Golden doodle abandoned at Las Vegas airport finds new home after going viral
A dog who was abandoned at a Las Vegas airport has found his forever home after an appeal for adopters went viral.
According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, on Feb. 2, a golden doodle / mini poodle was found abandoned and tied to a metal carry-on baggage sizer by a JetBlue ticket counter in Harry Reid International Airport, Las Vegas.
Prior to the discovery by airport staff, the dog's owner was advised to complete online documentation, which would allow her to travel with the pet as a service dog. The passenger did not accomplish the paperwork and so was denied a boarding pass. She then abandoned the dog and left the airport through the departure gate.
When officers caught up to her and asked why she left the dog, she explained that the airline had forbidden her to fly with her pet. The woman added that her dog had a tracking device, implying she believed it was okay to leave him behind since the dog would be able to find her.
As she became hostile, officers arrested and booked her for animal abandonment and resisting arrest.
Along with airport personnel, LVMPD officers took over care for the dog, who was approximately two years old and was given the nickname Jet Blue, while her owner's arrest was being processed.
Danielle Roth, from Retriever Rescue of Las Vegas, narrated Jet Blue's journey from that point.
"[We] reached out to Animal Control and then to the Animal Foundation. At that point, we found out that Jet Blue was in their custody and the owner had the right for 10 days to claim him," Roth said, as reported by kntv.
"During those 10 days, we reached out to the woman [who] was charged. She hung up on us. Animal Control reached out and they begged her to either have a family member [who] could come get the dog or she could release the dog to a rescue," Roth continued. "At that time, she chose to let him sit. So he sat in an overcrowded shelter for 10 days."
An appeal for JetBlue's adoption fetched thousands of applicants across the US.
Ultimately, it was Officer Skeeter Black, the one who responded to the call about Jet Blue, who got to give the pooch his forever home. Black and his family had been wanting to adopt a golden doodle since September 2025, according to NBC News.
"Following the mandatory hold period, the rescue organization selected them to provide Jet Blue with the safe and loving home he deserves," LVMPD said on Instagram. "What began as a heartbreaking act of abandonment has turned into a powerful example of compassion, teamwork, and community partnership."
"We're just very excited to introduce the new dog to our family. We're gonna enjoy him. He's gonna be very much loved," said Black during the turnover ceremony.
On its Instagram, LVMPD implored its followers, "We can't believe we have to say this...but please don't abandon your dog at the airport—or anywhere else."
