The definition of a "Merry Christmas" for a shelter animal is a forever home. 

Sadly, shelters in Louisiana and Alabama are overflowing which puts animals at risk of euthanasia due to lack of space and adopters.

That is why, with your support and our partner Greater Good Charities, we are conducting the Most Wonderful Flight of the Year to save shelter cats and dogs. 

Instead of loading a sleigh full of gifts for the good boys and girls, we are going to load the good cats and dogs onto a flight that will give them the ultimate gift- a second chance.

On December 23, we will fly 40 dogs and nearly 30 cats out of overcrowded shelters to New Jersey to find forever homes.

Meet just a few of the pet passengers who have been on their best behavior all year.

Tommy 

The terrier mix is ready for his next adventure. His caretakers shared, "Tommy is a sweet little guy who loves cozy cuddles just as much as festive playtime—whether that’s a brisk winter walk or a few minutes of fun before settling in close." 

He gets along well with other dogs and just wants a home of his own. The shelter told us, "Tommy doesn’t need much—just a soft place to land, a bit of routine, and people who enjoy sharing the season with a loyal companion by their side. This time of year is about comfort, connection, and home. Giving Tommy a place in yours creates space for another animal to get help—and gives him the holiday gift that matters most: belonging." 

Hazel

This sweet three-year-old beagle mix was found as a stray. She adores people and just wants to be near them. According to her current shelter, "She’s small-bodied, outgoing, and happiest when she’s close—ready for cuddles, companionship, and everyday moments shared together." 

She is asymptomatic heartworm positive and will receive treatment at her new shelter before finding a forever home. 

Her friends cannot wait for her to find her person and wrote, "The holidays are a time for fresh starts and welcoming in something good. Hazel is ready for her next chapter—a safe home, steady care, and a family who will meet her affection with the same generosity she offers so easily." 

Sassafras & Pickles

Just one look at those adorable faces and you will fall in love. These 12-week-old tabby kittens are ready to bring joy and laughter to your life. Their caretakers shared, "Pickles (male) is curious and steady, happiest when he’s exploring or curled up nearby. Sassafras (female) is playful and observant, quick to engage and even quicker to purr."

They are ready to find a home together or separately where they can continue to grow and thrive.

Boomer

This hound dog is ready to find his person. The five-year-old beagle is ready for a fresh start. "Boomer is a sweet, friendly fella who truly loves being around people. Whether it’s quiet time together or joining in on everyday routines, he’s happiest when he’s part of the moment," according to his current shelter. 

He is also asymptomatic heartworm positive and will receive treatment in New Jersey before being adopted. 

His caretakers wish him the best and said, "The holiday season is about making room—for warmth, for connection, and for second chances. Giving Boomer a home doesn’t just change his life; it helps open doors for other dogs waiting for their turn." 

Zora

Zora is a young, curious kitten with a calm confidence. She will steal your heart with her antics and soft purrs. 

Her current shelter told us, "Zora has already shown her resilience. With the right care and a fresh start ahead, she’s ready to settle in, explore her new surroundings, and build trust with the people who choose her. Kittens like Zora remind us that when communities work together, opportunity can travel a long way. As the holiday season approaches, her story is a simple one: with support, coordination, and compassion, animals can move from uncertainty to possibility."

Bells

Bells arrived at the shelter as a stray with her puppies. All her puppies have found homes, and it is now time for her to find her special someone. 

The shelter shared, "Bells is very friendly, eager to learn, and genuinely wants to please. She enjoys being around people and thrives when given guidance, routine, and encouragement. Her intelligence and willingness make her a wonderful companion for someone ready to build a bond together."

They went on to say, "The holiday season is about new beginnings and making space for what matters most. Bells has already done her job—raising her family. This season, she’s ready for a home of her own, where she can settle in, feel secure, and be part of everyday life."

Help grant Christmas wishes and save lives by donating towards this last flight of the year. Your donation will be matched up to $50,000 thanks to Boehringer Ingelheim, sponsor of the Save a Heart initiative. 

Donate now!