When Villages Were Evacuated, They Didn’t Forget the Dogs — Bethel’s Heroes Stepped In

When the remnants of Typhoon Halong battered Western Alaska, the human fallout was devastating — but the animal aftermath touched hearts just as deeply.

In the remote village of Kipnuk, homes were washed away, families were airlifted to safety, and tragically, many dogs were left behind.

That’s where Bethel Friends of Canines, a small but mighty rescue group based in Bethel, sprang into action, turning disaster into a full-blown mission to save lives.

As residents watched their world flood, their pets stood by — waiting, confused, and vulnerable.

Since the National Guard and Army helicopters that evacuated people didn’t allow animals, those dogs were stranded.

That’s when Bethel Friends of Canines (BFK9) grabbed the reins. Director Jesslyn Elliott says they were suddenly “winging it,” but with purpose: get every single dog out.

With help from local teachers, pilots, and volunteers, BFK9 organized a complex rescue.

Teachers who stayed in Kipnuk collected and crated the dogs and labeled them with owner tags.

Aviation partners like U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ryan Air, and DeHaan Aviation picked up the call and showed up — bush planes loaded with air kennels and hope.

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Pilot Nate DeHaan described flying into the disaster zone: “You start seeing a debris field, and it’s made up not just of wrecked homes — but people’s lives.”

When they landed, crates of dogs came on board — some nervous, some scared, some exhausted… all survivors.

By one account, BFK9 had already taken in 118 displaced dogs in just a few days.

These pups came from villages like Kipnuk and Kwigillingok. Some families were already identified.

Others lost everything — so their dogs were surrendered, fostered by friends or extended family, or temporarily hosted in Anchorage.

One pilot’s account has become especially moving. Jeanine Faulkner, independent volunteer, flew into remote communities on her own, evacuated plane-loads of dogs — and then welcomed some into her own home.

And Senator Lisa Murkowski stepped in too: after surveying the devastation by helicopter, she flew back to Bethel with two unordered dogs she named “Kipnuk” and “Chinook,” vowing to reunite them with their owners.

At the Bethel shelter, things are full but not broken. “We’re pretty full,” says Elliott, “but people are stepping up.”

Volunteers have shown up, donating dog bowls, food, kennels — and even opening their homes. 💙 BFK9 has also launched a donation drive, urging people to send supplies or funds to support more flights.

Meanwhile, the emotional weight of recovery rests on many shoulders.

In Kipnuk, teachers are still feeding and checking on the few dogs who remain behind, making sure no tail is forgotten while evacuation plans continue.

Here’s the heart of the story: this is more than a pet rescue.

It’s a testament to how much community matters — to how much a dog can mean, especially when your home is swept away.

It’s about pilots who fly through debris fields, volunteers who round up scared animals, and teachers who stay behind to fight for four-legged lives.

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Bethel Friends of Canines is working around the clock — and now, they need help. Donations of kennels, food, or money go a long way.

Every dollar helps pay for flights. Every crate means one more dog gets out. And every foster home gives a family a chance to heal.

When the storm came, people were told to leave. But so was their love. Thanks to this little rescue group with a huge heart, that love is coming back.

One plane. One dog. One reunion at a time.

If you want to help — or just want to spread the word — Bethel Friends of Canines is accepting donations, supplies, and foster volunteers.

This is one of those causes where every voice, every dollar, and every kind person can make a real difference.

Because in the end: no dog should be left behind. And in Alaska right now, a lot of people believe that with their whole hearts.