During my career, I have come across countless cases of dogs being abandoned with all sorts of excuses from their owners, but none of them were ever justifiable.
What I mean is that there is never a good enough reason to leave a dog on the streets without food, water, or a safe place to rest, especially when there are shelters and rescues that would gladly step in to help.
Leaving a dog behind simply because they couldn’t board a flight is equally unacceptable, which is why one Iowa man is now facing misdemeanor charges.
The Terminal Pup
Although this is not a Hollywood movie and no actors are involved, Stella, a female pup left outside the airport for days, shares some similarities with the main character from the film *The Terminal*.
Both found themselves stuck at the airport, unwanted and unsure of what would happen next. And just like the film’s character, Stella’s story also took an unexpected turn, though her new beginning looked very different.
According to an Instagram post from the Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARLIowa), Stella was considered a “Jane Doe dog” until the staff stepped in. That is when the mystery of the pup abandoned near the airport began to unravel.
“[…] airline workers told us the dog was unable to board the cross-country flight home with her owner because the owner did not have a kennel. They said the owner left the airport with the dog, but returned alone, and went on to board their flight.”
Since no one knew her name when she was first found, the rescue team decided to call her Allie.
Justice Always Finds Its Way
The man who left her behind probably thought everything was resolved once he boarded his flight to New Jersey, but according to ARL Iowa’s director, Tom Colvin, nothing was fixed at all.
Colvin explained how the man, identified by media, including Daily Mail, as Charles Bigsen, attempted to fly from Iowa to New Jersey without having a kennel for his dog, wrongly assuming the airport would provide one.
When told the dog could not board, he allegedly tried to find someone willing to watch her while he continued with his travel plans. But when no one agreed, he tied his dog outside and walked away.
Now, Bigsen is facing multiple charges, including animal neglect and abandonment, which will be pursued once he returns to Iowa.
A New Home And A Fresh Start
Stella, later known as Allie, endured days of waiting outside without food, water, or freedom to move, but everything changed the moment ARL stepped in.
After receiving a warm bath, a medical checkup, and plenty of affection, Allie was quickly ready for adoption. Staff worried it might take some time to find her the right family, but it happened much sooner than expected.
Her playful spirit, lovable nature, and unique charm helped her capture hearts almost immediately. In less than a month, she was on her way to her forever home.
As ARL Iowa stated in their update post:
“We’re happy to tell you that Allie, the dog left at the Des Moines airport, was adopted yesterday (January 12, 2023) by a family who saw her at the airport the day she was abandoned. Her new family has already reached out to us with an update, saying Allie is settling in very well.”
Even though her story began with heartbreak, it ended with a family who truly loves her.
While Allie’s story had a happy resolution, it is a reminder that many dogs are still waiting for someone to give them the chance she finally received.