Due to the catastrophic fire that hit Fort McMurray, risking the lives of about 80,000 residents, airlines WestJet and Canadian North didn't mind breaking the rules of letting animals fly to save them from the blazing fires.
While residents left their homes, many animals were abandoned since they are aware that they cannot travel with them. Fortunately, animal rescue groups helped to rescue the animals and also helped them reunite with their owners.
To ensure that the pets will not be separated from their families, two Canadian airlines offered to help.
“There’s been nothing really usual about what’s taking place,” said Lauren Stewart, spokesperson of WestJet, in an interview with BuzzFeed Canada. “People have just shown up there with whatever they could grab, pets included.”
Usually, dogs and other pets would ride in cargo while inside a cage. But since most of the people left with their dogs without a cage because of the situation in Fort McMurray, the airlines allowed the animals to ride with the humans in the main cabin without a kennel or a cage.
The evacuees are flown to either Calgary or Edmonton. One flight of the Canadian North to Edmonton had 130 human passengers with 19 dogs, five cats and two turtles. During the 53-minute trip, the animals lay on the people's lap.
"There really were no other options. We weren't going to let people leave their pets behind. We know how much they love them and we love animals, too," Canadian North spokesperson Kelly Lewis said, according to CBC News.
Meanwhile, the WestJet will run about 70 flights between Thursday and Friday to accommodate more evacuees- both humans and animals.
The flights are memorable not just for the passengers but even for the flight crew as well. Flight attendant Wanda Murray of Canadian North describes the moment as emotional.
"When we touched down, we got a standing ovation. It brought tears to our eyes. They are the heroes, not us. It's a flight that will always remain in my memory," she said.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
