A heartwarming encounter unfolded off the coast of Lahaina, Hawaii, when Chrissy Lovitt, a boat captain who lost everything in the devastating 2023 Lahaina wildfire, captured a touching moment between her golden retriever, Macy, and a humpback whale.
On Saturday, about two miles off Lahaina, Lovitt was aboard her rebuilt fishing boat with Macy when they spotted a humpback whale swimming nearby. In the footage captured on Lovitt’s iPhone, Macy can be heard barking excitedly, and the whale swims over, curiously poking its head out of the water to greet the enthusiastic dog.
A Joyful Moment for Macy:
Macy, who has been barking at whales for years, finally got a response from one of them, creating an unforgettable moment for Lovitt and her 11-year-old dog. “She’s been barking at whales her whole life, but they haven’t wanted to do anything with her,” Lovitt shared. “This was the best day of her life.”
Lovitt, a Maui boat captain for 25 years, said Macy is deeply passionate about the ocean and sea life. “She’s obsessed with sea life and whales,” Lovitt added. “I know we don’t get forever with her, but this has been on her bucket list, so I’m just super happy for her.”
Rebuilding After the Wildfire:
Lovitt’s whale-watching business was severely impacted by the August wildfire that destroyed three of her boats, equipment, and vehicles. On the day of the fire, Lovitt and her partner sought shelter at sea, helping the U.S. Coast Guard rescue people fleeing the flames.
Determined to rebuild, Lovitt relaunched her business in December, offering free seats on tours to wildfire survivors, hoping whale-watching can aid in their healing. As the whale-watching season nears its end, Lovitt hopes business continues to thrive until the humpback whales return to Alaska.
This heartwarming moment serves as a symbol of resilience and the power of the ocean, bringing a sense of joy and connection to both Macy and the survivors of the tragic wildfire.