Southwest Airlines Fills Cabin With Pets Orphaned During Houston Storm In Dramatic Rescue
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In scenes reminiscent of the Biblical story of Noah and his ark, Southwest Airlines took the extraordinary step this week of filling up the cabin of one of its planes with orphaned animals from flood-hit Houston.
Animal shelters all over Texas are at maximum capacity after Hurricane Harvey devastated the region, leaving many pets homeless and desperate. Enter Southwest Airlines, who together with animal rescue groups helped dozens of animals escape the floods, easing the burden on overworked shelters and creating room for more rescued pets.
Flying the orphaned animals to the Helen Woodward Animal Center in San Diego, California was literally a life-saving gesture. The Texas rescue group, Operation Pets Alive! had taken in an overwhelming number of orphaned dogs and cats who had inhabited shelters before the storm and were suddenly facing euthanasia simply because they had no place to go. The joint operation between the Helen Woodward Center and Southwest Airlines to relocate these animals allows Operation Pets Alive! to increase animal rescue operations in Houston, as it begins to recover from the effects of the devastating hurricane.
Volunteers helped board the animals into crates in the specially converted cabin of the aircraft, giving them a chance of a new life in California where it is hoped that they will eventually find homes. We don’t yet know if they had access to in-flight entertainment and meals, but we would like to think so!
Anyone who would to help animals affected by the current storms in Texas and Florida are encouraged to adopt or temporarily foster pets. This frees up space in local shelters for animals left newly homeless or separated from their owners. Get in touch with your local shelter for more details.
More info: Helen Woodward Animal Center | Operation Pets Alive | Florida Animal Rescue
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United Airlines, take notes.
It's probably too late for United. Which would probably kick the pets off the flight.
Or hand deliver them directly to the nearest kill shelter
They did actually, this woman send her dog with united airlines and the dogs cage thing was kicked (WITH THE DOG IN IT!) and they were really rough with it and the dog ended up being himself and had cuts and was bleeding and the dog almost died. The woman was so shocked and she wanted the money for the medical bills for the dog back and united airlines told her that she could only have it if she didn't share it on the media. She refused because she wanted to warn other. This is on YouTube. We should all boycott united airlines.
They certainly were nasty to my husband this week when he was trying to fly home to settle his recently deceased mom's estate!
i was going to make a joke about united kicking puppies but after layla's comment... just how are they still in business?! :0
*peeing himself
in midair
*after reading layla's*
We are at Tampa Int'l Airport in the Southwest terminal and there are an unbelievable number of pets everywhere. I think I heard the checkin people say they are waiving the pet fees. Leaving ahead of Irma due to hit Florida by Sunday. Cheers to Southwest Airlines.
Please be safe! <3
Lovely :) I hope the poor pets can be reunited with their owners soon (or find a better home where they're not left behind) and don't end up getting killed in a shelter
I think these were all the shelter animals that did NOT have family. Now in their new location they hopefully will get adopted.
Meg, you are right. They were making more room in the shelters for people pets that got separated from them. They did learn something from Katrina.
Not fighting or fussing but often even people are evacuated they agree not allowed to take their pets with them. That is why so many get lost or when people have to go to shelters they aren't allowed to bring them. So it's not always the choice of the owner to leave their animals behind. Just wanted to say to try not judge to harshly. My Aunt was evacuated to a shelter during Hurricane Andrew years ago and they refused her 2 cats. She cried for 2 days before she was allowed home to check on them. Thankfully they were ok.
I wouldn't even leave without me pets, period. I'd rather die than live with the thought of having them left behind to die instead of looking after them.
I'd never go anywhere without my dog!!! He's all I have.
* (autocorrect) people who are evacuated are not allowed to take their pets
Hey Folks, Southwest Airlines are always doing great things and caring. Other Airlines take note
How wonderful people can be ! These are the times to come together !
This flight would be more tolerable than one filled with humans
Look guys an airline is finally not in the news for royally fucking up but for actually doing something good...that makes me happy
Love all the people involved with this!
Thank you Southwest and the Helen Woodward Center.
Southwest is awesome!
The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated. - Mahatma Gandhi -
There is usually a lot of love when pets are involved unless there is a horrible/abusive person involved. Just look at the faces of the people cuddling and petting the animals for a moment during these horrible storms they are smiling. Animals reduce stress.... No doubt!!!
Well done
...Awww! *sniff
Thank you, Southwest!! It's awesome to see people reach out like this! <3
Thank you Southwest!!
Thank you!
A good step... Keep it up...!!
