This Airline Rescued A Whole Plane Full Of Puppies From Hurricane Harvey

As Hurricane Irma rages through Florida, it’s only natural we want to give you some good news, for once.

A few weeks ago, Hurricane Harvey (RIP) sent destruction throughout vast swathes of Texas. People lost their homes, their lives and their fortunes. Of all the stories that came through to us, one hit our hearts the hardest: the little pets who found themselves stranded as there was no room for them in shelters.

In order to help the little creatures, Southwest Airlines, along with Texas-based Operation Pets Alive! and the Helen Woodward Animal Center of California, stepped in to evacuate more than 60 animals.

A Southwest flight from Houston, Texas transported the doggies all the way to the Helen Woodward Animal Center in San Diego.

Everyone made sure that the pups were comfortable at all times…

And that there seatbelts were securely fastened…

They even flew the plane!

Linda Rutherford, Southwest’s chief communications officer said in a statement:

‘The devastation of Hurricane Harvey has impacted a number of our communities along the Gulf. Our hearts are with our Customers, Employees, family and friends who have experienced loss and devastation from the storm.’

‘We’re so happy to partner with the Helen Woodward Animal Center to extend hope to Houston by transporting shelter animals to a new home in San Diego, while making additional space for family pets whose humans are currently displaced. Our Employees care so deeply for our Customers and all those impacted by Hurricane Harvey, including our sweet little four-legged friends,’ she continued.

And yes, the adorable bunch are already up for adoption.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.