Two Dogs Find New Homes After Surviving Plane Crash That Claimed Their Rescue Pilot’s Life

Two dogs that survived a plane crash during an animal-rescue flight, which tragically claimed the life of the pilot, have found new homes. This development comes as friends of the late aviator strive to honor his memory by helping more animals, as reported by a shelter director on Wednesday.

The incident occurred on November 24 in the Catskill Mountains of New York, taking the life of Seuk Kim from Springfield, Virginia. Kim was a devoted volunteer who facilitated the transport of cats and dogs from disaster zones and crowded shelters to rescue organizations. On the day of the crash, he was en route to deliver three dogs to the Albany, New York-area Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley when his 1986 Mooney M20J aircraft went down.

According to the preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board, Kim reported experiencing moderate to heavy turbulence at 5,000 feet but relayed that conditions improved to light to moderate turbulence upon descending to approximately 4,300 feet. The report noted that he did not make any further communications with air traffic control or issue distress signals after that.

Among the survivors were a Labrador-mix puppy named Whiskey and a young Yorkshire terrier mix called Pluto. Pluto sustained internal bruising, while Whiskey was found huddled in the snow with two broken legs. The Labrador puppy underwent surgery at Pieper Memorial Veterinary emergency and specialty hospital in Middletown, Connecticut.

Following his surgeries and a great deal of physical therapy, the 6-month-old Whiskey is now back on his feet and enjoying playtime at his foster home in Middletown. The family that welcomed him into their home has chosen to officially adopt him this weekend, according to Maggie Jackman Pryor, executive director of the Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley.

Pluto, on the other hand, made a swift recovery and was adopted a few weeks later by a family in Averill Park, a nearby community to Albany, as mentioned by Pryor.

The remains of the third dog, named Lisa, were requested to be sent to Kim’s relatives.

According to Pryor, the Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley received numerous inquiries from across the country from individuals wanting to adopt the surviving dogs, but she encouraged many callers to consider adopting pets in their local shelters instead.

“Both dogs are wonderful, but there are countless amazing dogs out there,” she stated in a phone interview on Wednesday.

In the meantime, Kim’s friends and fellow rescue pilots are establishing an organization to continue his legacy, Pryor noted. Their initiatives include sponsoring mobile spay and neuter clinics, as well as establishing pet food pantries, similar to one started by Kim and his children.

By Jennifer Peltz