Dog left behind by departing passenger at SFO adopted by pilot

SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT -- A dog abandoned at the San Francisco airport has found a forever home with a United Airlines captain, according to the San Francisco SPCA.

A pup named Polaris had arrived to San Francisco with a traveler from an international destination. But the dog was abandoned at the airport when "the customer chose to continue traveling on without his animal," the San Francisco SPCA said in a December 16 news release.

Polaris the dog was abandoned by his owner at San Francisco International Airport.  Vincent Passafiume for United Airlines via Twitter

United Airlines "worked to ensure the puppy completed necessary requirements to enter the United States, including a quarantine period," said the nonprofit in the release.

And after completing quarantine, the pup has found a forever home with United Airlines Captain William Dale, according to the release. On Dec. 15, the airline hosted a festive adoption party at the airport to celebrate Polaris' adoption. The airline also donated $5,000 to support the San Francisco SPCA's mission.

"United's Customer Service team took on quite a challenge to ensure Polaris would be safe, healthy, and find a loving home," said Lisa Feder, SF SPCA chief of rescue and welfare.

"From the moment Polaris landed in our care, our entire SFO United team cared for him 24/7 until we were able to get permission to keep him safely in the U.S." said Vincent Passafiume, director of customer service at United Airlines, in the release.

"It's a great feeling to see this story come full circle and that Polaris will have a loving home with United Airlines Captain Dale and his family — just in time for the holidays."

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