Animal Shelter Announces Adoption of Whiskey the Animal Pup Two Months After Plane Crash that Killed Hero Pilot

HOWES CAVE — The Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley (ASSV) is thrilled to announce the upcoming adoption of Whiskey, the now six-month-old miracle puppy that sustained two broken rear legs when the “freedom flight” he was flying on crashed in Greene County, NY on November 24, 2024. Whiskey’s adoption will be finalized at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 1, 2025 when his foster mom brings him to visit the ASSV. 

After the plane crash, Whiskey was rushed to Pieper Memorial Veterinary Center in Middletown, CT for reconstructive surgery on his legs. The multi-hour surgeries were successful, and he has since undergone an additional surgery to remove the pins in his legs that helped stabilize his injuries. Whiskey has also been undergoing extensive sedated physical therapy to help him increase mobility and restore muscle strength in his legs.

After being released from Pieper, Whiskey was placed in the care of a foster family local to Middletown, CT where he has been recovering for the past two months. ASSV has been receiving daily updates on his progress and is happy to share that this amazing foster family will now become Whiskey’s forever family. 

Whiskey and a second dog named Pluto survived the crash that killed pilot Seuk Kim and a third puppy named Lisa. Mr. Kim was volunteering his time and talent to transport these three dogs that had been rescued from a euthanasia list at a high-kill shelter in the south on their “freedom flight” to the Albany Airport, for intake at the Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley. 

Pluto, a one and a half-year old male yorkie/terrier mix, was adopted by a loving family in the Averill Park, NY area a few weeks after the plane crash, and is thriving in his new home. 

“We are ecstatic that we have happy outcomes to share for both Pluto and Whiskey, but our thoughts remain with our friend Seuk, who leaves behind a wife and three children in Virginia,” ASSV Executive Director Maggie Pryor said. “Seuk also leaves behind a strong network of animal rescue enthusiasts, including other “freedom flight” pilots and rescue warriors, who all admired his volunteering spirit. Over the years, Seuk helped to save the lives of hundreds of animals who would have otherwise been euthanized due to overcrowding at animal shelters.” 

ASSV continues to work with animal rescue colleagues and “freedom flight” pilots to figure out the best way to honor Seuk and the dedication he showed to animals in need. A not-for-profit has been formed called Seuk’s Army, whose mission is to carry on the legacy of Seuk Kim. This organization is currently working to bring mobile spay and neuter clinics to areas in the south that need them the most. They are also creating pet food pantries to honor Seuk’s dream that he shared with his children — to help collect food and distribute it to areas where animals are most in need. 

If you’d like to make a donation to Seuk’s Army to help care for the animals that need it the most, you can reach out to Sydney Gallup at (843) 

714-8215. Checks can be mailed to: Seuk’s Army, 245 Abenaki Way, 

Piedmont, SC 29673. Online donations can also be made through the Zelle platform. Simply scan the QR code.