When you take a transcontinental trip with your pup, you assume that when you deplane at your destination, your dog won’t be far behind. Not so for a couple who traveled from the UK to Nashville with their Black Labrador named Bluebell – only to find that their four-legged friend was in a different country altogether.
British Labrador Sent on Massive Detour
In preparation for their relocation to Tennessee, James and Madison Miller spent approximately $2,100 to send 5-year-old Bluebell from Heathrow airport in London to the family’s new home in Nashville, where Madison is from. Madison arrived in the States a day ahead of Bluebell in order to ready the abode for the pup.
James followed, but when he stepped off the plane in the Music City, his beloved furbaby was missing. An agonizing hour passed. Then, airline staff informed the dog dad that Bluebell was headed for Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia.
The quick-thinking pet parents requested, and received, a “proof of life” photo. Here, Bluebell was seen gazing out of her cage.
It took two more days for James and Madison to be reunited with Bluebell. During the 60 hours she spent locked up, she apparently was fed very little food and was kept quite literally in the dark. The pup endured three long-haul international flights before finally arriving at her new home.
‘An Absolute Nightmare’
Bluebell’s parents told NPR that British Airways and its affiliate, IAG Cargo, should answer for the ordeal.
“We did everything right moving Bluebell to America with us, and it’s been an absolute nightmare,” James said.
“We are very sorry for the recent error that occurred during Bluebell’s trip to Nashville,” an IAG Cargo spokesperson told the news outlet.
“Every dog that travels long-haul with transfers will be checked and their water bowls replenished,” they continued. “At London-Heathrow the team at Heathrow Animal Reception Centre cared for Bluebell, allowing her to stretch her legs, and receive refreshments prior to her onward journey home.”
The Millers aren’t convinced.
Since the mix-up, Bluebell has required behavioral therapy and thrice-daily anxiety medication. She has also destroyed various items in the family’s new home, including a door and a crate.
“We simply cannot leave her alone,” James said of the pup, who is suffering from separation anxiety. “The first time we tried to leave her at home alone after the ordeal she ripped through her kennel in the first 10 minutes. The next time she chewed through a wooden door crying the whole time.”
The couple has asked British Airways to compensate them $9,810 for the collateral damage from the accidental flight incident. So far, the airline has only offered 50,000 frequent flier miles to the couple.
The airline says it is working with Bluebell’s parents “to resolve the situation”. However, the couple seems to have lost hope that their pup can recover.
“We don’t know if she’ll ever be the same,” James told NPR. “It’s breaking our hearts.”
