A Tennessee family is looking for answers after their beloved dog Bluebell was sent to Saudi Arabia, not Nashville, due to a reported airline mishap.
Per a report from local Nashville outlet WSMV, Madison Miller and her family were making a move from London to Tennessee, complete with Bluebell. However, upon arrival at the Nashville International Airport, they were shocked to find that the five-year-old dog had not arrived with them. In fact, Miller said she and her husband were first met with the wrong dog.
The airline the family used was British Airways, with their departure flight originating at Heathrow Airport in London. Once in Nashville, the family says they were informed that officials’ “best guest” was that Bluebell had instead been sent to Saudi Arabia. Several days later, the family was notified that Bluebell had finally made it to Nashville after the extended debacle.
Although relieved to have Bluebell back with them at home, the family has since said that the dog is exhibiting abnormal behavior due to being “horrified” by the days-long mess.
When reached for comment on Wednesday, a rep for Heathrow Airport instead directed Complex to airline officials. Complex has since reached out to British Airways for additional comment. This story may be updated.
A statement credited to an IAG Cargo rep and included in multiple subsequent reports stated that the company has remained in contact with the family “to resolve the situation.” At the time of this writing, additional information on a possible resolution had not been made public.
When reached for comment on Wednesday, an IAG Cargo spokesperson shared the same aforementioned statement, which can be read in full below:
“We are very sorry for the recent error that occurred during Bluebell’s trip to Nashville. We take the responsibility of caring for people’s loved animals seriously and are investigating how the redirection happened. Whilst Bluebell’s route was longer than it should have been, we ensured she was on the first flight back to Nashville from London Heathrow. During her time with us she received refreshments frequently and had time outside to stretch her legs – including regular walks and eight hours with the team at the Heathrow Animal Reception centre who cared for her. Despite these measures, we understand that this has been an upsetting situation for Bluebell and her owners, and remain in contact with them to resolve the situation.”
