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United Sends Dog to Japan Instead of Kansas City

By Jeralyn, Section Off Topic
Posted on Thu Mar 15, 2018 at 07:16:00 AM EST
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For the second time in a week, United is in the doghouse for its mishandling of a passenger's beloved canine: This weekend, a family checked its dog when flying from Oregon to Kansas City. When they went to doggie claim in Kansas City to retrieve their German Shephard named Irgo, they were handed a Great Dane.

Where was their beloved Irgo? Shipped to Japan by mistake. At least he didn't die, like the dog the owner was made to put in the overhead bin, but still, this is pretty bad. The dog is now en route back home from Japan. I won't be surprised if it develops a serious case of PTSD from the ordeal.

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    United Sends Dog to Japan Instead of Kansas City | 99 comments (99 topical)

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    Dog returning from a Japan and heading for (5.00 / 4) (#65)
    by oculus on Thu Mar 15, 2018 at 05:40:22 PM EST
    Kamnsas is flying first class on United with a human companion.

    In all the years at my old job, from which (5.00 / 4) (#83)
    by desertswine on Thu Mar 15, 2018 at 09:25:04 PM EST
    I retired not too long ago, we shipped animals from tiny tree frogs to large ones the size of giraffes, and bigger.  Not once did we have one wind up in a place where it was not supposed to go, and not once did we have one die in transit.  The thing is, you have to care about what your'e doing.

    Parent
    Dog and mom on GMA this AM. (5.00 / 2) (#89)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri Mar 16, 2018 at 12:29:47 PM EST
    The dog looks mellow and loving.

    Parent
    Just finished reading this comment thread. (5.00 / 1) (#100)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Mar 19, 2018 at 01:36:48 AM EST
    You guys make me happy that we have cats.
    ;-D

    In the doghouse. (none / 0) (#1)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Wed Mar 14, 2018 at 11:26:50 PM EST
    What you did there, I see it.

    How does staff not know there is a dog in the overhead bin when it barked for 2 hours?

    Did Willard "Mittens" Romney buy United?

    My son and d-in-law.. (5.00 / 1) (#10)
    by desertswine on Thu Mar 15, 2018 at 11:56:53 AM EST
    have one of those frenchies.  It's a wonderful pet and without doubt the friendliest thing on the planet.  She's a real clown and can really make you laugh.

    Parent
    They are beautiful little happy dogs (none / 0) (#13)
    by Militarytracy on Thu Mar 15, 2018 at 12:13:26 PM EST
    I think most of them have a pretty soft raspy bark. I remember hearing them bark at a dog show. Adorable and soft.

    Parent
    Oh my god (none / 0) (#2)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Mar 15, 2018 at 07:58:01 AM EST
    I don't even know what I would do but I'm pretty sure sure whatever I did  would would be on the news.

    Parent
    You, I, and hopefully most dog owners would be (none / 0) (#4)
    by vml68 on Thu Mar 15, 2018 at 10:03:25 AM EST
    on the news for getting kicked off a plane for refusing to comply with the airline stewards instructions to put the dog in the overhead bin.

    Parent
    What I don't get is if the family heard the dog (none / 0) (#3)
    by vml68 on Thu Mar 15, 2018 at 10:00:54 AM EST
    barking for 2 hours then the other passengers around them must have heard it, too. And, no one spoke up about it? What is wrong with people?

    I am faulting the family for this incident, too. If this is their first time on a plane then I understand their actions. If not, they should have known that an overhead bin is no place for a dog and should have absolutely refused to comply with the stewards instructions. Part of being a responsible dog owner is making sure your dog is safe.

    Parent

    I guarantee they would have been (5.00 / 1) (#5)
    by Chuck0 on Thu Mar 15, 2018 at 10:27:51 AM EST
    escorted (or dragged) off the plane for refusing to comply with crew instructions. That's the go to solution. The airline then works the details out later. They want the plane in the air. However, I'm sure missing your flight is better than a dead dog.

