Furry Fort Mac evacuees fly to safety aboard Canadian North

Northern airline Canadian North made room for some extra passengers this week tohelp the people and the pets affected by the fires in Fort McMurray.

In the massive evacuation Tuesday, many Fort McMurray residents were directed to fleenorth of the city to oilsands camps.

Canadian North has since flownthousands of evacuees out from thecamps andat least one flight last Thursday made sure no one was left behind.

In addition to 130 human passengers from the Albian oilsands camp, Flight 1515 to Edmonton also welcomed aboard 19 dogs, five cats (including one named "Meow Meow") and two turtles.

With not enough space for the animals in the cargo hold, pets layon people's laps and in the aisle during the 53-minute flight.

Flight attendant Wanda Murray said it was an emotional flight.

"I know what these people have left and they may not have anything to go back to," she said.

Not that Murray forgot her professional obligations. She still conducted asafety demonstration,passenger count and, yes,a petcount.

"We had a Great Dane. I was standing over top of a dog doing my safety demonstration," she said.

"They were all well behaved. No accidents."

A flight that 'will always remain in my memory'

Canadian North spokespersonKelly Lewis admits it's unusual to have so many large animals free in the cabin.

"There really were no other options," he said. "We weren't going to let people leave their pets behind. We know how much they love them and we love animals, too."

Despite the crowded conditions,Murray saidthe pets and their weary owners appreciated the help.

"When we touched down, we got a standing ovation. It brought tears to our eyes. They are the heroes, not us.

"It's a flight that will always remain in my memory."

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