The weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas can feel like a blur of busy schedules, holiday stress, and never-ending to-do lists, but even during the most hectic time of year, iHeartDogs VIP members showed up in the most incredible way. Because of their unwavering compassion and support, 54 shelter pets received a life-saving gift just in time for Christmas: a one-way ticket out of overcrowded shelters and into hope.
On December 9, 2025, iHeartDogs teamed up with Greater Good Charities to make a miracle happen. Appropriately named “A Christmas Wish Flight,” this rescue mission transported 32 dogs and 22 cats from overwhelmed shelters in Louisiana to safety in New Jersey, where loving rescue partners were ready and waiting.
Louisiana Shelters Were Overwhelmed, and Time Was Running Out
As the holidays approached, shelters across Louisiana faced a heartbreaking reality: intakes surged, kennels filled to capacity, and resources were stretched thin. Every day brought more dogs and cats in need of help, and many were stuck spending the season behind bars, some even at risk of euthanasia simply because there wasn’t enough space.
These pets weren’t wishing for toys or treats. Their Christmas wish was something far more meaningful: A home. A second chance.
New Jersey Had Space But Needed Our Help to Get Them There
Thankfully, our rescue partners in New Jersey stepped up and made room for these at-risk pets. The only problem? They could only welcome them if we could transport them. And because this flight was our final rescue flight of 2025, the timing was urgent. We reached out to our devoted community of animal lovers, and they came through in a big way, sending direct donations and purchasing Second Chance products from our iHeartDogs shop to fuel the flight.
As planned, the fully-funded Christmas Wish Rescue Flight took off on December 9, carrying a plane full of hope from Louisiana to rescues in New Jersey, including Char Wills German Shepherd Rescue, Real Dog Rescue, and St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center. Thanks to everyone involved, these 54 pets are finally getting the fresh start they deserve.
Spotlight: Meet Three of the Brave Canine Passengers
Among the wagging tails on board was Hank, a playful Basset Hound mix with an adorable face and a heart full of love. Hank was surrendered to an overcrowded Louisiana shelter alongside his best buddy and near-twin, Trigger. Now safe in New Jersey, both pups are finally getting the chance to find the family they’ve always dreamed of.
Then there’s Nyla, a sweet 1-year-old Lab/Boxer mix who checks all the boxes: housebroken, cat-friendly, affectionate, and social. She was surrendered through no fault of her own, but her future is now bright, and we have no doubt she’ll be snuggled into a forever home very soon.
Thank You for Making Christmas Miracles Possible!
This flight wasn’t just a transport; it was a lifeline. And it was made possible because iHeartDogs Hero VIP members chose compassion during one of the busiest times of year.
Thanks to you, 54 pets are now safe, warm, and on the path to loving homes, and some may even get their greatest Christmas wish of all: a family for the holidays!
Not a VIP member yet? Sign up here and enjoy annual discounts, early VIP access, and much more. Plus, your monthly membership provides five nourishing meals for shelter dogs each and every month!
Help keep the mission going and fund future rescue flights. Shop our Rescue Flight Collection today.
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