In a distressing turn of events, Paula Camila Rodriguez found herself in a heartbreaking situation when her Chihuahua mix, Maia, went missing during a customs ordeal at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. According to reports, Paula, a 25-year-old from the Dominican Republic, encountered visa problems upon arrival on 18 August, thwarting her plans to return home with her beloved pet.
Delta Airlines staff reportedly told Rodriguez that Maia was to be placed in Delta’s pet facility while she was held overnight due to the customs issue. Tragically, Maia’s disappearance shortly thereafter has sent shockwaves through this unfolding story.
According to Rodriguez, on 18 August, after the visa setback, a Delta agent explained that Maia had experienced an incident during her transfer to the pet facility. The agent explained that Maia broke free of her harness and made her way onto the airport tarmac. Despite attempts by airline staff to recapture her, Maia managed to enter a restricted area of the airport and evade capture. Shockingly, Rodriguez was unaware of Maia’s disappearance until days later, casting a shadow over the airline’s transparency on the matter.
More than a week on, the search for Maia is still ongoing, with Delta’s concerted efforts complemented by the involvement of local authorities. In a sincere effort to facilitate the search, Delta flew Rodriguez’s mother to Atlanta to lend her familiarity to the search for Maia. The airline also recorded Rodriguez’s voice calling out to Maia in an attempt to get her attention.
Delta spokeswoman Morgan Durant expressed the company’s commitment to the search: “The Delta team has been working around the clock to locate and reunite this pet with the customer, and we are in contact with the customer to provide updates. The airline’s cooperation with the relevant authorities and stakeholders demonstrates its commitment to resolving this distressing incident.
The aviation community has not remained indifferent to the situation. Andrew C. Gobeil, a spokesman for the airport, assured that operational teams were closely monitoring the airport premises in the hope that Maia would reappear. He said: “If she is found, ATL staff will attempt to capture her and return her to the airline and her owner.
Maia’s importance in Paula Camila Rodriguez’s life cannot be underestimated. Since she was found in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in 2017, Maia has been a loyal companion through thick and thin. Their inseparable bond has been marked by shared adventures, from exploring nature to hiking and even surfing.
The series of unfortunate events unfolded on 18 August as Rodriguez and Maia boarded a Delta flight from Santo Domingo to Atlanta, en route to their final destination in California. Maia, who acts as Rodriguez’s emotional support animal, was secured in a soft harness under the seat in front of her. However, a visa issue on arrival in Atlanta meant that they had to be separated, with Rodriguez being held in a detention centre and Maia entrusted to the animal facility.
As the search continues, Paula Camila Rodriguez’s determination remains unshaken. Desperate to be reunited with her four-legged companion, she has enlisted the help of a pet rescue specialist and asked the airlines to use food traps and K-9 dogs in their search efforts.
“I will not rest until I find her,” Rodriguez declared. The unfolding of the incident has raised questions about the airline’s communication and transparency, leaving Rodriguez dismayed at the handling of Maia’s disappearance. The ongoing efforts to find Maia symbolise the resilience and unwavering love between people and their beloved pets.
