Talk about being in the right place at the right time. A dog abandoned at the San Francisco airport has a new dog dad — a pilot!
Dog Abandoned at Airport
This heartwarming story started in the fall when a puppy named Polaris touched down at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). The pooch had been traveling with a person from an international location. Unfortunately, “the customer chose to continue traveling on without his animal,” nonprofit animal shelter San Francisco SPCA said in a press release earlier this month.
United Airlines ensured the puppy met all requirements to enter the country, as well as enforced a quarantine period. Then, the seemingly unlucky pup got the surprise of his life — United Airlines Captain William Dale adopted him!
A Season of Giving
The airline threw Polaris an adoption celebration on Dec. 15. It also donated a generous $5,000 to support the San Francisco SPCA’s efforts, which include assisting animals that are injured, ill, homeless, or in need of advocacy.
“United’s Customer Service team took on quite a challenge to ensure Polaris would be safe, healthy, and find a loving home,” said Lisa Feder, SF SPCA Chief of Rescue and Welfare, in a statement. “We were honored that United called the SF SPCA to facilitate this adoption because of our knowledge and expertise in adoptions, as well as nearly 155 years of offering care and protection to pets. We’re grateful that we can celebrate with them today, and for their $5,000 donation that will help to save lives year-round.”
“From the moment Polaris landed in our care, our entire SFO United team cared for him 24/7 until we were able to get permission to keep him safely in the US,” said Vincent Passafiume, director of customer service at United Airlines, in the release. “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.”
If you feel inspired to give a dog the gift of a forever home, consider adopting from SF SPCA. The organization is offering free adoptions for all adult dogs (5+ months old) through Dec. 31. You can also get 50 percent off the puppy adoption fee if you complete an online Puppy Parent Orientation course. See animals available for adoption here.
