Small paws, big distance: A rescue story to remember

Our rescue operations aren’t a single act. They’re a collection of helping hands, and sometimes wings. Together, pilots, rescue partners, fosters, donors, and volunteers help keep animals flying toward safety and care.

That’s exactly what happened when six puppies were found abandoned at a Manitoba dump, and they needed help fast. Canadian Wings of Rescue volunteer pilot Ori Kaplan completed the two-day mission to help transport them to safety in Ontario, where the next steps toward care and rehoming could begin. We’re also grateful to CBC’s morning program for sharing the story and helping Canadians see what it takes to move animals from crisis to care.

A career in the cockpit, a cause in the heart

The puppies’ destination was Chance’s Rescue in Chesterville, Ontario, a community near Ottawa, where they’d have a stronger path to adoption.

Ori made the seven-hour flight to Manitoba from southern Ontario, stayed overnight, and then returned the next day with six puppies onboard, beginning their journey toward safety. He described them as “adorable,” “quiet,” and “great,” the kind of small detail that says a lot. Even on a long day of travel, they handled it like champs.

Ori is a commercially licensed pilot, and aviation is his career. While Canadian Wings of Rescue is powered by many private pilots who volunteer around other careers and family schedules, Ori represents a smaller group in our community: pilots who bring professional aviation experience into rescue missions.

It’s a reminder that these flights are made possible by a broad community. Different backgrounds, the same steady hands, and the same goal: getting animals to safety as calmly and carefully as possible.

Once the puppies were safely on the ground, they were in the right place, with the right people, at the right time.

Why he volunteers

When asked what motivates him, the answer was simple. He loves flying, and he loves animals. That combination is enough.

He also spoke to the difficult reality that brings many of these missions together in the first place: the stories behind the animals can be devastating, and the need is constant. When an opportunity comes up to move animals from crisis toward care, he wants to be part of that chain.

From puppies to wildlife

Ori’s volunteering with Canadian Wings of Rescue has included both companion animals and wildlife. He shared that his first CWOR flight involved transporting bald eagles, a mission that required extra care and a smooth ride.

Wildlife transports can be especially sensitive, and Ori noted how important it was that the eagles weren’t shaken too much. With minimal turbulence that day, the birds were transported safely back to Ontario.

Different passengers, different considerations, same outcome: getting animals where they need to be.

The team behind the flight

We’re grateful to Ori for stepping in when a pilot was needed, and for the time, care, and professionalism he brought to this mission. We’re equally grateful to the rescue partners involved, our transport coordinators, and the supporters who make these outcomes possible.

A huge thank you again to CBC’s morning program for spotlighting the community effort behind these flight.
You can view the CBC segment here: https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.7010202