Humane Society calls for better training of airport personnel concerning

A Fredericksburg veteran and his service dog were allegedly stopped from getting on a flight in Los Angeles.

Heroic service dog Axel was recently denied permission to accompany Captain Jason Haag as they were about to board the an American Airlines airplane for home.

You’ll remember we first told you about Captain Haag and Axel earlier this month when Axel was nominated for an award from the American Humane Society.

A dog that made local headlines is named “Therapy Dog of the Year” at the American Humane Association’s “Hero Dog Awards”.

Before booking the flight, Haag and his wife contacted American Airlines and found out exactly what they needed to do in order to make the trek home without any hitches.

A retired Marine using a service dog was denied entry on an American Airlines flight due to a lack of documentation, despite being assured that there would be no issue by customer services representatives when booking the ticket.

After serving three combat tours, Haag had difficulty readjusting to life back home and often abused alcohol to cope. Jason once again clarified to him that he had registered himself with the airlines’ disability department and said he did not face any such problems when he was on his way to Los Angeles. But later, a gate agent pointed to Haag and told him to come to the desk, he said. The pup loved his new life so much that Rudi started a Facebook page for him.

Haag continued, “They had my wife in tears in front of 200 people as they brought more managers over to try and bully us”.

With the plane about to leave, Haag even offered to have the American Humane Association or K9s for Warriors speak with the airline employees, but they still refused to let him on.

“The American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards were created to honor some of the most extraordinary heroes the world has ever known, the very best of our best friends”, explained Dr. Robin Ganzert, AHA president and chief executive officer. “We have apologized to both Capt. Haag and his family for the confusion with Sunday’s travel plans”. According to his post, American Airlines wouldn’t even get their bags.

Animal ID card; Harness or tags; Written documentation to verify the service; psychiatric or emotional support status of your animal; Credible verbal assurance. In addition, Axel clearly had a harness and a vest indicating that he was a service dog.

Along with its apology, the airline added: “American has a long and proud history of serving our military members, and hold the men and women who serve our country in the highest regard”.