Over 130 shelter pets emergency airlifted from Maui to Portland

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Greater Good Charities has partnered with Southwest Airlines and Lucky Dog Animal Rescue to deliver humanitarian supplies to Maui while also utilizing a donated aircraft from Southwest Airlines to provide support for those affected by the wildfires. The aircraft was used to airlift more than 130 shelter pets that were at the shelter prior to the wildfires to Portland to help find them new homes.

“We want to support the people and pets of Maui that have been devastated by the wildfires,” said Liz Baker, CEO of Greater Good Charities, in an organizational release.¹ “This donation of humanitarian supplies and emergency shelter pet airlift is part of Greater Good Charities' plan to provide immediate support and aid in the island’s long-term recovery.”

According to the release, the emergency airlift was necessary to make room for the predicted amount of injured or displaced pets that will be brought to the Maui Humane Society due to the wildfires.¹ The aircraft arrived on the island August 17, 2023, bringing hundreds of Good Packs containing survival and comfort supplies such as t-shirts, flashlights, socks, blankets, and hygiene kits. Then on August 18, 2023, Southwest employees and the Great Good Charities’ team loaded the pets on the plane and flew them to Portland where they are now in the custody of the Oregon Humane Society preparing to be placed up for adoption.

“Our staff and volunteers are ready to welcome these pets and hope this provides some relief to the community in Maui who have been devastated by this crisis,” explained Steve Kochis, DVM, chief veterinary officier of Oregon Humane Society.¹ “We are fortunate to have a dedicated Rescue Center that was built for disaster response and large intakes of animals. OHS will continue to support Maui in the recovery efforts in any way we can."

Along with these efforts, the veterinary community has responded tremendously to provide support to the humans and pets in need within Maui. Recently, Schwarzman Animal Medical Center donated $10,000 and Purina donated $25,000 to the Maui Humane Society (MHS).^2,3 To read more about those affected by the fires and how to help, you can check out our coverage here.

“We are incredibly grateful for the extraordinary response and offers of support we have received from organizations ranging from those in our local community to national organizations during this devastating time,” said Lisa Labrecque, CEO of MHS.¹ “The efforts organized by Greater Good Charities will help Maui's community by providing space in our shelter and in foster homes, to allow for the ongoing medical care, sheltering, and supplies that pets and their owners affected by the wildfires will need. A new normal has developed here in Maui, and we will need assistance for months and even years to come."

References

1. GREATER GOOD CHARITIES IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SOUTHWEST AIRLINES AND LUCKY DOG ANIMAL RESCUE TRANSPORTS HUMANITARIAN SUPPLIES TO MAUI AND OPERATES EMERGENCY AIRLIFT OF MORE THAN 130 SHELTER PETS FROM THE ISLAND TO THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST. News release. Greater Good Charities. August 21, 2023. Accessed August 22, 2023.
2. Schwarzman Animal Medical Center Donates $10,000 to Maui Humane Society to Help Animals Impacted by Hawaii Wildfire. News release. Schwarzman Animal Medical Center. August 21, 2023. Accessed August 22, 2023.
3. Purina announces $25,000 donation to help those affected by Hawaii wildfires. DVM 360. Published August 14, 2023. Accessed August 22, 2023. https://www.dvm360.com/view/purina-announces-25-000-donation-to-help-those-affected-by-hawaii-wildfires