Welcome to Broadway Stages' Spotlight, where we feature local shops, restaurants, organizations, individuals, and venues. We encourage our readers to consider supporting these organizations to advance the local community. This week, we share the story of Pilots To The Rescue, based in Greenpoint, Brooklyn!

Animal shelters across the country provide our animal friends the opportunity to find loving forever homes. But what happens to animals when shelters are overcrowded? How can less crowded shelters in other communities take on these animals? This is the thought that spurred Michael Schneider to action. Schneider is the "Top Dog," meaning he is the Founder, Executive Director, and Chief Pilot at Pilots To The Rescue (PTTR). PTTR supports a network of trained volunteer pilots who transport thousands of animals from kill shelters to places where they can await adoption and find forever homes. In 2023, the organization rescued 1,003 homeless pets.

Schneider heard of a group of puppies abandoned in North Carolina in the summer of 2014. These foundlings were taken to a local shelter but were slated for euthanasia due to overcrowding. This was saddening, but what added to Schneider's frustration was his knowledge that the shelters near him had plenty of space.

"When it comes to animals, it's about making more space. When you make more space in these facilities, you allow an influx of these animals, whether temporary or permanent," Shneider told News12 of Westchester.

With resources being low, a timeline to save the puppies was too short to accommodate driving to North Carolina for a rescue. So, Scheider, a licensed pilot with access to a plane, jumped into action. Along with his longtime friend, Brian Orter, they flew to North Carolina, picked up the litter, and flew back in just a few hours.

Inspired, Michael combined his two greatest passions -- aviation and animal welfare -- to form Pilots To The Rescue. Over the next five years, Michael maintained his “day job” as a corporate events manager while saving lives with PTTR with the help of an ever-growing crew of selfless volunteer pilots who shared his love for animals. During COVID, Michael decided to commit himself full-time to his mission of preventing homeless pets from being euthanized and giving them the best possible chance at a better life.

"It took 45 years for me to realize what I wanted to do when I grew up. This is a real passion of mine, and it gives me such a sense of fulfillment. I love doing this work. It's tremendous," he told NBC News Now.

The nonprofit's work is sustained by the dedication of incredible donors, partners, and volunteers. No matter the size, every donation makes a difference in how many lives they can save. If you share PTTR's sympathies, you can donate here. Beyond the flights themselves, Schneider emphasizes the transformative power of hands-on involvement in rescue work. You can volunteer as a pilot, a driver, or many other ways.

A volunteer at a shelter with whom PTTR works told the website Great Nonprofits, "As a volunteer for Amazing Mutts Puppy Rescue, I see the challenges of being involved in saving dogs and finding them homes. Pilots to the Rescue provides a quicker and less stressful transportation for dogs located hours away. This helps the new dogs decompress faster in Foster and be available for adoption to their new homes sooner. Their help is invaluable to our organization."

Year-round, PTTR coordinates with rescue facilities all over the U.S. to find space for dogs and cats abandoned or returned to animal shelters by their previous owners. By transporting pets to available shelters by air, they are positioned to quickly find new homes and loving families. In October, PTTR flew over 6600 miles to save 89 dogs and 3 cats. This includes rescues prompted by natural disasters like Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Ahead of Hurricane Milton, PTTR partnered with the Humane Society of the United States to transport 25 dogs north to be adopted, as reported by News 12 Westchester. Later in the month, the Daily Star in Oneonta, New York, reported about a rescue that flew 13 dogs to safety from areas damaged by Hurricane Helene.

Animals are near and dear to our hearts at Broadway Stages. We know how vulnerable these creatures can be and how inspiring they can be when they become a member of our families. In this month of gratitude, we are very thankful that the dedicated Pilots To The Rescue team is applying their talents to a real need. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for inspirational stories and chances to help. And maybe drop them a line to let them know you are thankful, too!