KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) –

Katelin Wagner and her dogs Boss and Journey survived the Joplin tornado, but Katelin’s job didn’t. So she’s heading to Seattle to start over.

A group called Pilots ‘n Paws fly animals all over the country, usually to help with long distance pet adoptions, but Monday’s flight helped a family stay together.

“They’re the most important thing I have,” said Katelin.

Katelin, Boss and Journey began their journey Monday afternoon in Joplin. Katelin left Kansas City for Seattle on Monday night, Boss and Journey will make the final leg on Wednesday.

“I tried a couple different airlines that didn’t work out, it’s hard to find a place that wants to fly pit bulls,” Katelin said.

She thought she might have to leave her pups behind, and take a bus to Seattle. But her mother found Pilots ‘n Paws. Pilots like Sarah Owens volunteer their time, plane, and fuel to help animals find good homes.

“I’d hate to see someone be put in a situation where they’re forced to give up their animals, so if I can just fly down and help them out, I’m more than willing to do that,” Owens said.

She flew to Joplin shortly after the tornado to help with the relief effort. She says from her unique view in the cockpit on Monday, the city looks like it’s recovering.

“You can tell it’s starting to get back to normal, if you can call that normal after what happened. Initially after the tornado it was just devastating down there,” Owens said.

Hearts United for Animals is another group helping out, they were able to raise enough money to pay for Katelin and the dogs commercial flights to Seattle.

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