Two dogs that survived a tragic animal rescue flight crash, which claimed the life of their devoted pilot, have found loving new homes. The late aviator’s friends and fellow rescuers are now working tirelessly to continue his mission of saving pets in need, according to Maggie Jackman Pryor, the executive director of the Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley.
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The Heroic Mission and Tragic Accident
On November 24, a 1986 Mooney M20J aircraft tragically crashed in New York’s Catskill Mountains, killing the pilot, Seuk Kim of Springfield, Virginia. Kim, a passionate volunteer, dedicated his life to transporting animals from disaster zones and overcrowded shelters to places where they could find forever homes.
Kim was en route to deliver three dogs to the Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley near Albany, New York, when turbulence at 5,000 feet forced him to descend. Despite briefly reporting improved conditions at 4,300 feet, Kim made no further contact with air traffic control, according to the National Transportation Safety Board’s preliminary report.
The Survival of Whiskey and Pluto
Two dogs miraculously survived the crash.
- Whiskey, a 6-month-old Labrador-mix puppy, was found huddled in the snow with two broken legs. After undergoing multiple surgeries and extensive physical therapy at Pieper Memorial Veterinary Hospital in Middletown, Connecticut, Whiskey made a remarkable recovery. His foster family in Middletown has now decided to adopt him permanently, with the formal adoption ceremony set for this weekend.
- Pluto, a young Yorkshire terrier mix, suffered internal bruising but recovered quickly. He was adopted just weeks later into a loving home in Averill Park, near Albany.
Unfortunately, the third dog, Lisa, did not survive the crash. Her remains were given to Kim’s family, honoring their request.
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Continuing the Legacy of Seuk Kim
Seuk Kim’s heroic efforts and passion for animal rescue have inspired his friends and fellow rescue pilots to honor his memory by forming an organization that will further his mission. The group’s plans include:
- Sponsoring mobile spay and neuter clinics.
- Creating pet food pantries, like the one Kim and his children started.
Maggie Jackman Pryor hopes Kim’s story and the survival of these two dogs will inspire more people to adopt pets from their local shelters.
“These two dogs are amazing, but there are so many amazing dogs in shelters,” Pryor said, urging animal lovers to consider adopting closer to home.