Everyone loves a heartwarming story and here at The Hoboken Girl, we love to share them as much as we love to hear about them. On February 2nd, Maria Morgana, a resident of Guttenberg, joined Pilots to the Rescue — a nonprofit organization dedicated to animal welfare — to embark on a mission to save 28 dogs and seven cats in Virginia from euthanasia. Maria flew from New Jersey to Virginia to Massachusetts then back to New Jersey to help Pilots to the Rescue give these animals a second chance. Keep reading for all the details about this inspiring local story.

Photo Credit: Maria Morgana

Maria's Journey

While Essex County locals were waiting to hear from Punxsutawney Phil (or Lady Edwina of Essex, IYKYK) on Sunday, February 2nd, Maria Morgana of @HudsonStaysGolden was flying across the East Coast to help save animals at risk of euthanasia. Joining two volunteer pilots from Pilots to the Rescue, whose mission is to "prevent at-risk animals from being euthanized by transporting them via air and ground transportation," as per its website, they flew from Essex County Airport to Virginia to relocate 28 dogs and seven cats from overcrowded shelters.

Photo Credit: Maria Morgana

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In Virginia, they were met by many shelter volunteers who helped the animals prepare for their travels. "Their dedication was evident as they worked quickly and efficiently to ensure the animals were given lots of love and [comfort] for their journey ahead," Maria told The Hoboken Girl.

Photo Credit: Maria Morgana

From the lover state, Maria and Pilots to the Rescue flew to Massachusetts where the animals were taken to Wings of Freedom Animal Rescue, Live and Let Live Farm, and A Second Chance for Ziva Rescue to find their new homes. The group then flew back to New Jersey and took a special friend with them, Pesto, whose forever family was waiting for him in the Garden State. "By the time we landed back in New Jersey, the animals weren’t just passengers—they were starting new chapters of their lives," Maria said.

Maria shared with HG that this trip paid homage to Seuk Kim, a pilot who died in a plane crash in the Catskill Mountains while on an animal rescue mission on November 24th, 2024. Seuk Kim was rescuing four dogs that day. One was dropped off in Maryland and the other three were to be taken to the Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley in New York, according to Times Union. Two of the dogs involved survived the crash and one by the name of the Whiskey was adopted this past week. In honor of Seuk Kim, the nonprofit Seuk's Army was founded. This organization was also in attendance during Pilots to the Rescue's mission on February 2nd.

Photo Credit: Maria Morgana

"The real heart of this mission was the incredible work of the volunteers, the pilots, and the shelter workers who all came together to save these animals," Maria told The Hoboken Girl. "It’s truly amazing to see the power of community come together for a cause like this."

For Maria, this mission was more than just doing a good deed. "It was a reminder that, even in the face of tragedy, there is always room for hope, love, and new beginnings."

About Pilots to the Rescue

Photo Credit: Maria Morgana

After learning about a group of abandoned puppies in rural North Carolina who were scheduled for euthanasia due to the lack of space at the local shelter, Michael Schneider and fellow pilot Brian Orter flew to North Carolina for their first rescue mission in 2015. A year later, Michael founded Pilots To The Rescue.

Since its establishment, this organization has completed 283 missions, flown 312,066 miles, and saved 3,768 animals. In 2025 alone, Pilots To The Rescue has embarked on nine separate missions across the East Coast and Mid-West.

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See here to donate to Pilots to the Rescue. "Even the smallest donation directly contributes to our operations and helps us spare more dogs and cats from suffering in overcrowded shelters," as per the organization's website.

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