After an incredible three-week odyssey, a furry traveler at the heart of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport’s commotion has been located safe and sound.
Maia, the adventurous 6-year-old canine, vanished into thin air following a Delta Airlines flight from the Dominican Republic on August 18. The airline, in collaboration with a digital fundraiser for Maia’s owner, Paula Rodriguez, confirmed the mysterious disappearance.
The heartwarming twist in this saga unfolded when Maia, exhausted but seemingly unharmed, was discovered near the North Cargo Facilities over the weekend.
The airport promptly shared the joyful news on social media, assuring the public that Maia, now under veterinary care, is expected to reunite with her owner soon.
The saga began when Rodriguez, accompanied by Maia, encountered visa troubles during a layover in Atlanta on her way to California. Denied entry into the U.S., Rodriguez and Maia faced an unexpected separation. Maia, determined to be with her owner, managed to escape her kennel under Delta’s care.
In a desperate bid to bring Maia home, Rodriguez’s family initiated a fundraiser, generating over $6,000 and sparking the social media trend #whereismaia. Rodriguez, stranded at the airport detention facility, recounted the night she spent apart from her loyal companion, with plans for a reunion on their return flight home the next day.
Delta Airlines, committed to the search, conducted exhaustive visual sweeps of the airfield, leveraging night-vision goggles for nocturnal efforts. The airline rallied its employees, airport personnel, and local authorities, even hosting Rodriguez’s mother, who joined the mission to find Maia.
A poignant message from Rodriguez’s sister highlighted the unbreakable bond between Maia and Paula, emphasizing the stress of separation on both ends. The fundraiser, initially driven by the hope for a reunion, now stands as a testament to the resilience of community support.
Delta expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts leading to Maia’s recovery and is actively working to facilitate the heartwarming reunion. Rodriguez, overjoyed by the news, shared the triumphant moment on social media, declaring, ‘Maiaaaaaaa is coming homeeee!!!!'”