traveling to multiple states to help transport displaced pets to larger facilities. We started in Wilkes, North Carolina, picking up 25 dogs and then transporting them to Louisville, Kentucky, where they were received by the Human Society of Greater Kansas City. Later that week, we headed back to NC to pick up 5 more dogs before transporting them to the Human Society of the United States facility in Hagerstown, Maryland.
We want to keep our ground crew on the road to save as many of these poor souls as
possible. But we need your help to do it. If you’d like to help a displaced pet from Hurricane
Helene find a new home, please consider donating today. Your support puts fuel in our
vehicles so we can continue providing our vital services to the many shelter facilities that
really, really need them right now. If you don’t have the means to donate, there are still plenty
of ways to become a PTTR ambassador and contribute to our missions. Just go on our
website and see how even the most mundane activity - like selling items on eBay - can help
us go on more rescues and save more lives.
