Woke Wonder: Buffalo Doc Saves Dogs, Sticks it to the Man

Oh, the humanity! A doctor in New York is out here saving lives—and not just human ones. Gasp! Dr. Brian Rambarran, a Buffalo-based urologist and licensed pilot, is giving a whole new meaning to "going the extra mile." He's teamed up with Pilots n Paws, a non-profit that links pilots to shelters, to airlift dogs from kill shelters to foster homes. ** mic drop **

"It was kind of natural thing," Rambarran told USA TODAY, probably sipping on some artisanal tea. "I decided to fly for Pilots n Paws. I decided to do it because it was a way for me to do two things that I enjoyed: one which was flying and two, volunteering and helping others, and hopefully benefit society in a positive way." ** Slow clap **

Hundreds of Puppers Saved

In the last 12 years, this real-life superhero has rescued hundreds of dogs in his 5-seat Cirrus SR 22. On his last flight alone, he picked up 11 dogs. And get this, folks—he once flew 20 dogs at once! ** Can you even?! **

"There was one dog that was pregnant, and she was special needs, and I think she needed some type of surgery too... So, I ended up just flying her solo," he said. ** Cue the tears **

A Family Affair

His two daughters, ages 10 and 12, have joined his crusade. "They'll come and help unload the dogs," he said. "They'll help pick out some of the rescue flights." ** Aww, making progressive parents look bad since forever **

No Dogs Left Behind

Rambarran ain't picky. He's flown dogs, cats, and even goats! And he's not doing it for the 'gram—he doesn't ask for any reimbursements. "He does this only out of the kindness of his heart," said Brandon Wolf, a board member of Nickel City Canine Rescue. ** Heart exploding **

Helping the Vulnerable

Why does he do it? "Animals are a population that can't really speak for themselves. Just like children, they can be vulnerable," he said. ** Preach, doc! **

Puppy Love

One of his own dogs, Toby, is a rescue too. Found underfed and malnourished, Toby went from rags to riches—he even ended up on 'Good Morning America.' ** Living the dream, Toby! **

Inspiring Others

Pilots N Paws is gushing over Rambarran. "His work not only saves lives, but also inspires others to realize that they, too, can make a significant difference," they said. ** And... I'm not crying, you're crying! **

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.