On June 30, a dog died from overheating on an Alaska Airlines flight. Unfortunately, the pet parents could only helplessly watch as their pup was distressed due to the soaring temperatures. Now, the couple wants the airline to change their pet travel laws to prevent other owners from suffering the same.
Family left devastated after French Bulldog dies on Alaska Airlines flight
A couple flying from Hawaii to Oregon were left heartbroken as one of their beloved dogs died while on an Alaska Airlines flight. On Sunday, Gary and Angie Engelgau were all set to begin their new life together in Oregon. However, the couple noticed their canine companions visibly distressed due to the rising temperatures in Honolulu.
French Bulldog Frank started panting inside his kennel due to the nearly 80-degree weather. The couple asked the Alaska Airlines staff members if they could let out the pups, as they seemed to be in distress. However, they were denied, as animals aren’t allowed out of their carriers in the airport. They can use the pet relief area but must stay in their kennels during taxi, takeoff, and landing.
Other than Frank, the Engelgaus were also traveling with their French Bulldog, Charlie, and their Beagle and Chihuahua mix, Fawn. According to the New York Post, Angie acknowledged that Hawaii isn’t really dog-friendly in terms of temperature. The couple noted that Frank wasn’t necessarily the “smartest dog,” but he was a “good dog.”
After being denied their request and watching their beloved canines in distress, they resorted to letting them out without permission for a 40-minute break. The couple took them to the shade and gave them water as they were dehydrated. Unfortunately, that wasn’t enough, as the dog died while on the Alaska Airlines flight.
Gary and Angie tried cooling them down with ice. However, Frank stopped moving and breathing in his carrier. The Engelgaus noted that his eyes were still open, and his tongue was hanging out when they finally let him out. Through their five-and-a-half-hour journey, the couple held Charlie and Fawn while mourning the loss of one of their family members.
