A woman demanded that my dog and I be thrown off the planethen something completely unexpected happened
Recently, I had to fly home to visit my parents. As I suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder following a serious accident, I always travel with my certified assistance dog. This trained companion isnt just a pethe senses panic attacks, helps me steady my breathing, and stops me from spiralling into anxiety. Without him, I wouldnt cope.
We settled quietly into our seats: me by the window, my dog curled at my feetexactly as the rules allow. But the calm didnt last.
A middle-aged woman stopped abruptly when she spotted my dog, her face twisting in disgust. She announced loudly:
Is this a joke? Im not sitting next to that filthy animal!
Hes a medically trained assistance dog, I replied calmly. Hell stay at my feet the entire flight. And he isnt filthy.
Its revolting, she snapped. People with dogs should sit in a separate section. What if Im allergic? Put that thing in the cargo hold!
I fought back tears. A flight attendant approached.
Is there an issue? she asked politely.
Yes! the woman exclaimed. Theres a dog here. Im allergic, and I dont feel safe.
The attendant replied firmly but calmly:
Madam, this is a certified assistance dog. He has every right to be hereand hes staying.
I dont care about the rules, the woman hissed. He could bite! I want her and that dog off this plane.
My dog behaved impeccablycalm and focused, exactly as hed been trained. But my breathing grew shallow. Panic crept in. The attendant lowered her voice.
Do you have documentation?
With shaking hands, I passed over his certificate and ID. She scanned them, smiled, and said:
Thank you. Everythings in order. Youre staying.
The woman rolled her eyes.
Unbelievable. That thing doesnt even look like a proper assistance dog!
I assure you, he is, the attendant replied. You can either take your seat, or well arrange another.
I wont move! Shes the one with the animal!
Then, madam, youll comply with the rulesor well have to ask you to leave, the attendant said, her tone leaving no room for argument.
And in that moment, something entirely unexpected happenedmaking the woman regret every word.
The captain strode over. His expression was stern, his voice icy.
Do you actually have a dog allergy? Can you provide a doctors note?
The woman hesitated, then muttered:
No. I just shouldnt have to sit near a dog if I dont want to.
Then Im asking you to disembark, he said coldly. You wont be flying today. And Ill personally ensure youre never booked with our airline again.
The cabin erupted in applause. Someone even shouted, Bravo!
The woman screamed, swore, made threatsbut no one listened anymore. Furious but utterly alone, she was escorted off the plane.
I stayed in my seat, my hand resting on my dogs warm back. He remained quietly at my feetjust as he should.
