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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 4 of 13)
Eric Jul 16th 2008 8:47PM
Thanks Jennifer
lillyroses Jul 16th 2008 3:04PM
I am surprised when I was told this a couple of years ago, but I have had it confirmed by people in other lines of work-Many are a little p*ssed off about understaffing and over work...they will give sloppy care hoping that you will blame the company and either they get more help or a little satisfaction on sticking it to the company in a round about way. I first heard this, if you can believe from someone who works in the airline industry. I also heard this from a aide who works in a hospital and another who worked at a retail store. I don't know it they don't get it in all the headaches they cause the unsuspecting third parties the public but I guess many of them don't care anymore...perhaps they are burned out or just poor workers to beging with.
Lisa Jul 16th 2008 3:04PM
I feel awful that this happened to someone, but unfortunately I would not suggest anyone taking their pet in any airline unless it were on your lap. FYI - the area in which baggage, yes your beloved pet, is located is not free on air, temperature regulation, freezing in winter and hot as molasses in summer. So if you love your pet, leave it at home with a loved one, give it a new home or stay at home. We do a lot for our children. Isn't your pet like your child? Mine is, and if he isn't then don't have a pet.
cook Jul 16th 2008 3:04PM
Why would any idiot blame low wages on total incompatance. Apparently these idiots need to be terminated and replaced with people who respect the lives of people and innocent animals. Some out there may appreciate a job period, these wakkos that lost this dog however do not. The airlines have been substandard for years, losing luggage, late flights etc. this however is unforgivable.
lisa Jul 16th 2008 3:07PM
kudos for Coreysmom!
doug Jul 16th 2008 3:11PM
Did you all read that it was a malfunctioning cage.. Not the airlines fault then. And Dulles airport baggae system is controlled by the city
retired 777 capt Jul 16th 2008 3:15PM
Mr. Franklin said...
A retired Capt, and you call your fellow pilots losers?
Shame on you you arrogant jerk, Bet you were a wonder to work with.
WRONG IS WRONG.... I DON'T MAKE THE RULES JACKASS, BUT THE 67,000 AIRLINE PILOTS IN NORTH AMERICA SHOULD HAVE GONE ON STRIKE 1 YEAR AFTER 911.
Jim Jul 16th 2008 4:26PM
Bernadette you are a major Butt-Hole! It doesn't make a difference who they are or where they are going. This happens so often because the American work force has gotten lazy and sloppy. If something like that happened where I work the crew would have been fired, end of story.
Cory Jul 16th 2008 3:21PM
The airline should be forced to pay $1,000.00 per hour the dog is missing. I bet the dog would turn up quite quickly. Unfortunately the animal might be injured or worse. If the dog is found dead, then the airline should be forced to pay $1,000,000.00 to the animal shelter of the dog owners choice, with the same amount to the dog's owner. Maybe that would wake the airlines up enough to start treating our pets and luggage as carefully as they should.
allison Jul 16th 2008 3:25PM
Can Corey or Corey's mom tell me what airline let their pet fly in first class in a seat? i have tried and tried to find an airline that will allow my dog but as he is 30 pounds, and i go to europe in the summers, he goes with me in the cargo. He has flown about 5 times roundtrip, and he has made it just fine. I am always the one who is so so nervous. But each time i try to find a different way, there is not one. Please tell me what airlines allow a non-seeing eye dog (or non certified handicap helper dog) to go on the plane. My dog is 30 pounds.
LORRAINE Jul 16th 2008 3:58PM
SO SAD. I HOPE THEY FIND THE DOG!
AnnaBanana Jul 16th 2008 3:29PM
I read one report that said the airlines lose approx 5000 pets a year on flights (meaning they are truly lost or they die) when they are checked in as cargo - remember that means they go in the belly of the plane where the temp and air quality isn't regulated. If the carrier will fit, take the pet with you inside the cabin. Ground transporters of pets one must be very careful as I had a dog transported from North Carolina to California and she lost ten pounds in transit even though the driver insisted she drank and ate en route. Perhaps at some point airlines will use planes that have a place in the cabin where oversized pet crates can go but it would have to be on a different air supply than the rest of the plane. Dog poop is stinky, like Bush.
jbjg24m Jul 16th 2008 3:31PM
if they lost my dog i would damn sure let them know aboutit from the flight attendant all the way to the damn president of the company!! i wopuls sue the hell out of them!!
mcdann7 Jul 16th 2008 3:31PM
yes doug , but then it also said that the cage was hit by something and that is what caused it. NO MATTER, the cage was from the airline, the airline was responsible for the pet at the time the airline should have taken more care. thats it
Yasmin Jul 16th 2008 3:34PM
This is terrible and to think I was thinking of taking my puppy with me on my trip in November forget that he will definetly be staying with family. I hope they find their baby safe and sound and then give this airline hell Don't they know people take care of their pets like if they where their kids.
Happytobe Jul 16th 2008 3:38PM
Airplanes are for humans, not dogs. Should have left his azz home anyway. I hated when I have paid big$$ to travel and here comes little Annie dragging her stink little mutt.
susan Jul 16th 2008 4:29PM
I had to laugh when I read your comment. I find it amusing when I see dogs being treated like babies because my dog is my youngest child..But you're just jealous because the dog gets an aisle seat..LOL
cindyjimbook Jul 16th 2008 3:39PM
I am only assuming that the good Lord above has decided that this "treasured" family pet need not be in Saudi Arabia and is being taken care of. If I were an employee with the airline and saw this poor defenseless animal being "DEPLOYED", I may have rescued him myself. Remember, people can make decisions regarding their loyalty to their country, animals cannot. If this was a dog trained in any capacity to serve in the military, he/she would have been transported in a different manner. It seems to me that this person wanted the company of a family member who may or have may not wanted to join the fight.
cakes38 Jul 16th 2008 6:50PM
Cindy - The fact that the family chose to take their pet to Saudi Arabia is none of your business or the business of an airline employee who you say may have chosen to "rescue" this animal. To interfere with the transport of a family pet and risk it injury and/or death is not "rescue."
Bernadette Jul 16th 2008 3:43PM
Dingo - wow-are you having a bad day? I surely didn't mean to make it any worse for you, honest. My point, perhaps not too clearly stated, was poking fun at the article that provided so little information on a tender subject. Everyone knows and loves the military and pets. I am ex military, I also own multiple pets and am involved in rescue of racing Greyhounds. I would never, ever transport any of my pets via airlines: too many horror stories over and over again. Concerning the "military transport", I try not to lord it over anyone on these comment lines and try not to come across as a know it all. I was merely stating my fear and concern for the pet as well as the family. IF the entire family was going to a new duty station, the article should have stated that more precisely. In any event, I hope the dog is found safe and uninjured and the family gets it back in fabulous condition. And, I hope your day improves.