This is just one more reason why I love Southwest Airlines. Won't fly any other airline unless I have no other choice. Keep up the good work and good will SW.
God bless them
is there goin to be a post or info where furrbaby families may look to see if theirs is at the LA shelter?
will there be an address etc for people to look for their lost furrbaby?
So friggin awesome.
Saint Francis would be smiling!! Sometimes angels come with wings with jet engines on them... Prayer by Saint Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals ....for our Animal Friends 🐕 🐾❤🐾 Heavenly Father, our human ties with our friends of other species is wonderful and special gift from You. We now ask You to grant our special animal companions your Fatherly care and healing power to take away any suffering they have. Give us, their human friends, new understanding of our responsibilities to these creatures of Yours. They have trust in us as we have in You; our souls and theirs are on this earth together to give one another friendship, affection, and caring. Take our heartfelt prayers and fill Your ill or suffering animals with healing Light and strength to overcome whatever weakness of body they have. Amen
Saint Francis would be smiling!! Sometimes angels come with wings with jet engines on them... Prayer by Saint Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals ....for our Animal Friends 🐕 🐾❤🐾 Heavenly Father, our human ties with our friends of other species is wonderful and special gift from You. We now ask You to grant our special animal companions your Fatherly care and healing power to take away any suffering they have. Give us, their human friends, new understanding of our responsibilities to these creatures of Yours. They have trust in us as we have in You; our souls and theirs are on this earth together to give one another friendship, affection, and caring. Take our heartfelt prayers and fill Your ill or suffering animals with healing Light and strength to overcome whatever weakness of body they have. Amen
Nice, but what if the owners are looking for them?
i hope they also helped the poor people that couldnt afford the high prices
Damn good humanitarian and marketing moves......Jimmy P
I always knew Southwest Airlines has a heart. It's in their logo.
I always knew Southwest Airlines has a heart. Just look at their logo.
This is just another reason that we love Southwest Airlines.
I really hope they clean everything properly. A lot of people could get very sick if not.
C'mon United! Here's redemption waiting to be had!
Not all angels have halos.
this is too too cute
More reasons to love Southwest Airlines
This is why, given a choice I ALWAYS fly Southwest Airlines, they are LITERALLY putting the passenger's needs ahead of everything else
This is why I ALWAYs fly Southwest Airlines given a choice, they LITERALLY put their passengers FIRST KUDOS
I cry every time I see photos of pets trying to survive in a hurricane. GOOD JOB SOUTHWEST, YOUVE MADE ME AND OTHER ANIMAL LOVERS PROUD TO BE HUMAN FOR THE FIRST TIME IN FOREVER
God Bless these people that really step up to the plate to help the furry kids....we are their caretakers and we just be doing our job for those that can't help or understand what is happening!!!
Wonderful thing to do, we need more people like this in the world.
What a heart warming story, so kind of them to rescue these animals. We need more people like this in the world.
Southwest Airlines Fills Cabin With Orphaned Pets, Sells Them to Vietnamese Restaurant.
That had to be one of the most well-behaved flight the crew ever had to deal with.
...MY HEART IS MELTING... New respect for Southwest Airlines from me <3
All those dogs and kitties, look like best passengers ever! But I would also save other animals too, and much more of them if possible. Every living creature should be saved, if possible. I am so sorry that storm happened, that's horrible. :(
As sad and incredibly devastating these natural disasters are, they really tend to bring out the humanity in people. Too bad people aren't this nice all the time.
Inspiring!!!! My kind of airline. Thank you to ALL who made this happen. May all pups and kitties find fabulous forever homes.
Heroes!
Good on them!!
AWWWWWWEWWWWW
Literally every picture was of a puppy....
HOW MANY CATS AND DOGS WERE MISSED? a communication, marketing post! look at the internet but every aviation company is really bored by "stray cats", because they just lost you cat and you sign something that say "i'm ok with that if my dog, my cat is lost or kill".EASY on the "GREAT!". they call me after...
I'm used to be downvoted for telling the truth. No problem with that, if it can help some cats and dogs, some good owners
What on earth? Your post makes no sense!!!! Either proofread or express yourself more clearly. Most of us have no idea what point you are trying to make!
every airport is bored by "stray cats"(100minimum) but mostly there was the cats they "forgot", they "lose" because they treat them like briefcases. So airports call specialists to "manage" the result, it included me as an ethologist/anthropozoologist. Simple as downvoting, the answer was in my post.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
There is more photographs than actual animals. (stupid ad) Also why did not just left them die. Its the circle of life.
