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Pilot Can’t Help It And Adopts Kitten He Helped Fly Out Of Hurricane Area

Facebook/Greater Good Charities

When Southwest Airlines Captain Matt Prebish took to the skies on October 12, he wasn’t just flying any ordinary route. Instead, he was piloting a special mission to rescue shelter animals left in peril by Hurricanes Milton and Helene.

A dedicated volunteer, Prebish joined forces with Southwest, Greater Good Charities, and Lucky Dog Animal Rescue to fly 145 displaced cats and dogs from hard-hit shelters in Tennessee and Florida to safety in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Little did he know that one of these tiny passengers would soon find a permanent home in his heart.

Stealing The Captain’s Heart

It wasn’t until after the successful landing in Milwaukee that Prebish spotted a tiny, wide-eyed kitten peeking from her crate. The kitten, now called Avery, immediately caught his attention. “Once we landed in Milwaukee, [I] started to notice the animals a little bit more,” the captain said. The moment he opened Avery’s crate, her curious nature shone through, her head popping up to take in the world around her. They bonded instantly, and Avery soon had a new home in Texas, joining Prebish’s two dogs, Tahoe and Wrigley, and another cat, Smalls.

Describing his first impression of Avery, the pilot shared that she’s “inquisitive” and “wants to explore the world.” Her personality, he said, reminded him that even during difficult times, there’s a resilience and curiosity in animals that inspires people to step up and help.

X/Best Friends

Like many who work in animal rescue, Prebish’s story began with a simple desire to make a difference. Reflecting on the massive volunteer effort required to coordinate the mission, he explained, “We had probably 60 people supporting in one way or another to make this flight happen. And it went really well.” Alongside the team, he made sure that every pet onboard received the safest, most comfortable journey possible.

Rescue Stranded Animals

Hurricanes Milton and Helene hit multiple states along the East Coast and the Southeast, putting thousands of pets at risk of displacement and abandonment. In response, national organizations, local shelters, and volunteers mobilized to save as many animals as possible. Greater Good Charities and Lucky Dog Animal Rescue, groups that partnered on Prebish’s flight, are two of several organizations that launched large-scale relief efforts. Across the Southeast, shelters are providing temporary care, coordinating airlifts, and facilitating adoptions for the countless animals affected by the hurricanes.

Facebook/Lucky Dog Animal Rescue

Best Friends Animal Society, one of the country’s largest animal welfare groups, shared how the storms hit particularly vulnerable shelters. In a recent blog post, the organization described the extensive coordination needed to provide safety and care, stating that this year’s storm season has been one of the most challenging for rescues. The logistics required—finding safe locations, volunteers, transport, and adopting families—are monumental. And yet, hundreds of animals are already finding new homes.

How You Can Help

Hurricane season brings an annual surge in animal rescues as it prompts a wave of support from surrounding communities, but the need for adoption and donations persists year-round. If Prebish’s story with Avery has inspired you, there are several ways to help.

Facebook/The Animal Rescue Site by GreaterGood

Donating to groups like Best Friends Animal Society, Greater Good Charities, or Lucky Dog Animal Rescue can ensure more animals receive lifesaving care. Local shelters that have taken in hurricane-displaced pets are in constant need of supplies, funds, and foster homes. Many are extending discounted or waived adoption fees to encourage families to open their homes to pets in need.

As Prebish noted, “There’s been a lot of people and animals that are going through some difficult times. Anything that any of us can do to help… any little bit helps.” His adoption of Avery speaks to the connection many feel with animals, especially in times of crisis, and stresses how important compassion and community involvement are.

Facebook/Brother Wolf Animal Rescue

Small Acts of Kindness

For Captain Prebish, Avery is a reminder of the strength and resilience animals possess, even when faced with adversity. His story is an inspiring example of how acts of kindness, whether big or small, can change lives. For the rescued pets now safe in Wisconsin, many await new families who can provide a loving home. By adopting, fostering, or supporting rescue missions, individuals can make a meaningful impact on the lives of animals in their own communities and beyond.

Every contribution matters and brings pets like Avery one step closer to finding safety, care, and love. To learn more about how you can help, consider these resources:

Sources:
ABC News: Pilot adopts kitten after flying shelter pets out of Hurricanes Milton, Helene
Best Friends: Best Friends’ lifesaving work in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton

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