A Senior Dog Abandoned At Tampa International Airport, Florida, Is Safe Now

At the Tampa International Airport ticket booth, a senior dog was abandoned. A person rescued the Shih Tzu mix dog, who looked to be around 14 years old. The dog goes by the name Bama.  The dog was due to fly to Miami on Monday morning. However, when the lady who was transporting the dog learned that she would have to produce the vaccine details and pay a fee, she left the dog behind and boarded the plane unaccompanied.

According to Airport Police Chief Charlie Vazquez, the woman departed the ticket counter, stating she needed to make alternative arrangements for her dog. However, she returned with the leash in hand and simply walked away from the counter, leaving the dog alone.

Vazquez said it’s the first time he’s heard of something like this occurring and that leaving a dog at a crowded airport is clearly the last thing someone should do.

He went on to say that leaving a dog at the airport is highly unsafe. There are multiple self-closing doors, and the animal could be hit by a luggage cart or even go outside and be hit by a car. The woman should have contacted a reputable rescue organization for assistance.

Bama is now being cared for by Corrin Smith of VIP Rescue, who was contacted by the airport police. Smith added that what the woman did was totally awful and unforgivable.

As soon as Smith received the call, she hurried to Tampa International Airport. But, according to Smith, the animal’s maltreatment began long before that incident. The dog was in terrible shape. He had matted, got ear infections, gums infected, and also has a lower back tumor.

The aging dog is in dire need of grooming and medical attention, which Smith intends to provide in the coming days so he can begin to recuperate. In addition, she verified that she would be personally caring for the puppy and expressed her wish that he would spend the remainder of his life with her.

Police at Tampa International Airport are also checking with the district attorney’s office to see whether charges may be filed against the woman.

Source: Daily Star