By now, most have heard the term, “pandemic puppy.” The beloved companion who was adopted during Covid and is attached to their owner over anyone else, including other dogs. These partnerships provided company, comfort and love in a time of loneliness, stress and confusion. Numerous animal rescues reported a 30% to 40% adoption increase from 2019 to 2020. According to aerial cinematographer, Doug Thron, who uses next-gen drone technology to help save animals from natural disasters, the adoption boom was almost inevitable.
“In my work, I see the love people have for animals every single day. And during the pandemic, pets became a constant source of joy when everything else seemed uncertain. Everyone I know adopted a new dog or cat, often rescues, and that’s so awesome. And most pets (ok, maybe not all cats) loved having their people home so much more, I’m sure of it!”
Thron is now hoping these same animal lovers will cuddle up with their canines and tune in to his heart-warming 6 part docuseries, Doug To The Rescue, premiering on CuriosityStream June 10th. The breathtaking show follows Thron as he jumps into action to rescue animals in the aftermath of natural disasters. He comes carrying infrared cameras, spotlights and high intensity zoom lenses to help locate those left in the ruins.
“Unfortunately, the frequency of natural disasters didn’t slow down because of Covid-19, ” Thron says. “That often made an animal rescue even more meaningful, because sometimes after a fire or hurricane, a pet is the only thing someone has left.”
The environmental activist had been using his aerial photography skills to shoot high-end homes for real estate agencies and wildlife for documentary filmmakers, but after Hurricane Bill slammed into the Bahamas in 2009, he knew he had found his true calling.
“There always seems to be a natural disaster ravaging some part of the world. The potential for drones to help rescue animals in those situations, whether wild or domestic, and help in their recovery is unlimited. The emotion when victims of a tragedy get their animals back is incredibly moving. It gives people a sense of hope to carry on after something so devastating. I’m enormously grateful to be a part of that.”
