This lucky dog made a soft landing.
A 6-month-old German Shepherd was adopted by a United Airlines pilot after he was abandoned at San Francisco International Airport, where he arrived from China in late August.
The owner, who did not have the necessary papers, abandoned the poor pooch and continued his journey to New York, according to the Washington Post.
“The (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) had concerns about the validity of the documents,” airline representative Vincent Passafiume told the newspaper.
“That was also part of our responsibility.”
The CDC would not allow the dog into the country due to its strict rules regarding animals from countries with a high risk of rabies.
The initial options were very dark. He would be euthanized upon his return to China or slaughtered locally,” Passafiume said of the pup’s plight.
But United did not back down and urged the agency to reconsider its decision on the dog, which the airline has named Polaris – after its business class.
The CDC granted the high-flying visitor a reprieve, but ordered a four-month quarantine, which Polaris spent as the canine equivalent of failed character Tom Hanks in “The Terminal.”
Polaris spent time at the airport, where he slept in an office and feasted on treats and entertainment, as well as his newfound fame among travelers.
Despite its business class moniker, Polaris was later flown first class to the Los Angeles Quarantine Station, The Washington Post reported.
He was so good the whole way down. He didn’t bark at all,” Passafiume told the newspaper.
Meanwhile, airline officials have asked the San Francisco SPCA to help with the adoption process – but said the dog could only be placed with a company employee.
“We really wanted him to go to someone in our United family, because of how much our team rallied around him,” Passafiume said.
After receiving 35 applications, the SPCA chose Capt. William Dale, a seven-year veteran who had recently moved to San Francisco with his family.
“I just hope we can take care of him half as well as the staff at United,” Dale told the outlet.
More than one employee has said to me, “You better take good care of him… otherwise.” There was even a finger movement, ”added the pilot.
Dec. On December 15, United hosted an adoption party for Polaris at Terminal 3 attended by SFO’s comfort dog team, who all enjoyed cupcakes and an assortment of canine treats.
“United’s customer service team took on quite the challenge to ensure that Polaris would be safe, healthy and find a loving home,” said Lisa Feder, SPCA Chief Rescue and Welfare Officer. from San Francisco.
“We were honored that United called on the SF SPCA to facilitate this adoption because of our knowledge and expertise in adoption, as well as nearly 155 years of providing care and protection to pets. “, she said in a statement.
“We are grateful to be able to celebrate with them today and for their $5,000 donation that will help save lives all year long,” Feder added.
After the approval has been completed Last week, Passafiume said, “It’s a great feeling to see this story come full circle and that Polaris will have a loving home with United Airlines Captain Dale and his family, just in time for the holidays.”
Thinking of the newly adopted Polaris, he told the Washington Post, “I’m going to miss him terribly.”
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