When a goldendoodle was found tied to a seat at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas on February 2nd and left behind by his owner, no one could have predicted what would happen next. Three weeks, 10,000 emails, 2,700 adoption applications, and one viral story later — the dog now known as "JetBlue" has found his forever home with the very police officer who rescued him.

Abandoned at the Airport

The approximately 2-year-old golden doodle and mini poodle mix was discovered tied to a seat in the airport terminal, alone and confused. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police officers responded to the call and took the dog into their care. Airport staff rallied around him, and the story quickly went viral across social media.

The dog was affectionately nicknamed "JetBlue" after his dramatic airport rescue — and the name stuck.

10,000 Emails and a Perfect Match

Retriever Rescue of Las Vegas, which took over JetBlue's care, was overwhelmed by the response. More than 10,000 emails flooded in, along with over 2,700 formal adoption applications from people across the country who wanted to give JetBlue a home.

"We had no idea this story was incoming," said Danielle Roth of Retriever Rescue. "This ended up showing us what our community really is. What that a dog can actually pull everybody's hearts the way it did is amazing."

But the perfect family was already in the system. Las Vegas police officer Skeeter Black — one of the very officers who had responded to JetBlue's rescue at the airport — had been working with Retriever Rescue since September 2025 to adopt a goldendoodle. He and his family had already completed the full approval process months earlier.

"He Chose Me"

On Saturday, February 22nd, it became official: Officer Black and his family adopted JetBlue.

"We're going to enjoy him. He's going to be very much loved. We're just excited," Black said.

In a beautiful twist, JetBlue the airline donated $6,000 to Retriever Rescue of Las Vegas — funds that will cover surgeries for dogs currently in their care and support broader rescue efforts across the Las Vegas Valley.

A Face for All Rescue Dogs

Roth hopes JetBlue's story draws attention to the thousands of other rescue dogs waiting for homes.

"The fact that his face, that JetBlue's face, gets to represent all of these dogs," she said. "We have so many dogs that are just like him, and they deserve the same. They deserve the same happiness."

The Las Vegas Police Department expressed gratitude for the community's overwhelming response: "The outpouring of support from our community throughout this situation has been overwhelming, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped ensure this pup received the care and compassion he deserved."

From abandoned at an airport to loved in a forever home — JetBlue's story is proof that sometimes the worst beginnings lead to the best endings. 🐕❤️🏠

Source: WKYT / KVVU / Gray News