A small dog almost didn’t make it home, and a plane full of passengers ended up clapping for the pilot who saved him.

An Air Canada flight from Tel Aviv to Toronto was cruising when the crew spotted a problem with a heater in the cargo hold.

Inside that hold was a 7-year-old French bulldog named Simba.

At high altitude, the temperature can drop fast. The captain decided it was not safe to cross the Atlantic.

He diverted to Frankfurt so Simba could be moved to another aircraft with proper heating.

The delay was about 75 minutes. Passengers later said the choice felt obvious once they knew why.

Many on board applauded. A few teared up. It was a simple act that meant a life was protected.

Air Canada backed the decision, calling the captain’s concern for the animal appropriate and professional.

Simba was reunited with his owner in Toronto. The flight landed late, but the mood was light. Kindness had set the tone.