Dog abandoned at Las Vegas airport officially adopted by officer who saved him

LAS VEGAS (KVVU/Gray News) — The dog that was abandoned at Harry Reid International Airport has found his forever home.

The approximately 2-year-old golden doodle and mini poodle mix, affectionately nicknamed “JetBlue” after his dramatic airport rescue on Feb. 2, was officially adopted Saturday by Las Vegas police officer Skeeter Black and his family.

Danielle Roth of Retriever Rescue of Las Vegas said the shelter received more than 10,000 emails and more than 2,700 adoption applications for JetBlue.

“We had no idea this story was incoming,” Roth said. “This ended up showing us what our community really is. What that a dog can actually pull everybody’s hearts the way it did is amazing.”

Black was among the Las Vegas police officers involved in the dog’s rescue operation at the airport nearly three weeks ago.

In a twist of fate, Black and his family had been working since September 2025 to adopt a golden doodle through Retriever Rescue of Las Vegas. Having already completed the approval process months earlier, they were chosen as the forever family for JetBlue.

“We’re going to enjoy him. He’s going to be very much loved. We’re just excited,” Black said.

Roth said she hopes JetBlue’s story brings attention to other dogs in the rescue’s care.

“The fact that his face, that JetBlue’s face, gets to represent all of these dogs,” Roth said. “We have so many dogs that are just like him, and they deserve the same. They deserve the same happiness.”

The Las Vegas police department expressed gratitude for the widespread community response to JetBlue’s situation.

“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,” the department said.

JetBlue, the airline, donated $6,000 to Retriever Rescue of Las Vegas. The funds will help cover surgeries for dogs currently in their care and support broader rescue efforts across the Las Vegas Valley.