As Hurricane Milton approached Florida last week, Lucky Dog Animal Rescue and Greater Good Charities teamed up with Southwest Airlines to move 145 shelter cats and dogs out of the storm’s path. The animals boarded a special flight to Milwaukee — not in cargo, but right in the cabin alongside the crew.
“It was truly a magical experience,” said Mirah Horowitz, CEO of Lucky Dog Animal Rescue.
Among the crew was Captain Matt Prebish, who quickly bonded with one of the tiniest passengers — a curious kitten named Avery.
“I admired her excitement about the world and her energy,” Prebish shared in a press release.
What started as a simple rescue mission soon turned into something far more personal. By the middle of the flight, Prebish realized he couldn’t let Avery go. His wife, however, wasn’t surprised.
“She said she knew that when I accepted this trip, I’d probably come home with some animal,” Prebish laughed.
As the plane landed in Milwaukee, a passing storm delayed deplaning for 20 minutes. That extra time gave Prebish just enough of a window to call his wife for approval — and to finalize Avery’s adoption right there on the plane.
“It definitely wasn’t anticipated,” Horowitz said. “There was a little bit of a mad scramble to get the paperwork done.”
Soon after, Prebish flew Avery back home to Denver, where she settled into her new forever home.
For the captain, the experience was doubly rewarding: he not only saved a kitten, but also played a role in helping hundreds of animals escape the hurricane zone.
Moving the Florida shelter pets to Milwaukee freed up space for local rescues to take in animals displaced or injured by the storm.
“I’m honored and glad that we could make a difference,” Prebish said. “And hopefully these animals will find their forever homes and bring joy to many people — just like Avery has for me.”
To help more animals like Avery, consider donating to Lucky Dog Animal Rescue.