Next time you get hurt badly, don't call 911. Just die. It's the circle of life.
What a horrible person to say such a horrible comment
Haha, got yourself voted the DickHead of BOred Panda. I can't express enough of how much of a POS you are. Big Happy Middle FInger to u kid!
What is he actually doing on Bored Panda??? I always thought this was an empathic and loving community :(
Lol :p
Wow you insensitive dick of a troll.
You know, there's being a troll, then there's a whole other level of douchebaggery...you have not only reached that level, but exceeded it. Go find yourself another online community, this one is tired of your shit.
no, i remember one "person" who gif videos of racoons torture in a post treating of peeling fruits...IMAGINE the video. Bored panda got nothing on him, no problem, he will haunt your nightmares: HOW the f... it is possible in people brain?...there are serious serial killers here.this one is "just" a troll
United Airlines, take notes.
It's probably too late for United. Which would probably kick the pets off the flight.
Or hand deliver them directly to the nearest kill shelter
They did actually, this woman send her dog with united airlines and the dogs cage thing was kicked (WITH THE DOG IN IT!) and they were really rough with it and the dog ended up being himself and had cuts and was bleeding and the dog almost died. The woman was so shocked and she wanted the money for the medical bills for the dog back and united airlines told her that she could only have it if she didn't share it on the media. She refused because she wanted to warn other. This is on YouTube. We should all boycott united airlines.
They certainly were nasty to my husband this week when he was trying to fly home to settle his recently deceased mom's estate!
i was going to make a joke about united kicking puppies but after layla's comment... just how are they still in business?! :0
*peeing himself
in midair
*after reading layla's*
We are at Tampa Int'l Airport in the Southwest terminal and there are an unbelievable number of pets everywhere. I think I heard the checkin people say they are waiving the pet fees. Leaving ahead of Irma due to hit Florida by Sunday. Cheers to Southwest Airlines.
Please be safe! <3
Lovely :) I hope the poor pets can be reunited with their owners soon (or find a better home where they're not left behind) and don't end up getting killed in a shelter
I think these were all the shelter animals that did NOT have family. Now in their new location they hopefully will get adopted.
Meg, you are right. They were making more room in the shelters for people pets that got separated from them. They did learn something from Katrina.
Not fighting or fussing but often even people are evacuated they agree not allowed to take their pets with them. That is why so many get lost or when people have to go to shelters they aren't allowed to bring them. So it's not always the choice of the owner to leave their animals behind. Just wanted to say to try not judge to harshly. My Aunt was evacuated to a shelter during Hurricane Andrew years ago and they refused her 2 cats. She cried for 2 days before she was allowed home to check on them. Thankfully they were ok.
I wouldn't even leave without me pets, period. I'd rather die than live with the thought of having them left behind to die instead of looking after them.
I'd never go anywhere without my dog!!! He's all I have.
* (autocorrect) people who are evacuated are not allowed to take their pets
Hey Folks, Southwest Airlines are always doing great things and caring. Other Airlines take note
How wonderful people can be ! These are the times to come together !
This flight would be more tolerable than one filled with humans
Look guys an airline is finally not in the news for royally fucking up but for actually doing something good...that makes me happy
Love all the people involved with this!
Thank you Southwest and the Helen Woodward Center.
Southwest is awesome!
The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated. - Mahatma Gandhi -
There is usually a lot of love when pets are involved unless there is a horrible/abusive person involved. Just look at the faces of the people cuddling and petting the animals for a moment during these horrible storms they are smiling. Animals reduce stress.... No doubt!!!
Well done
...Awww! *sniff
Thank you, Southwest!! It's awesome to see people reach out like this! <3
Thank you Southwest!!
Thank you!
A good step... Keep it up...!!
This is just one more reason why I love Southwest Airlines. Won't fly any other airline unless I have no other choice. Keep up the good work and good will SW.
God bless them
is there goin to be a post or info where furrbaby families may look to see if theirs is at the LA shelter?
will there be an address etc for people to look for their lost furrbaby?
So friggin awesome.
