LOUISVILLE, Ky. — In the aftermath of the UPS crash, dozens of animals were found in the wreckage. Among the rubble and debris left behind were two young dogs found doing what they knew best: surviving.
First responders and people familiar with the area flagged the dogs to Louisville Metro Animal Services. It took two weeks to get to them because the area was dangerous, and officials had to set traps and wait for the dogs.
LMAS Sgt. Mark Sabatini said the dogs had no injuries related to the crash site.
“They were dirty. We did have to clean them up,” he said.
Neither dog had a collar. One had a microchip, but it was not registered. LMAS spayed and neutered the dogs, gave them vaccines, and medically evaluated them. When no one came forward, the dogs were placed up for adoption.
Business owners near the site said the dogs were often seen in the area before the crash and were collectively cared for by neighbors. It is unknown if either dog ever had a formal owner.
Both dogs now have forever homes.
At the shelter, one dog was named Splunker, found tucked beneath debris in a cave-like space. In her new home, she has a new name: Daisy.
The daisy flower symbolizes new beginnings. Owners Emily and Jacob Milby said Daisy settled in quickly, becoming best friends with her new sister, Dixie, even sporting matching outfits.
The owner of Smith Chassis and Metal Works on Melton Avenue said Daisy often played near his shop.
The second dog, Bonzu, found his home with Vicki Wong.
Wong said, “I like to think he likes me. I like him a lot.”
Bonzu frequented Grade A Auto Parts, the business where 11 people were killed. The owner said Bonzu knew how to roam the streets safely. Now, he roams the kitchen.
He knows I get up and go to the snack corner," Wong said.
Bonzu spends his days following Wong around the house, barking at garbage trucks, and offering affection.
“His hobbies include rubbing his face in me, shoving his entire body weight into my leg," Wong said.
LMAS said more than nine cats were also recovered from the crash site. Many were dirty but medically evaluated, spayed or neutered, and given vaccines. Most were released back to the area through the department’s Alley Cat Advocates program, where neighbors continue caring for them.
No one knows what these animals saw or how they survived.
Emily Milby said, “I wish she could talk to me and tell me what happened.”
But out of the devastation, two families were made whole.
“In the wake of so much tragedy there is one very small good thing that came out of it I guess," Wong said.
LMAS encourages all pet owners to make sure pets are microchipped and that the information is registered.
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