A story of an abandoned dog at an airport has a very happy ending.
Earlier this month, a woman abandoned her puppy at a Las Vegas airport. The nearly 2-year-old dog was found tied to a ticket counter after its owner tried to board a flight without the pup. But don’t worry, this story has a happy ending.
On Feb. 2, the Las Vegas Police Department responded after a pup was left behind by an unnamed passenger. The department posted about the incident on its Facebook page and included a video of the woman approaching a JetBlue ticket counter at Harry Reid International Airport with her dog. She was told she needed paperwork to bring the goldendoodle on the flight as a service animal. Without the documentation, she was denied boarding. The woman then tied her companion to a metal carry-on baggage sizer and headed to the departure gate, leaving the pup behind.
LVMPD officers caught up with her at the gate. During questioning, the passenger claimed the dog had a tracking device, “implying it was acceptable to leave the animal behind and it would return to her.” She became hostile and tried to evade arrest. She was booked on charges of resisting arrest and abandoning her pet.
Officers from LVMPD and airport staff cared for the pup, later nicknamed Jet Blue, before animal protection services took custody. The owner did not return for Jet Blue during the 10-day hold period, and the dog was placed in foster care. The nonprofit Retriever Rescue of Las Vegas began searching for a permanent home.
The story, however, didn’t end there. Officer Skeeter Black, who responded to the airport call, has welcomed Jet Blue into his family.
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On Feb. 21, LVMPD shared that the Black family had adopted Jet Blue. “Officer Black and his family had already been approved through Retriever Rescue of Las Vegas months earlier while searching to adopt a golden doodle of their own. Following the mandatory hold period, the rescue organization selected them to provide Jet Blue with the safe and loving home he deserves.”
Meanwhile, Retriever Rescue of Las Vegas thanked officers, TSA, and JetBlue counter employees, as well as other organizations, for helping the pup. The rescue received several adoption applications. “We only have one Jet Blue… but we have many other amazing dogs just like him who are also waiting for their second chance. If your heart was moved by his story, we hope you’ll consider one of them too,” it said on Facebook.
If you’re considering bringing home a fur baby, visit your local shelter. You may be able to save a Jet Blue, too. And remember, abandoning a pet is a serious offense.
Airlines provide information about flying with service animals. Check individual websites for detailed explanation—United, American, JetBlue, and Delta offer guidance.
Related: Flying With Pets Is Scarier Than Ever. Here’s What Travelers Are Doing About It
