Polaris was thrown an adoption party with his new family – including Captain William Dale, a pilot living in San Francisco (Picture: United Airlines)
A United Airlines pilot came to the rescue and adopted an abandoned puppy following its trip from China.
Polaris, name after the airline’s business class, was left in San Francisco International Airport after the owner hadn’t brought the proper documents for him.
In a statement, the airline said the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention wouldn’t allow the German Shepard to enter the USA.
This is due to strict rules around animals arriving from high-risk countries for rabies.
The dog would’ve then had to be euthanised after going back to China or put down locally.
However, the airline managed to persuade the CDC to reconsider and Polaris was saved – as long as he quarantined for four months.
Polaris was due to be euthanised under CDC rules (Picture: Vincent Passafiume/United Airlines)
The six-month old pup remained at the airport – where he slept in an office and ate lots of treats.
He was later flown first class to the Los Angeles quarantine station.
Staff at the airport fell in love with the six-month-old pup (Picture: Vincent Passafiume/United Airlines)
With the help of San Francisco SPCA animal shelter, they started the process to find Polaris a new home with an employee from the airline.
After 35 applications, the six-month old pup was ultimately matched with Captain William Dale – a pilot of seven years who recently relocated to San Francisco.
The airline saved Polaris from a grim outcome (Picture: Vincent Passafiume/United Airlines)
An adoption party for United Airline’s newest member was held at the San Francisco airport in December, with $5000 donated to the SPCA.
‘United’s Customer Service team took on quite a challenge to ensure Polaris would be safe, healthy, and find a loving home,’ say SPCA Chief of Rescue and Welfare Lisa Feder.
‘We were honoured 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.’
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After hope was lost, United Airlines stepped in to give Polaris a new home