Saint Francis would be smiling!! Sometimes angels come with wings with jet engines on them... Prayer by Saint Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals ....for our Animal Friends 🐕 🐾❤🐾 Heavenly Father, our human ties with our friends of other species is wonderful and special gift from You. We now ask You to grant our special animal companions your Fatherly care and healing power to take away any suffering they have. Give us, their human friends, new understanding of our responsibilities to these creatures of Yours. They have trust in us as we have in You; our souls and theirs are on this earth together to give one another friendship, affection, and caring. Take our heartfelt prayers and fill Your ill or suffering animals with healing Light and strength to overcome whatever weakness of body they have. Amen
Saint Francis would be smiling!! Sometimes angels come with wings with jet engines on them... Prayer by Saint Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals ....for our Animal Friends 🐕 🐾❤🐾 Heavenly Father, our human ties with our friends of other species is wonderful and special gift from You. We now ask You to grant our special animal companions your Fatherly care and healing power to take away any suffering they have. Give us, their human friends, new understanding of our responsibilities to these creatures of Yours. They have trust in us as we have in You; our souls and theirs are on this earth together to give one another friendship, affection, and caring. Take our heartfelt prayers and fill Your ill or suffering animals with healing Light and strength to overcome whatever weakness of body they have. Amen
Nice, but what if the owners are looking for them?
i hope they also helped the poor people that couldnt afford the high prices
Damn good humanitarian and marketing moves......Jimmy P
I always knew Southwest Airlines has a heart. It's in their logo.
I always knew Southwest Airlines has a heart. Just look at their logo.
This is just another reason that we love Southwest Airlines.
I really hope they clean everything properly. A lot of people could get very sick if not.
C'mon United! Here's redemption waiting to be had!
Not all angels have halos.
this is too too cute
More reasons to love Southwest Airlines
This is why, given a choice I ALWAYS fly Southwest Airlines, they are LITERALLY putting the passenger's needs ahead of everything else
This is why I ALWAYs fly Southwest Airlines given a choice, they LITERALLY put their passengers FIRST KUDOS
I cry every time I see photos of pets trying to survive in a hurricane. GOOD JOB SOUTHWEST, YOUVE MADE ME AND OTHER ANIMAL LOVERS PROUD TO BE HUMAN FOR THE FIRST TIME IN FOREVER
God Bless these people that really step up to the plate to help the furry kids....we are their caretakers and we just be doing our job for those that can't help or understand what is happening!!!
Wonderful thing to do, we need more people like this in the world.
What a heart warming story, so kind of them to rescue these animals. We need more people like this in the world.
Southwest Airlines Fills Cabin With Orphaned Pets, Sells Them to Vietnamese Restaurant.
That had to be one of the most well-behaved flight the crew ever had to deal with.
...MY HEART IS MELTING... New respect for Southwest Airlines from me <3
All those dogs and kitties, look like best passengers ever! But I would also save other animals too, and much more of them if possible. Every living creature should be saved, if possible. I am so sorry that storm happened, that's horrible. :(
As sad and incredibly devastating these natural disasters are, they really tend to bring out the humanity in people. Too bad people aren't this nice all the time.
Inspiring!!!! My kind of airline. Thank you to ALL who made this happen. May all pups and kitties find fabulous forever homes.
Heroes!
Good on them!!
AWWWWWWEWWWWW
Literally every picture was of a puppy....
HOW MANY CATS AND DOGS WERE MISSED? a communication, marketing post! look at the internet but every aviation company is really bored by "stray cats", because they just lost you cat and you sign something that say "i'm ok with that if my dog, my cat is lost or kill".EASY on the "GREAT!". they call me after...
I'm used to be downvoted for telling the truth. No problem with that, if it can help some cats and dogs, some good owners
What on earth? Your post makes no sense!!!! Either proofread or express yourself more clearly. Most of us have no idea what point you are trying to make!
every airport is bored by "stray cats"(100minimum) but mostly there was the cats they "forgot", they "lose" because they treat them like briefcases. So airports call specialists to "manage" the result, it included me as an ethologist/anthropozoologist. Simple as downvoting, the answer was in my post.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
There is more photographs than actual animals. (stupid ad) Also why did not just left them die. Its the circle of life.
Next time you get hurt badly, don't call 911. Just die. It's the circle of life.
What a horrible person to say such a horrible comment
Haha, got yourself voted the DickHead of BOred Panda. I can't express enough of how much of a POS you are. Big Happy Middle FInger to u kid!
What is he actually doing on Bored Panda??? I always thought this was an empathic and loving community :(
Lol :p
Wow you insensitive dick of a troll.
You know, there's being a troll, then there's a whole other level of douchebaggery...you have not only reached that level, but exceeded it. Go find yourself another online community, this one is tired of your shit.
no, i remember one "person" who gif videos of racoons torture in a post treating of peeling fruits...IMAGINE the video. Bored panda got nothing on him, no problem, he will haunt your nightmares: HOW the f... it is possible in people brain?...there are serious serial killers here.this one is "just" a troll