Dog abandoned at airport receives thousands of adoption applications

LAS VEGAS (KVVU/Gray News) - A dog abandoned at an airport in Las Vegas has received thousands of adoption applications.

Police in Las Vegas shared video earlier this week of a woman who is facing charges after allegedly abandoning her dog at Harry Reid International Airport.

According to authorities, on Feb. 2, the woman failed to complete the required paperwork to fly with the animal as a service dog, and airline staff denied her a boarding pass.

Rather than take the dog with her, the woman left the 2-year-old goldendoodle mix at the ticket counter and proceeded to her gate.

The dog has since been taken in by the Retriever Rescue of Southern Nevada and given the nickname of “JetBlue.”

The rescue team says it has received over 2,400 adoption applications since taking in the animal.

They add that while applications in Nevada had to be capped at 400, they received thousands more from London, the Virgin Islands, Florida and the East Coast.

“After many thoughtful discussions about JetBlue’s specific needs, the life he deserves, and what would be best for him long-term, one truth kept rising to the top: from the very first moment he met him, there was someone who loved this dog fiercely,” the rescue organization said in a statement.

Following the dog’s abandonment, the rescue says one of the police officers who responded to the scene followed up with the group to make sure JetBlue was safe and asked how he could help.

The officer’s wife then continued to follow up with the rescue daily during JetBlue’s 10-day hold period.

The rescue team said that the officer’s family already had a pre-approved application and completed a home check for a possible adoption.

The family shared that they were waiting for the right match.

This weekend, JetBlue will be officially reunited with his officer hero and join his family at an adoption event.

While JetBlue’s story went viral, the rescue team says they currently have 40 other dogs in their care who are equally deserving and waiting for their own families.

“There is only one JetBlue. But there are so many others still in need,” the rescue said.