FORT LAUDERDALE-HOLLYWOOD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, FLA. (WSVN) - They were separated in the wake of Hurricane Dorian. Now a Bahamian family and the dog they were forced to leave behind have been reunited, thanks in part to a pet rescue group.
7News cameras captured the Cornish family as they waited for Boxe, their beloved pet, at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Friday evening.
“It’s the best Christmas present I could ever have. I don’t need another Christmas present,” said Eva Adderley, one of the dogs’ owners, as she fought back tears.
The Cornishes said they have been incomplete for more than a month. After the storm hit Abaco Island in September, the family rushed to evacuate.
“Even though I was fearful, I always believed in God,” said Adderley. “I trusted in Him that we were going to be OK.”
Forced to flee to Florida, they made the painful decision to leave Boxe with a neighbor.
“Because we were on a small plane. It was really hard, trust me,” said Charlie Cornish.
But that separation ended on Friday.
Through a friend, the Cornishes were able to connect with American Humane Association workers on the island who found Boxe in the neighborhood.
The group Wings of Rescue put the precious pet on as plane and flew him to Fort Lauderdale.
The International Fund for Animal Welfare also helped make this reunion possible.
“I like to play around with him and stuff. I’m really glad he’s coming back to me,” said Cayden Cornish.
“It’s a blessing,” said Adderley.
The Cornishes did not have to wait much longer.
“I think our puppy is here,” said Charlie.
7News cameras showed Boxe peeking out of the plane’s exit moments after it touched down at FLL.
“That is all of our goals. We want all these pets to be back with their families,” said Wings of Rescue’s Erin Robbins.
“Boxe!” a child is heard screaming as Boxe, his tail wagging, walked into the terminal and into the arms of his owners.
He got some snacks, and a lot of love, as he basically made himself at home.
“Thanks be to God. He’s here with us,” said Adderley. “Now our family is completed. It feels like Christmas.”
The Cornishes have been staying with friends in Palm Beach County. They said they have no idea when they’ll be able to go back home.
Copyright 2025 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.