Jared and Kristi Owens from Texas were looking forward to their long-awaited getaway to Las Vegas. With their bags packed and spirits high, they headed to Lubbock airport, anticipating a smooth check-in and a quick boarding process.
Everything seemed routine until one of their suitcases was flagged for being six pounds overweight.
A Sneaky Chihuahua Reveals Herself
As the couple prepared to board, airline staff informed them that one of their bags exceeded the weight limit and needed to be inspected.
They complied without hesitation, but when they opened the suitcase, they noticed something inside was moving.
To their astonishment, a tiny face emerged from Jared’s boot: it was their senior Chihuahua, Icky, who had somehow snuck into the luggage unnoticed. Jared couldn’t believe it.
“You know it’s going to be an epic trip to Vegas when you get to the airport to check your bags….6lbs overweight, and out pops a chihuahua from your boot!! Unreal!” Jared wrote in his Facebook post.
Though the moment was shocking, it quickly made sense. This was typical behavior for Icky.
“We were dumbfounded and flat shocked and embarrassed, to be honest. She loves to burrow in our laundry baskets, closet, blankets, wherever she can get nice, warm and comfy, and on that day, I guess she chose our suitcase we had left open with clothes in it for hours,” Jared told FOX 29 News Philadelphia.
Fortunately, one of the airport staff members found the situation more endearing than alarming.
Kindness From An Airline Employee
With their flight about to depart, Jared and Kristi faced a dilemma. They hadn’t planned to bring Icky, and there was no time to return her home.
That’s when Cathy, an employee with the airline, stepped in. She was charmed by Icky’s surprise appearance and offered to watch her until the couple returned. Jared and Kristi were incredibly thankful.
“Shout out to Cathy with #southwestairlines for her awesome customer service!! She offered to watch Icky until we got back!! Let’s go!!” Jared wrote in the post.
With only moments to spare, Jared contacted family friends who rushed to the airport to pick up Icky and take her home.
Though slightly frustrated with their sneaky dog, Jared and Kristi made sure to say goodbye before leaving her in trusted hands and continuing their trip.
In the end, they were grateful for how everything unfolded. If the suitcase hadn’t been flagged, they might never have discovered the furry stowaway curled up inside.