    I have never been in the position, but I have had TSA threaten to "not let me board." My reply has always been "OK." That seems to confuse them.

    Parent

    Oh, I don't doubt that for a second. (none / 0) (#8)
    by vml68 on Thu Mar 15, 2018 at 11:37:05 AM EST
    I guarantee they would have been escorted (or dragged) off the plane for refusing to comply with crew instructions.

    But, as you said, better than a dead dog.

    Parent

    Dogs flown below (none / 0) (#6)
    by CoralGables on Thu Mar 15, 2018 at 11:09:39 AM EST
    are like luggage. They too can become lost.

    Dogs in the main cabin? As someone that's allergic to almost all dog hair, I'd prefer they fly below or the owners drive to their destination. Would have no issue with no pets in the main cabin.

    Or at least... (5.00 / 1) (#9)
    by kdog on Thu Mar 15, 2018 at 11:39:32 AM EST
    if flea-ridden mutts can fly in the cabin, I want the ashtrays back! ;)

    Parent
    Hahahaha (none / 0) (#23)
    by Militarytracy on Thu Mar 15, 2018 at 02:11:15 PM EST
    A cabin full of dog farts ewwwwww

    Parent
    There may be a niche market... (5.00 / 1) (#43)
    by kdog on Thu Mar 15, 2018 at 03:24:48 PM EST
    for Noah's Arc Airlines and Cancer Air!

    Parent
    I've been accused of being (5.00 / 1) (#12)
    by CST on Thu Mar 15, 2018 at 12:12:34 PM EST
    Anti-dog because I don't like to pet strange dogs or be licked by any dogs.  I'm not actually anti-dog I'm just pro-personal space and extend that to non-humans, but at moments like this I often think of my sister, who is deathly afraid of dogs, or people like my good friend (or you) who are severely allergic.

    Being in a small enclosed flying bomb with other humans is bad enough.

    That said, there are times when it may be necessary to bring a pet on a plane.  Like if you are moving overseas or somewhere without a car.  Not sure what the ramifications of leaving them below would be but I agree that it would certainly be preferable for the other humans in the main cabin, assuming it's not hazardous to the animal.

    Parent

    The dog sh*t is getting out of hand... (5.00 / 2) (#18)
    by kdog on Thu Mar 15, 2018 at 01:10:26 PM EST
    (pun intended)...my girlfriend is car shopping so I went with her to the dealership last weekend, some dude brought his dog car-shopping and it's running amuck all over the place.

    I also recently saw some guy bring his dog with him to the take-out taco joint, and proceed to dine in at the place with his dog in a seat next to him. A human seat.

    I'm as freedom-friendly as the next person, but c'mon dog people lets be reasonable. And don't think calling it an "emotional support anxiety dog" makes it ok...it's the 21st century in America, everybody got anxiety, get a grip man or smoke a joint/have a beer for your anxiety like a normal person!

    This dog-lover extremist takes the cake though...my sister has a Siberian Husky.  Loves to be outside all day, never barks.  Some no good do-gooder drops a dime, to 9-1-F*ckin' 1 to be precise, and the police come on a report of an abused dog.  There is supposedly some county law that prohibits you leaving a dog outside for more than x number of hours when it's under x degrees.  My sister explains it's a husky, they love the cold, and she lets him in and out as he pleases, but he prefers the yard.  The cop was sympathetic, but said the law is the law and if they get another call they will be fined.  What kinda dog-worshipping freak of nature makes a 911 call over that? Scared the crap outta my niece who thought the police were taking mommy away.  

    Parent

    One of my lifetime (5.00 / 1) (#29)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Mar 15, 2018 at 02:41:44 PM EST
    Let peeves is city people who do not clean up after their dogs.  

    You're really can't blame the dogs.

    Parent

    Honestly... (none / 0) (#51)
    by kdog on Thu Mar 15, 2018 at 03:39:43 PM EST
    I don't mind dog sh&t and piss outside, that is natural...though obviously sh&t should be picked up, especially on concrete, a poop on the lawn in the park don't bother me...that's planet earth. When I'm playing football at one of our fields in the fall I'm diving on a lawn of geese sh&t, and I'm cool with it.

