Hilary Swank Recalls Rescuing Pets After 9/11
Hilary Swank reflects on her experience volunteering with the ASPCA to rescue pets after the 2001 tragedy.
A Helping Hand After 9/11
Hilary Swank recently shared her memories of volunteering with the ASPCA in the aftermath of 9/11. As an animal lover, Swank felt compelled to assist in rescuing beloved pets during this tragic time. She recalled that people would come to the piers and provide their addresses, requesting help in finding their animals. Swank and her team would then venture into the damaged buildings to save these animals, regardless of the challenges they faced.
Despite the lack of working elevators, technology, and building stability risks, Swank and her colleagues were determined to save every pet they could. They climbed up to the highest floors to retrieve cats, turtles, fish, dogs, and even a couple of hamsters. The condition of the apartment buildings was devastating, with missing windows and a traumatic environment for the animals. However, Swank and her team persevered in their mission to reunite these pets with their owners.
The Story of a Terrified Cat
During her conversation with Rob Lowe on SiriusXM’s Literally! podcast, Hilary Swank shared a particularly moving story about rescuing a terrified cat after 9/11. The cat had been separated from its owner and was in a state of distress. Swank described the dangerous and chaotic scene, with blown-out windows, smoke, and dirt. The team had to find a way to safely contain the cat, eventually using a pillowcase. Despite the challenging circumstances, they successfully reunited the cat with its grateful owners.
Swank emphasized that although she had volunteered at the ASPCA before 9/11, the experience of helping to reconnect pets with their families after the tragedy was especially meaningful to her. She considers it a gift to have played a role in bringing joy and happiness to both the animals and their owners. Swank's dedication to animal welfare shines through her heartfelt recollections of this remarkable time.
The Importance of Reuniting Pets and Owners
Hilary Swank expressed the significance of reuniting pets with their owners after the chaos of 9/11. She described it as a precious gift and emphasized the happiness and relief she witnessed when animals were returned to their families. The trauma experienced by these animals, enduring days or even weeks in damaged buildings, made their reunions all the more meaningful.
Swank reflected on her time volunteering at the ASPCA, highlighting the difference it made in her life. Helping these animals and witnessing the joy it brought to both pets and owners left a lasting impact on her. The experience served as a reminder of the resilience and strength of the human-animal bond, even in the face of unimaginable tragedy.
