When you look at the face of a little black puppy named Polaris, it’s hard to believe anyone would ever abandon him.
Sadly, that’s exactly what happened at the San Francisco International Airport in California several months ago. His story began when an international traveler arrived at the airport and found out the puppy didn’t meet the requirements to enter the country.
All animals who enter the United States must be vaccinated, and they have to undergo a quarantine period before they can roam freely. Since the traveler didn’t do any of that, they decided to leave the puppy at the airport.
Staff members at United Airlines were quick to take over care of the sweet little dog, instantly falling in love with him in the process. How could you not?
United reached out to the San Francisco SPCA for their expertise in the pet adoption area. The airline worked with them to make sure the puppy, now named Polaris after the North Star (also the airline’s business class offering), got everything he needed to become a bone-afide resident of the United States.
Almost two months after he landed at the airport, Polaris finally got adopted into his forever home. As it happened, his adopter was none other than a United Airlines pilot!
Captain William Dale brought Polaris home to live with his family, and United Airlines threw a big party to celebrate the adoption. They invited the San Francisco SPCA, also donating $5,000 to help other dogs find their forever homes, too.
“United’s Customer Service team took on quite a challenge to ensure Polaris would be safe, healthy, and find a loving home,” San Francisco SPCA Chief of Rescue and Welfare Lisa Feder stated. “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.”
We hate that this pup was left behind in such a cruel manner, but he sure landed in the perfect network of new friends to help him on his journey. Happy trails, Polaris!
Share this story to thank United Airlines and the SF SPCA for helping Polaris find his own true north.
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