    A dog piss*n' on the floor at the taco joint otoh would bother me, tie that hound up outside or I'll give ya something to be "anxious" about if my arse is eating!  Or better yet, leave the dog at home while you get your carnitas.  

    Parent

    Yeah (none / 0) (#54)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Mar 15, 2018 at 03:48:53 PM EST
    But allow me to be devils advocate.  While I agree that dogs do not belong in eating establishments that person may have just worked a 15 hour day and is taking the only opportunity he has to get the dog outside for a few minutes  

    Plus.  Personally I would never leave a dog tied outside anywhere unless there was some kind of lock to prevent dog napping.

    When you work long hours love your dog and live in a apt sometimes you have difficult choices.

    Of course none of this could be true.  Sadly there is no azzhole test befor getting a dog.

    Parent

    That is a terrible story (none / 0) (#22)
    by Militarytracy on Thu Mar 15, 2018 at 02:10:03 PM EST
    The dog was bred to thrive in the artic outdoors.  

    Parent
    They are (none / 0) (#28)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Mar 15, 2018 at 02:39:40 PM EST
    And do.  They actually hate being inside.

    Parent
    Need lots of exercise too (none / 0) (#36)
    by Militarytracy on Thu Mar 15, 2018 at 03:03:23 PM EST
    I have noticed among our friends who have them that if they don't get to run enough they run right out the front door and keep going for a few miles.

    Parent
    They are also (5.00 / 1) (#40)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Mar 15, 2018 at 03:12:41 PM EST
    Extremely independent.  Very unlike retrievers or most companion dogs.

    My vet said they were bred that way. He said "think of it this way, you are 'mushing' through the driving blinding snow tell your dog to go forward, but forward - that the dog can see but you cannot - is a giant hole in the ice, or a cliff, or a polar bear..."

    They are very independent characters.  My retrievers live to please me.   All they want to know is what I want.  Not Ghost.  He likes me.  Very much.  But it's clear he would be absolutely fine without me.  And when you make him do something he doesn't want to do you would swear he is trying to curse you out for it.

    Parent

    Not too experienced with Huskies. (5.00 / 1) (#44)
    by Chuck0 on Thu Mar 15, 2018 at 03:25:23 PM EST
    But I had a girlfriend in San Diego years ago that had a female Malamute. That was one of the coolest dogs I have ever been around. Always wanted one after that. She was cool, calm, collected. Not excitable. That dog just seemed completely comfortable in the world. But fiercely protective.

    My wife really misses our lab as much if not more than I do. She is lobbying for a Tibetan Mastiff. I've told here she's effing nuts. Unfortunately there's someone not far from me (around Hummelstown) that just had a litter. Luckily for me my wife is directionally challenged and can't read a map to save her life.

    Parent

    That is a perfect description of ghost (none / 0) (#47)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Mar 15, 2018 at 03:30:59 PM EST
    Besides being protective there is something about the way the "look" at you with those spooky beautiful blue eyes that scares the hell out of people

    Are you sure you don't want a mastiff?

    Parent

    Have you looked up (none / 0) (#52)
    by Chuck0 on Thu Mar 15, 2018 at 03:44:36 PM EST
    TIBETAN mastiff??? They are as big as lions. HUUUGE. I don't know if I can afford to feed one. They weigh like 200+ lbs. We'd have to use lawn bags to clean up after it. The regular bag from the grocery store won't cut it.

    They look cool. And of course the puppies are super dooper cute. But's that a lot of dog.


    Parent

    Ha (none / 0) (#58)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Mar 15, 2018 at 04:36:15 PM EST
    I know one.  He is like a living teddy bear.  A really big living teddy bear.  Big yard required

    Parent
    Great description for an absolutely gorgeous dog. (none / 0) (#59)
    by vml68 on Thu Mar 15, 2018 at 04:53:31 PM EST
    He is like a living teddy bear.  A really big living teddy bear.

