A puppy named Whiskey miraculously survived a plane crash last weekend that killed both the pilot and another dog on board.
The crash occurred Sunday around 6:10 p.m. in Upstate New York, killing 49-year-old dog rescuer Seuk Kim on the spot.
Another dog he had flown to be adopted also died on impact, although Whiskey and another pooch somehow escaped with their lives.
However, the two did not escape unscathed, with four-month-old Whiskey suffering two broken hind legs.
The other dog, a terrier named Pluto, suffered bruising to his lungs and body, veterinarians said Tuesday.
They said the Yorkie-Terrier mix, which was thought to be dead but was found near the crash site after 24 hours, is expected to make a full recovery. The puppy is being carefully held by police after being recovered from the crash site in the Catskill Mountains.
Vets are now trying to help Whiskey recover after a puppy named Lisa did not survive.
Police said Kim transported the animals from high-euthanasia shelters in the South to a no-kill center in Albany — something the animal lover was known to do.
A puppy named Whiskey miraculously survived a fatal plane crash last weekend – despite breaking both of his back legs
The crash occurred Sunday around 6:10 p.m. in Upstate New York, leaving 49-year-old pilot and animal lover Seuk Kim dead at the scene. The father of three is seen here with his family
“Whiskey is currently being stabilized here at Pieper Memorial Emergency & Specialty Hospital by our Emergency and Critical Care Team,” veterinarians at the Connecticut practice revealed two days after the fatal crash.
“Operations on his legs will take place tomorrow and we are optimistic about his recovery.”
Pluto, they said, was evaluated at the Capital District Veterinary Hospital before being released to the Schoharie Valley Animal Shelter.
The one-year-old dog “suffered lung contusions and internal and external bruising, but is reportedly recovering well,” Pieper Veterinary’s Tuesday statement said.
Medical professionals further revealed how Lisa, just a puppy, became lost in the crash, as was the case with the pilot.
“We would like to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Suek Kim at this incredibly difficult time,” said the statement from the only man on board.
“Suek’s dedication to animal rescue was truly extraordinary, and this tragedy is a great loss to all who knew him and to the animal rescue community at large.”
Vets working on Whiskey added that spectators could make a donation to the shelter to help in the dog’s recovery after he survived such an ordeal.
“Whiskey is currently being stabilized here at Pieper Memorial Emergency & Specialty Hospital by our Emergency and Critical Care Team,” veterinarians at the Connecticut practice revealed two days after the fatal crash
“Operations on his legs will take place tomorrow and we are optimistic about his recovery.”
The other survivor, a terrier named Pluto, suffered bruising to his lungs and body, veterinarians said Tuesday. He is expected to make a full recovery after being found at the crash site after 24 hours
As for Kim, numerous Facebook posts from the certified pilot show him flying other rescues across the US and storing them in forever homes – no matter how far away they may have been.
He lived nearly 400 miles from where his plane crashed, prompting a frantic search for survivors.
Police confirmed he had transported the animals from Maryland to Albany — something that had become a pastime for the former public relations partner in recent years, his family said.
‘He always made sure he was available, because this was important to him.’
She added on social media: “Hug your loved ones all a little tighter because my dad didn’t wake up yesterday thinking it would be his last day on earth.”
Anna Kang, Kim’s wife, added in her own post: “Please hug your loved ones a little tighter tonight. Please think of Seuk. Please reply and let me know how you crossed him.
“I want my children to know how selfless and wonderful their father was,” she concluded.
Christine Kim, another family member, added, “Seuk was more than just a pilot; he was a champion for others, a friend to all and a much-loved member of his family.
Police confirmed he had transported the animals from Maryland to Albany — something that had become a pastime for the former public relations partner in recent years, his family said.
Kim was a licensed pilot known for flying dogs across the country – all to more efficiently find them forever homes. His body was taken for an autopsy, police said, adding only that he died on impact. The plane he flew can be seen here behind him
“His physical spirit, generous heart and endless capacity for love will be deeply missed by his wife, three children, parents, sibling, extended family and countless friends.”
Police statements previously identified Kim as the pilot, with photos on his social media showing him in front of the same plane named by authorities.
Other reports show how he had hundreds of dogs rehomed without incident, while investigators are now investigating what caused the plane to crash.
The area where the plane crashed at that time had clear skies and no bad weather.
Kim’s body was taken to Ellis Hospital in Schenectady for an autopsy, officials said. He previously worked as a partner and vice president at the public relations firm SunStar Strategic and was a certified pilot.
He was widely known for flying dogs across the country, all to help them settle into homes that guaranteed their safety.
“From an early age, Seuk dreamed of taking to the skies, and he made that dream come true by becoming a pilot,” according to his obituary.
“He found great joy in flying and used his passion to help others, including his recent work with a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing and transporting dogs to safe homes.”
DailyMail.com has contacted the FAA for an update.