Denver Pilot Meets Adorable Kitten On Board And Decides To Adopt Her
As a powerful and fast-moving hurricane began making its way toward Florida, bringing with it the threat of destructive winds, heavy rain, and widespread flooding, two dedicated animal welfare organizations knew they had to act quickly.
Lucky Dog Animal Rescue, based in Virginia, and Greater Good Charities, headquartered in Washington, immediately mobilized their teams. Their mission was clear: to move as many vulnerable animals as possible out of the storm’s path before it was too late.
Working together with Southwest Airlines, they quickly organized a mission to fly nearly 150 cats and dogs out of harm’s way, relocating them from Florida to safety in Milwaukee.
It was a race against time to give these animals a chance at a better future, far from the storm’s path.
From the moment the animals boarded, there was a buzz of excitement. Some lucky travelers even rode in the cabin alongside the crew, creating an atmosphere that felt extraordinary.
“It was truly a magical experience,” said Mirah Horowitz, CEO of Lucky Dog Animal Rescue. “The animals [got to] ride in the cabin.”
The Southwest Airlines team immediately bonded with their furry passengers, making sure each one felt secure and comfortable.
During the flight, Captain Matt Prebish formed an instant connection with a tiny kitten named Avery. Her playful nature and adventurous spirit won him over, turning a routine transport flight into something deeply personal.
Halfway through the trip, Matt realized he didn’t want to say goodbye. Though adopting a pet hadn’t been on his agenda, he began imagining Avery as part of his family. His wife, it turned out, had already guessed how this mission might end.
“My wife said she knew that when I accepted this trip, I would probably come home with some animal,” Matt recalled.
When a small storm delayed their landing, Matt used the extra time to call home and ask for his wife’s blessing to adopt Avery. She agreed without hesitation.
Onboard, the rescue staff scrambled to complete the necessary adoption paperwork before the plane touched down.
“It definitely wasn’t anticipated,” Horowitz said. “There was a little bit of a mad scramble to get the paperwork done for an adoption.”
Before long, Avery was officially part of the Prebish family.
Flying back home to Denver, Matt felt both joy and gratitude. By adopting Avery, he wasn’t just gaining a new companion — he was also helping animals impacted by the hurricane, giving them a chance at the safe, loving homes they deserved.
“I’m honored and glad that we could make a difference,” he said. “And hopefully these animals will find their forever homes and make a bunch of people very happy.”
Relocating the animals to Milwaukee freed up space in Florida’s shelters, making it possible to take in more pets displaced or injured by the storm.
For the animals, it marked a fresh start after unimaginable hardship. And for the rescuers, it was a reminder of their mission: to bring hope, safety, and love to those who need it most.
