S1 E5 – This Is Why We Do It | Emotional Rescue Pet Reunions

Описание: In the final episode of Season 1, the mission comes full circle. Cheryl Martinez of Pilots To The Rescue excitedly calls Lorri from Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter to share the news: we did it. The rescue transport was a success. The animals were warmed, cuddled, flown, and delivered—safely and with love.

As Cheryl walks Lorri through every heartfelt moment, their shared passion for animal rescue shines. Two women, deeply committed to saving lives, reflect on what it took to get these shelter pets from near-euthanasia to forever homes.

And then, the moment we all wait for: our incredible volunteers knock on doors across Virginia, delivering each rescued dog and cat into the arms of their adoptive families. Tail wags. Tears. Hugs. Joy. This is why we do what we do. This is the power of community, compassion, and showing up for animals in need.

If you’ve ever wondered whether one person can make a difference—this episode is your answer. Thank you to our donors, our partners, and everyone who makes this life-saving work possible.

🙏 If you believe in our mission and think this series can inspire change, please share it with your friends, family, and fellow animal lovers. Every view and share helps spread awareness for animals in need—and hopefully leads to another fun season of real animal rescue stories!

💙 Donate and see how your support helps us save lives.
📍 Learn more or get involved at PilotsToTheRescue.org
📺 We hope you enjoyed Season 1. Leave a comment, spread the love, and don't forget to subscribe so you can be the first to watch Season 2!

#ForeverHome #PetAdoption #DogRescue #CatRescue #AnimalRescue #AdoptDontShop #PilotsToTheRescue #AnimalShelter #VolunteerRescue #RescueMission #NonprofitWork

About This Series

This docu-series was inspired by real animal rescue missions carried out by Pilots To The Rescue and our incredible partners. While some scenes have been dramatized for storytelling, every featured animal in this episode was rescued and given a second chance at life. This series was created to raise awareness about the growing crisis of shelter overcrowding, to spotlight the heroes working behind the scenes, and to inspire more people to adopt—not shop.

Want to make a difference?

Visit your local animal shelter, consider opening your heart and home to a foster or adoptable pet, and help us spread the word. Every share, every donation, and every act of compassion brings us one step closer to saving more lives.

Cast & Crew:

Pilots To The Rescue

Michael Schneider – Founder & “Top Dog” Pilot
‪@CherylMartinez‬ – Creative Dir. & Social Media Strategist
McKenzie Brennan – Rescue Pilot
Kyle Kirschner - Board Member
Albert Picewicz - Ground Operations Manager

Collaborators

Lorri Caffrey – Exec. Dir. at Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter
Hartz Loving Paws – https://hartz.com/hartz-loving-paws
Airbound Aviation - https://airboundaviation.com
Daher Kodiak Aircraft aka “Big Paw” – Powers our air rescue efforts
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van aka “Waggin Wheels” – Powers our ground rescue efforts

Featured Animals

Rescued by Pilots To The Rescue & Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter
Adoption Application: https://njshelter.org/adoption-applic...

Production Team

Produced by: NiteLite Pictures – https://nitelitepictures.com
Executive Producers: Harry Lowell & Ari Whilhelm
Director of Photography: Dave Cowley & Chris
Editorial: NiteLite Pictures – https://nitelitepictures.com
Production Assistant: Angelica Wilson
Story by: Pilots To The Rescue + NiteLite Pictures
On Location at: Essex County Airport, NJ

Real rescues. Real heroes. Real happy endings.

According to the ASPCA, over 920,000 dogs and cats are euthanized in U.S. shelters each year due to overcrowding and lack of resources. Thank you for being part of the solution and helping us reduce that number. Your support helps make our life-saving nonprofit work possible.

Support our mission: https://pilotstotherescue.org
Adopt. Donate. Volunteer. Share.