Falcetta then contacted Marilyn Romano, Alaska Airlines'
regional vice president for the state of Alaska, to see
if the airline could help. After a Fairbanks
veterinarian advised it would be dangerous for Thor to
fly in the cargo hold, Romano and Tim Thompson, manager
of public affairs in Alaska, waived the normal ban on
large, non-service dogs in the cabin for the two-leg
flight to Sacramento. They also waived the normal pet
fees.
Once the needs were communicated, Fairbanks employees
and flight crews jumped into action with service and
compassion to make everything go smoothly, Romano said.
"Johnny Carrillo (customer service agent) is the guy who
checked in Thor and Teresa in Fairbanks and he was
wonderful! I mean he was really wonderful," Falcetta
wrote.
"I
think Thor touched a lot of lives," Romano said. "Once
we made the decision on how best to accommodate Thor,
every employee who came in contact with him or helped
with arrangements treated him and his foster mom with
the best of care. Truly Alaska Spirit at work. This
story has touched people all over the country and from
Spain to South Africa. The work being done by Carol
Falcetta and the Arctic German Shepherd Rescue is
amazing."
Upon landing in Seattle, Downing said the lightly
sedated puppy behaved well and slept through most of the
flight, except when the food cart went by. He was happy
and playful at the airport, and patiently allowed young
children to approach and pet him.
As
happy as he seemed with his locked jaw, the condition
would have made life difficult for Thor, Falcetta said.
"Thor is a survivor, but he could not continue his way
of life much longer," she said. "Thank you to everyone
who has helped him get where he is today!"
Thor's recovery is going so well that Downing and
Thor are expected to fly back to Fairbanks on
Thursday, Jan.3 again in the cabin because of his
surgical sutures, Romano said. They will have a four
hour layover in Seattle. Once he has fully recovered
from his surgery, he will be available for adoption,
unless Downing decides she can't let him go. With a
smile like that, there's likely to be a long list of
potential loving owners.
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