The INSIDER Summary:
- Southwest Airlines flew more than 60 animals out of Houston after Hurricane Harvey.
- They called it "Operation Pets Alive!"
- The photos of pilots cuddling with puppies are beyond cute.
When a hurricane like Harvey devastates a city, it's not just people that are affected. Pets and rescue animals find themselves stranded as shelters become overcrowded or refuse to allow animals in.
Southwest Airlines stepped in to rescue more than 60 animals from overcrowded shelters in an effort they called "Operation Pets Alive!"
A Southwest flight transported the furry passengers from Houston to San Diego, where they'll find new homes through the Helen Woodward Animal Center.
Best. Flight. Ever. @SouthwestAir#ForTheWin on behalf of 64 #Texas animals who will hopefully be adopted from the @HWAC. @10News at 6. pic.twitter.com/PBiyxv7Qqi
— Joe Little🎥🏀 (@10NewsJoeLittle) September 5, 2017Flight attendants made sure the animals were comfortable.
Our sweet mama doggy is already comfy-cozy and nursing her babies. #HarveyPetsFlight@southwestairpic.twitter.com/G5Ly3qZ5Ik
— Helen Woodward (@HWAC) September 5, 2017And that their seatbelts were fastened.
Final seatbelt checks ✅ #HarveyPetsFlight@southwestairpic.twitter.com/qds2RpMFI1
— Helen Woodward (@HWAC) September 5, 2017They made for some pretty adorable passengers.
I helped bring shelter pets out of #Houston to get them forever homes in #SanDiego. Pretty damn proud & happy about this! #HarveyPetsFlightpic.twitter.com/AhkfbhhfPN
— Marcie (@Marciegee) September 6, 2017Pilots couldn't resist having a little bit of fun.
"Scuse me @SouthwestAir, when can I apply to be a pilot?"#HarveyPetsFlight#HarveyReliefpic.twitter.com/qC7Iz4u90M
— Helen Woodward (@HWAC) September 6, 2017When the plane landed, the animals were brought to the Helen Woodward Animal Center where they'll become available for adoption.
#HarveyPetsFlight is landed, unloaded and soon on its way to the Center! 💖🙌 pic.twitter.com/7dYUvsv8PD
— Helen Woodward (@HWAC) September 5, 2017Some of them have already been placed in foster homes.
A few days ago this kitty was in Houston, TX. Today he's safe in CA in our home as a foster. Good work @HWAC#HarveyPetsFlight#HarveyPetspic.twitter.com/gSmzf9p67H
— Amanda Markos (@armarkos) September 7, 2017"The devastation of Hurricane Harvey has impacted a number of our communities along the Gulf. Our hearts are with our Customers, Employees, family and friends who have experienced loss and devastation from the storm," said Linda Rutherford, Southwest Airlines Chief Communications Officer in a statement.
Needless to say, this was one furry rescue flight, with plenty of love to go around! pic.twitter.com/mtBuDBGDw1
— Southwest Airlines (@SouthwestAir) September 6, 2017"We’re so happy to partner with the Helen Woodward Animal Center to extend hope to Houston by transporting shelter animals to a new home in San Diego, while making additional space for family pets whose humans are currently displaced. Our Employees care so deeply for our Customers and all those impacted by Hurricane Harvey, including our sweet little four-legged friends."
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