A United Airlines pilot adopted a puppy after it was abandoned at a California airport following its flight from China.
The owner of the six-month-old German Shepherd did not have the proper documents when he arrived at San Francisco International Airport in August, opting to leave the dog behind while he continued his journey to New York.
The airline said in a statement that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was concerned about the validity of the owner’s documents. The agency did not allow the dog into the country, citing strict rules about animals arriving from high-risk rabies countries.
The dog would be euthanized upon return to China or would be euthanized locally, according to a representative for the airline.
UTAH PUP IS LOOKING FOR A HOME SO HE CAN PLAY AND BURN OFF SOME ENERGY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
A United Airlines pilot adopted a puppy after it was abandoned at a California airport following its flight from China.
(United Airlines)
But United Airlines asked the CDC to reconsider its decision on the dog.
The agency granted the dog a reprieve but required it to self-quarantine for four months.
The dog, whom the airline named Polaris after its business class, remained at the airport where it slept in an office and was given treats.
Polaris subsequently flew first class to the Los Angeles Quarantine Station.
United asked the San Francisco SPCA animal shelter to help find a home for the dog, but requested that the animal be placed with an airline employee.
The owner of the six-month-old German shepherd did not have the proper documents when he arrived at San Francisco International Airport in August and opted to leave the dog behind while he continued his journey to New York.
(United Airlines)
“We really wanted him to go with someone from our United family, because of how much our team bonded with him,” a representative for the airline said in a statement.
The SPCA received 35 applications for Polaris before finally pairing the dog with Captain William Dale, a seven-year-old pilot who recently moved his family to San Francisco.
The airline held a Polaris adoption party at the San Francisco airport on December 15 and donated $5,000 to the SPCA.
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Initially, the CDC would not allow the dog into the country, citing strict rules about animals arriving from high-risk rabies countries.
(United Airlines)
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“United’s Customer Service team took on a huge challenge to ensure Polaris was safe, healthy and found a loving home,” SPCA Chief of Rescue and Welfare Lisa Feder said in a statement.
“We are honored that United called on the SF SPCA to facilitate this adoption because of our knowledge and experience in adoptions, as well as nearly 155 years of providing care and protection for pets. We are grateful to be able to celebrate with them today and for your $5,000 donation that will help save lives throughout the year.
