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Internet hails United Airlines pilot for adopting six-month-old puppy abandoned at San Francisco airport

The abandoned German shepherd puppy was named Polaris after the business class of United Airlines

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA: After being abandoned at the San Francisco International Airport in August, Polaris, a six-month-old German shepherd puppy was adopted by a United Airlines pilot.

The dog's owner did not have proper documents when he arrived at the airport from China. Hence, he opted to leave the dog behind as he continued on his trip to New York, according to Fox News.

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According to the airline's statement, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was concerned about the validity of the owner's documents and would not allow the dog to enter the country citing strict rules about animals arriving from high-risk countries for rabies.

The dog would either be euthanized upon returning to China or put down locally. However United Airlines called on the CDC to reconsider its decision. CDC granted relief to the dog but required it to quarantine for four months. The dog was subsequently named ‘Polaris’ after the business class of the airline and stayed at the airport before being flown to the Los Angeles quarantine station.

Vincent Passafiume from the SFO Team of United Airlines tweeted some pictures and wrote how his team fell in love with Polaris.

In another tweet he mentioned, “Our beloved Polaris is getting SO BIG. He has 1 more month of quarantine in LA before he comes back to us in SF and we find his furever home. Spent some fun time hanging with him on my way thru LA"

The airline requested the San Francisco SPCA animal shelter to place the dog with an employee of the airline. The SPCA received 35 applications for Polaris. The dog was ultimately adopted by Capt William Dale, who had recently moved with his family to San Francisco. The airline held an adoption party for Polaris at the San Francisco airport on December 15 and donated $5,000 to the SPCA. 

Internet was quick to react to the news, as one twitter user wrote, "Beautiful!! So glad Polaris has found a beautiful home How could anyone even think about putting an innocent pup down for no fault of this own Many happy years ahead to this gorgeous boy and his new family." Other users thanked the captain and the airlines."How can anyone leave their pet like that!!! But thank you to the amazing captain for giving this sweetheart a loving home," wrote another user. Another wrote, "God bless u all. Dogs are better than people! Many Happy Years to u Both." Another chimed in, "What a kind pilot. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!" 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.