A hyperventilating hound flying from Orlando, Florida, to Worcester, Massachusetts, was issued with an oxygen mask by quick-thinking cabin crew which may have saved its life.
Michele Burt was travelling with her three-year-old French bulldog, Darcy, by JetBlue on 5 July.
Despite being a seasoned traveller, Darcy – who is described as “a very obedient dog” – was not responding to commands from Burt to lie down during the flight, reports Insider.
Burt examined the dog and quickly realised that Darcy’s tongue had turned blue, a sign of hypoxia (insufficient oxygen).
Darcy was promptly pulled out from underneath the seat and placed on Burt’s lap “to cool down and help her relax”. Despite this, Darcy began to breathe heavily and was visibly distressed.
Airline policy states that pets must remain inside their carrier and underneath the owner’s seat. However, flight attendants Renaud Spencer and Diane Asher quickly realised that something was seriously wrong with the panicked pooch.
The pair brought bags of ice to Darcy to help her stay cool and calm, to no avail. Spencer, proud owner of his own French bulldog, Penelope, then suggested the air mask, bringing a small oxygen tank and mask over which they gently affixed to Darcy’s face.
In a heartfelt post to JetBlue, Burt wrote of Darcy’s response: “Within a few minutes, she became alert and after a short time she didn’t want the mask. I believe Renaud and Diane saved a life.
“Though some may reduce the value of a pet’s life and applying live-saving efforts to a dog, the attendants applied their skills in a humane and caring way that I like to think represents the best in all of us as human beings.”
Burt signed off the letter by confirming that Darcy had made a complete recovery.
JetBlue responded with the following statement statement: “We all want to make sure everyone has a safe and comfortable flight, including those with four legs. We’re thankful for our crew’s quick thinking and glad everyone involved was breathing easier when the plane landed in Worcester.”