    Chuck, I am very good with directions, I will happily drive your wife to go pick up the pup :-)

    Speaking of "living teddy bears", I have always wanted a Newfoundland but apartment/condo living was not conducive to having one. We are finally going to have a big yard at our new house and I have started casually mentioning it to my husband. Softening him up for the kill :-)

    Parent

    In addition to a big yard (none / 0) (#60)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Mar 15, 2018 at 05:03:19 PM EST
    You will need a good dog groomer

    Parent
    For both (none / 0) (#61)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Mar 15, 2018 at 05:04:35 PM EST


    Parent
    GPS (none / 0) (#49)
    by Militarytracy on Thu Mar 15, 2018 at 03:32:56 PM EST


    Parent
    All I remember about Tibetan Mastiffs (none / 0) (#87)
    by jondee on Fri Mar 16, 2018 at 12:12:47 PM EST
    is what the author of The Snow Leopard said about the ones in the villages in Nepal, which was that they all seemed like they wanted to rip someone's throat out at the first opportunity.

    Parent
    Be (5.00 / 1) (#88)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Mar 16, 2018 at 12:17:10 PM EST
    afraid

    or not

    Parent

    PS (none / 0) (#41)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Mar 15, 2018 at 03:14:05 PM EST
    I had a white Siberian husky named Ghost before there was a Game of Thrones.

    Many commenters here know that.  Some might not.

    Parent

    Too true... (5.00 / 1) (#45)
    by kdog on Thu Mar 15, 2018 at 03:29:20 PM EST
    their husky was an escape artist, and would never come home on his own accord.  He's mellowed since they took his nuts away though and stopped digging under the fences.

    If there were any fertile females around before then though, he's definitely a dead-beat daddy.  

    Parent

    I had a deadbeat dad when I was a kid (none / 0) (#50)
    by Militarytracy on Thu Mar 15, 2018 at 03:38:32 PM EST
    A larger miniature poodle. I won a lot of obedience trial ribbons with him. He could also climb most fences like a ladder. He was the family embarrassment.

    Parent
    Why do you assume (none / 0) (#27)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Mar 15, 2018 at 02:38:36 PM EST
    A dog lover.  And not just a psycho freak like, well, you know.

    Parent
    Yeah... (none / 0) (#48)
    by kdog on Thu Mar 15, 2018 at 03:31:59 PM EST
    coulda been a a-hole neighbor with a simple axe to grind, but they generally get on well with the neighbors.

    There is a suspect, some dog lady who walks two dogs wearing sweaters (talk about animal cruelty!) through their cul-de-sac but doesn't live in the immediate vicinity.

    Parent

    I would call you dog smart (none / 0) (#16)
    by Militarytracy on Thu Mar 15, 2018 at 12:36:28 PM EST
    Anyone who walks up to unknown dogs and starts petting them is what I would call naive

    There are more and more ground pet shippers.

    I don't really want pets in the plane cabin either. Unless maybe it's a little bulldog and it sits with me :)

    My sister-in-law took her grown lab with her in the cabin moving to Germany and back. She is an impeccably trained dog though. Not all are.

    Parent

    This! (5.00 / 1) (#19)
    by vml68 on Thu Mar 15, 2018 at 01:18:42 PM EST
    I would call you dog smart. Anyone who walks up to unknown dogs and starts petting them is what I would call naive

    I have quite a bit of experience with dogs, my own and volunteering at a shelter and I never pet a dog without first checking with whomever is at the other end of the leash.
    I cringe every time I see parents let their children run up to strange dogs. Cute little toddler's face inches away from the very sharp teeth of an unknown animal is an accident waiting to happen.

    Parent

    Yes, a lot of scars made that way (none / 0) (#32)
    by Militarytracy on Thu Mar 15, 2018 at 02:49:17 PM EST
    Some people never get over being bitten in the face :( They distrust all dogs for the rest of their lives. And some d