DALLAS (CBSNewsTexas.com) – More than 130 shelter pets from Hawaii have been given a second chance at finding forever homes in Oregon, thanks to the efforts of Southwest Airlines, Greater Good Charities, Lucky Dog Animal Rescue, and the Maui Humane Society.
A plane from Oakland landed in Maui carrying emergency pet supplies and hundreds of humanitarian “Good Packs,” which included survival essentials like t-shirts, blankets, flashlights, socks, and hygiene kits.
On Friday, an emergency airlift transported 136 shelter cats and dogs from Maui to Portland aboard a Boeing 737-800. Laura Nieto, Managing Director of Corporate Responsibility at Southwest Airlines, expressed, “Our hearts are with the people of Hawaii and the communities affected by the wildfires. We have many initiatives underway to offer support, and this airlift is part of our broader efforts to assist. Southwest and our employees are dedicated to helping transport these shelter cats and dogs to the mainland in hopes of finding them forever homes.”
The animals flown to Oregon were already residing in shelters in Maui. According to Southwest, once in Portland, these pets will continue their journey towards finding permanent homes.
The airlift also creates space at the Maui Humane Society for the anticipated arrival of injured and displaced pets due to the ongoing wildfires.
