After 3 Long Weeks Dog Lost by Airline at Atlanta Airport Found Safe in Cargo Facility

At the airport in Atlanta, a pet dog named Maia, lost for three weeks, has finally been found.

Six-year-old Maia vanished at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on August 18 after her Delta Airlines flight from the Dominican Republic.

Paula Rodriguez, her owner, was accompanying her, as per Delta Airlines and a GoFundMe page initiated for Rodriguez’s aid.

The trouble began when Rodriguez, during a layover in Atlanta headed for California, encountered a visa issue, according to NBC affiliate WXIA of Atlanta.

Due to her denial of entry into the U.S. by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, regulations prevented her from being with Maia while awaiting her return flight.

Rodriguez told The Washington Post that she was detained overnight at an airport facility while Maia was held at a Delta pet facility, with a reunion planned prior to their subsequent flight home.

However, disaster struck when Maia fled from her kennel while under Delta’s watch.

Delta explained, “The dog escaped its carrier while teams were transporting the pet in the operations area outside of terminal buildings. The pet would have been returned to the customer prior to her CBP-mandated return flight.”

Determined to locate Maia, Delta launched searches across the airfield, using tools like night-vision goggles and circulated notices to employees, airport staff, local animal shelters, and veterinary experts.

The airline also hosted Rodriguez’s mother, who arrived in Atlanta to join the search for Maia.

Rodriguez’s sister wrote on the fundraiser page: “Maia and Paula share an ‘unbreakable bond’. With the duo inseparable, it’s likely Maia’s escape from her kennel was a desperate bid to reunite with Paula, especially after such a taxing journey.”

The sister added, “This nightmarish ordeal has left my sister distraught, plagued with constant panic attacks and lack of appetite. I fear for her deteriorating condition.”

Paula emotionally appealed on the fundraiser: “Maia is my whole heart and I KNOW she is out there somewhere looking for her mom. I am seeking your assistance in our search efforts to reunite with my baby. Your backing in this challenging time means the universe to me. Thank you!”

However, it should be noted, there hasn’t been an update on the fundraiser that Maia has been found.

After a nerve-wracking three weeks, Maia was found near the North Cargo Facilities on September 9. “Tired but in apparent good health, she was taken to a vet and is expected to be back home shortly,” the airport wrote in a statement.

Delta wrote “We are thankful for the teamwork that has led to our customer’s dog’s recovery. Delta is taking measures to reunite the dog with our customer promptly.” They confirmed Maia’s well-being.

Rodriguez celebrated on Instagram Sunday, exclaiming in all caps: “Maiaaaaaaa is coming homeeee!!!!”

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