Let me tell you a story that soars above the ordinary.
In late April 2025, two animal welfare organizations—The Sato Project and Wings of Rescue—joined forces for a mission of mercy. Their goal: deliver vital veterinary supplies to Puerto Rico and transport 110 rescued animals to new homes in New Jersey.
Puerto Rico, despite its small size, grapples with an estimated 650,000 stray dogs, locally known as “satos.” The Sato Project, based on the island, has been combating this crisis for 14 years, rescuing over 8,000 dogs. In November 2023, they launched Operation Sato, a spay/neuter and vaccination program that has treated more than 4,200 dogs to date.
On April 25, the first leg of the mission delivered 1,500 pounds of supplies to San Juan. These included crates, an autoclave machine for sterilizing instruments, vaccines, preventative medications, toys, dog beds, and cleaning products—all donated by generous partners.
Despite a sudden downpour at midnight, all 110 dogs and cats were safely loaded onto the aircraft for the return flight. They arrived at Morristown Municipal Airport the next morning, greeted by a crowd of fosters, adopters, and rescue partners.
Among the passengers were “No Dog Left Behind” cases—pets separated from their families due to restrictive airline policies. The reunions were emotional, as families were made whole again.
Actor David Chokachi, known for his role in Baywatch, volunteered on the flight. He described the experience as both heartbreaking and rewarding, moved by the joy of families meeting their new or long-lost pets.
The Sato Project emphasizes that while these rescue flights are impactful, the long-term solution lies in widespread spay/neuter and vaccination efforts. Without such measures, the overpopulation crisis persists, sometimes leading to tragic outcomes like the poisoning of strays.
This mission serves as a powerful reminder: with collaboration, compassion, and determination, we can change lives—both human and animal—one flight at a time.