A Visit from a Miracle Puppy - Seuk Honored During Visit by Whiskey

HOWES CAVE - Saturday saw a number of well-wishers to the Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley (ASSV) to see Whiskey, the puppy who survived a terrible plan crash in Greene County last November. The miracle puppy arrived for the adoption finalization at noon Saturday at the Shelter. Cyndy Ross, the longtime animal care professional who was nursing him back to health, adopted him. The November 24th crash killed hero pilot Seuk Kim and a dog named Lisa. Whiskey, who was 4-months-old at the time, and Pluto, who was one-and-a-half-years-old, both survived. Whiskey suffered two broken legs. The Animal Shelter considered hundreds of applications for adoption, according to Executive Director Maggie Jackman. Pluto was adopted by Stephen and Rachel Clemens, who brought the dog with them Saturday afternoon. Whiskey was adopted by Ross, who aided the dog through multiple surgeries to fix the broken bones and surgery pins. 

Ross called Whiskey a "strong survivor." She also said that she "fell in love" with Whiskey immediately. "Oh, man, I got to have this puppy," she thought at the time.  

She credited the memory of the aircraft's pilot, stating that she aimed to work with Kim's family to help others. She hopes that people donate to Seuk’s Army, which helps animals, especially in the South. Ross wanted to do so “to honor his legacy.”

Whiskey loves to see other dogs and chase cats and birds, said his new mother. He also enjoys spending time with his brother Casey, who is an Australian Shepherd. 

Whiskey "plays by every dog who comes by his side," she said. 

"He's got a lot of friends," said Ross. 

Jackman added "how happy" the Shelter was about the adoption of Pluto and that Ross was the "best place" for Whiskey. She called the process a "big circle of love."