Abandoned Las Vegas Airport Dog Finds A Forever Home With The Officer Who Saved Him

February 24, 2026

A small dog left tied to a baggage sizer inside a busy airport terminal has now found a loving forever home — with one of the very officers who helped rescue him.

What began as an act of abandonment at Harry Reid International Airport has turned into a powerful story of compassion, teamwork, and second chances.

Officer Black and Jet Blue / LVMPD

The 2-year-old mini goldendoodle was discovered around 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 2 near the JetBlue airline ticket counter inside Terminal 3. According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD), a woman had been denied a boarding pass after failing to complete the required documentation to travel with the dog as a service animal. The pup was left tied to a metal carry-on baggage sizer.

Officers and airport staff stepped in to help the stranded dog, who was later affectionately nicknamed “Jet Blue.”

Weeks later, LVMPD shared a joyful update on social media.

“LANDING AT A LOVING HOME!” the department announced. “Earlier today, the pup rescued by LVMPD officers and staff at Harry Reid International Airport on February 2 has officially landed in his new, loving home.”

Jet Blue was permanently placed through Retriever Rescue of Las Vegas. And in a twist that makes the story even sweeter, his new family includes someone who was there from the very beginning.

LVMPD Officer Skeeter Black — one of the officers involved in Jet Blue’s rescue — and his family had already been working with Retriever Rescue of Las Vegas since September 2025 to adopt a goldendoodle. They had been approved months earlier and were ultimately selected after the mandatory hold period to provide Jet Blue with what the department called “the safe and loving home he deserves.”

Video shared by LVMPD shows the moment Officer Black met with the rescue organization to officially welcome Jet Blue into his family.

Throughout the process, the department noted an overwhelming outpouring of support from the community.

“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,” LVMPD shared.

They also reflected on the larger meaning behind the rescue:

“What began as a heartbreaking act of abandonment has turned into a powerful example of compassion, teamwork, and community partnership.”

And in a fitting sendoff, the department added:

“Bon voyage, Jet Blue and welcome to a new life where you'll be loved beyond words.”