A Delta passenger’s missing dog, named Maia, was discovered at the Atlanta airport over three weeks after the traveler accused the airline of losing her beloved pet.
The chihuahua mix, Maia, was found hiding near the North Cargo facilities at the airport on Saturday, according to airport officials.
Reportedly, the dog had managed to escape onto the airfield of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, as stated by airport authorities on social media.
Maia, though tired, appeared to be in good health and was promptly sent to a veterinarian for a thorough check-up. The airport assured that the dog is expected to return home soon.
Maia had been missing since mid-August when her owner, Paula Rodriguez, was denied entry to the US by Border Control officials and had to return to the Dominican Republic.
During her overnight stay in an airport detention center, her dog was taken from her by a Delta agent. The next day, when Ms. Rodriguez was waiting at the gate for her flight, Maia was nowhere to be found.
Despite Ms. Rodriguez’s tearful pleas to border officials not to board without her dog, they explained that they couldn’t keep the dog in the airport for more than 24 hours. She ultimately had to leave without knowing where Maia was.
Delta Air Lines had previously stated that they were committed to finding the dog and were actively working on reuniting Maia with her owner.
Ms. Rodriguez shared her joy at the news of her pet’s return on Instagram with a caption that read, “MAIAAAAAAA IS COMING HOMEEEE!!!”
An Atlanta resident, Robin Allgood, who specializes in finding lost dogs, had placed flyers around the airport to help locate Maia. She revealed that the dog was found beneath a rack used for moving large cargo containers at the airport.
A FedEx employee recognized Maia from the flyers and informed Ms. Allgood about the discovery. Despite initial attempts by a wildlife biologist to catch Maia with a net, it was Ms. Allgood who managed to retrieve the dog by scooting under the rack unnoticed.
Following communication between Ms. Allgood and Delta, the airline committed to facilitating the reunion between Paula Rodriguez and her beloved dog in accordance with the owner’s preferences.
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