A woman took a flight back to Raleigh-Durham International Airport to search for her dog after Alaska Airlines failed to place him on a Seattle-bound flight with her.
Missing Dog Incident
The dog, named Moose, was scheduled to fly from Raleigh-Durham to Seattle on Tuesday, but due to a loading error, he didn’t board the plane. The airline acknowledged the mistake and stated that Moose stayed with their team at the airport overnight.
Escape and Search Efforts
The following day, while preparing to board another flight, Moose escaped when he pulled away, shook free from his collar, and ran off during a walk with airport staff. Workers were seen chasing the dog on the taxiway, according to reports.
Airport Response
Airport representatives confirmed sightings of the dog on various parts of the airport campus but assured that the pursuit did not disrupt flight operations.
Owner’s Return and Reunion
The owner flew back from Seattle to assist in the search, facilitated by Alaska Airlines, which covered the cost of her flight. After a collaborative effort involving airport staff, law enforcement, and fire rescue, Moose was found and reunited with his owner on Thursday, safe and unharmed.
Apology and Pet Policies
Alaska Airlines expressed apologies to the owner for the stressful situation and highlighted their pet policies, which allow small pets in the cabin for a fee, and a broader range of pets in the hold on domestic flights with specific guidelines and charges.
