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Reward for missing dog at Washington Dulles
If you happen to be riding around in one of the Moon Rovers at Washington Dulles in the next couple days, keep your eyes peeled for any four legged creatures running around the tarmac.John and Ronia Weisner, two owners of a dog that was traveling with John, an active member of the armed forces, en route to Saudi Arabia, were horrified to find that their pet was lost at
The culprit, they suggest, is the substandard cage that the FAA required them to use -- apparently the new kennel that they purchased had to have screws in it but was still not structurally sound enough to handle the baggage system.
But how did the dog escape? Once the dog and cage went down into the luggage system, it appears that something struck its side and the dog broke free. As to whether the dog could have broken itself free, the Weisner's state:
"There's no way, no something hit it, bended it inward."
Now, in an effort to find the missing animal and restore peace to John and Ronia, the two have offered a $2500 reward, while United has put up another matching $2500. The pair have been scouring the tarmac with escorts looking for the dog and apparently have still yet to find the animal.
Reader Comments (Page 13 of 13)
Kari Jul 17th 2008 5:47AM
Who cares about all the stupid questions and all the other stuff! I just hope the dog is found and returned safe and alive! I feel terrible for the owner, I am a dog owner too! Please let us know the outcome!
BestWishes Jul 17th 2008 6:49AM
First off, my heart really goes out to the man who lost his dog. I would probably go crazy if this happened to one of my dogs. And I'm also really proud to read most of the comments on this board. Most of the time when a news story concerns an animal I end up reading a lot of heartless comments. But I think most of us are in agreement that what has happened to this man is despicable, and judging from many other cases where airlines act irresponsibly, it is the common fare.
This article has gotten me so angry at the airlines that from now on I will avoid flying if at all possible. I have family in other parts of the country, so I fly often to see them, but I'll be driving or taking the train from now on. And to think the airlines try to convince us that they are so reputable, and they are doing everything to keep us safe and ensure we reach our destination but they can't even keep a dog in a carrier that was latched shut, and load it onto a plane. Think about it. All they had to do was carry the cage onto the plane!! And they couldn't even do that!! How safe is that supposed to make me feel?
Bob Reed Jul 17th 2008 7:22AM
My dog escaped on her own from an "inescapable" kennel. I simply could not believe that she got out, but apparently a dog that is eager to do so will. I employed a group that looks for lost dogs. Fortunately I recovered her within two weeks. I hope that this situation works out OK. But willful dogs will escape!
rdavis0805 Jul 17th 2008 10:44AM
what kind of dog is it? I work out that way and could use the money.
Trax Jul 17th 2008 4:41PM
To those of you saying that the airline employees treat the animals poorly, let me assure you that you are incorrect. These same people that work for airlines also have pets of their own, and treat them them with care in my experience.
As a rule, animals don't get placed on luggage carousels or thrown down baggage chutes.
Believe me when I say that a lot of people are looking for this dog.
kate Jul 17th 2008 9:58PM
Hey Everyone
The search is still active for Jeddah and focused in the area of Reston VA
You can read more about what is going on at www.helpfindjeddah.com
flyingfish Jul 18th 2008 7:07AM
The family knowing checks their pet in a, according to them, substandard kennel, and some how this is the airlines fault? If I was checking my beloved pet on a 15+ hourtrip I would be sure the cage was rock solid. No matter who you are, or what you do, it is time to take some responsibility for your choices.
jcseibold Jul 18th 2008 7:10AM
The family knowing checks their pet in a, according to them,
substandard kennel, and some how this is the airlines fault? If I
was checking my beloved pet on a 15+ hourtrip I would be sure the
cage was rock solid. No matter who you are, or what you do, it is
time to take some responsibility for your choices.
Mike Jul 19th 2008 1:39AM
I am in the military. They are NOT taking a dog to Saudi Arabia. Obviously, the wife was moving to a new location while he was deployed and had the dog with them. He would NOT be allowed to take a freaking dog on a deployment, people. He was on leave prior to his deployment. Geez, civilians!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
kate Jul 19th 2008 6:39AM
The family did not use a SUBSTANDARD caret you idiot - the airline said it did not comply and they bought one from United - and it was United's crate that was damaged and the dog escaped
Get your facts right before you jump in with an opinion that is dead wrong
Dave Jul 24th 2008 9:35AM
John and Ronia Weisner have been my friends for a LONG time. They're great folks who don't deserve this hardship. Hopefully the airline is doing their utmost to locate their dog. My concern is that my two dogs (one of whom I received from John over 10 yrs ago) are scheduled to fly to Belgium with my family (I'm also military, moving overseas) next month! Not that I need more to worry about at this point.....
Dave Jul 24th 2008 9:47AM
Mike,
They ARE moving to SA on an accompanied tour. The pet is (was) travelling with them just like any other PCS move. Its Saudi Arabia, an assignment, not a deployment (unless you're in the Air Force, where anything outside a five star hotel is considered "combat"......... :). You may want to get your facts straight before you throw out the "geez, civilians" comments.
Mike Aug 5th 2008 3:15PM
Enough bashing of a civilian; the us v. them, does not work. Educate the civilian to better appreciate the job service people do and the extremes that they go through to accomplish that mission. Because we are or were in the military does not make us superior to the civilians that elect not to serve. My question is what is the final outcome for the dog?
jerry Nov 14th 2008 9:21PM
Some general comments. ONLY use the Pet Mate
Kennel (or Bargain Hound) with bolts and nuts.
NEVER use a kennel with the flip type connection.
We always drill 4 to 6 small holes around the ridge
and double secure with cable ties. Also, use large
cable ties on both sides and upper and lower portions
of the door. NEVER attempt to use the kennels with
doors on top! Attach a card or note saying: Do NOT
open unless in presence of owner. Of course they may
open in case of an emergency. NEVER sedate.
Breeds such as pit bulls are VERY strong and have
been known to chew thru a kennel. Thus, many
airlines exclude such breeds, Not because they may
be aggresive, but because they are soooo strong....
It often is aviseable to use the services of a professional pet shipper, just for these reasons....
Visit: www.ipata.com Most pet shippers have very
informative websites.....
Regards, Jerry www.actionpetexpress.com