Dog accidently travels to Ireland

A 6-year-old English Springer Spaniel named Hendrix was meant to land in Phoenix but was put on the wrong flight.

By Vetstreet Mar 19, 2013 2:21PM

Last week, Edith Lombardo-Albach brought her daughter’s 6-year-old English Springer Spaniel, Hendrix, to Newark International Airport to board a flight to Phoenix, Ariz.

Lombardo-Albach’s family is moving from Staten Island, N.Y., to Arizona, and Hendrix was going to be met by his owner, Meredith Grant, at the Phoenix airport. But just as the plane was due to arrive, Lombardo-Albach got a call from United Airlines, saying that the dog had mistakenly been put on a flight to Ireland.

"I almost fainted," Lombardo-Albach said, according to PawNation.

The poor pup had to fly back to New Jersey, and then on to his destination. The airline is “reviewing the circumstances surrounding the situation,” and offered the family a full refund for Hendrix’s $450 flight, said United spokesperson Megan McCarthy.

— Read it at NBC News and watch it at KNXV via YouTube

Bing: How to travel with your dog on a plane.

Photo: KNXV via YouTube / Hendrix is recovering from his extra-long journey to Arizona.

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43Comments

Best

Mar 19, 2013 4:25PM

This is one of the reasons why I would never put my dog or cat in a cargo hold. I am flying my "grandcat" Mya to Hawaii in May and Alaska Air was the only airline that would allow me to have her in the cabin all the way to Hawaii. It is well worth the $100 to have her with me on the plane.

Previous replies

Mr mctavish

Mar 19, 2013 4:59PM

That poor dog was probably scared to death the whole time he was on the planes....in the dark and cold, strange loud noises, vibration, bumps and shakes. No thanks, I'd never put an animal in that situation. He/she is with me in the cabin or we're driving. How long is the flight to Ireland?

Previous replies

Maraus1

Mar 19, 2013 5:21PM

Please put joking aside.....animals are scared of strange surroundings and this poor little soul was exposed to many more miles in the air it should have been ....a refund, which I see has been offered, and much pampering for the pooch is in order....it could have ended in death......

Previous replies

clarkjoebob

Mar 19, 2013 4:18PM

I would like to go to Ireland.

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daniel stevens (norman5000)

Mar 19, 2013 4:32PM

I HOPE the dog earned MILES, for its owner.

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Runswithdogs

Mar 19, 2013 4:41PM

First and foremost, was to make sure Hendrix was safe, healthy and treated well. Also, important was the airline's constant communication with the family so as to ease their obvious worry and concern. If that was the case, then, everything else is a far distant second.

Otherwise, Welcome Home, Hendrix!!!!