As Hurricanes Helene and Milton battered the U.S. East Coast, displacing hundreds of animals, Southwest Airlines Captain Matthew Prebish took flight—literally—to make a difference. Prebish piloted a special rescue mission, airlifting 145 shelter animals from storm-ravaged regions to safety in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The heartwarming journey not only saved lives but also led to an unexpected adoption that melted hearts nationwide.
A Collaborative Lifeline: From Storm Wreckage to Skies
The emergency relocation was a joint effort by Greater Good Charities, Southwest Airlines, and Lucky Dog Animal Rescue. With shelters in Florida and Eastern Tennessee in the hurricanes’ paths, the priority was to evacuate animals to safer grounds. “At Southwest, we lead with compassion,” said Whitney Eichinger, Senior Vice President of Communications. “Lending our aircraft to transport these vulnerable animals was an honor.”
Prebish, eager to contribute, volunteered to captain the flight. Alongside 60 volunteers, he helped load cats and dogs—temporarily sheltered at Lucky Dog’s South Carolina campus—onto the plane. The mission aimed to provide medical care and adoption opportunities in the Midwest, far from the storms’ destruction.
Mid-Flight Bond: Captain Prebish Meets His New Co-Pilot
Upon landing in Milwaukee, Prebish took a moment to check on the passengers—specifically, a four-month-old kitten named Avery. “When I opened her crate, she popped her head out, curious and ready to explore,” he recalled. “Her adventurous spirit reminded me of why we do this work.”
Avery, with her playful demeanor, quickly won Prebish over. Despite already having three pets—cat Smalls and dogs Tahoe and Wrigley—he couldn’t resist welcoming her into the family. “She’s fearless, just like the pilots who fly through storms,” he joked. “Now she’ll have a front-row seat to all life’s adventures.”
A Second Chance: From Shelter to Forever Homes
The remaining 144 animals were distributed to eight Midwest shelters, where they received veterinary exams, vaccinations, and much-needed TLC before adoption. For many, the journey marked the end of a stressful chapter and the beginning of hope. “These animals have endured so much,” said a Lucky Dog volunteer. “Thanks to partnerships like this, they’ll now know what it means to be loved.”
Beyond the Flight: A Symbol of Hope
Prebish’s adoption of Avery highlights the profound impact of such rescues. “Every animal deserves a chance, and Avery’s story shows how a single flight can change lives—both theirs and ours,” he said. As Avery settles into her new home in Texas, she joins a legacy of compassion, proving that even in the wake of destruction, kindness can take flight.
For those inspired by the mission, Greater Good Charities and Lucky Dog Animal Rescue encourage donations or fostering to support ongoing relief efforts. As Prebish noted, “It takes a village to save these animals, but the reward—a wagging tail or a purring kitten—is worth every mile.”
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