When a small dog enters our life, it quickly becomes family, a loyal companion who shares our home and heart without condition. Yet sadly, they still lack basic rights like flying with us in cabin on most commercial airlines.
Only a few carriers allow pets to travel beside their humans, while most force them into cold holds alone. This becomes heartbreaking when a pet is ill, making separation during travel even more dangerous and cruel.
That’s exactly what happened to Bastian Reiser and Rebecca Seeberg, who faced a painful choice when flying to Switzerland. Their beloved dog Blanca, who suffers from laryngeal paralysis, couldn’t be left in a cargo hold without care.
When they tried to book a flight from Spain, no airline allowed her onboard despite her condition and fragile health. Every inquiry ended in disappointment, pushing the couple to find a different path for their four-legged family member.
They planned to drive through France after taking the ferry, hoping to bring Blanca across safely. But new problems emerged—without a pedigree, she was labeled “dangerous” and could be seized at the border.
They contacted rescue groups and officials for help, but most gave vague answers or discouraging warnings. Many shared horror stories of dogs confiscated during travel due to strict French breed restrictions.
Still, they refused to abandon Blanca, who meant everything to them and deserved a future with the people she loved. So they made the ultimate sacrifice—selling their belongings and pooling family support to rent a private plane.
The journey was long and costly, but it brought Blanca to safety, resting at last in her new Swiss home. Now surrounded by love, this brave dog will never be left behind again, thanks to the unwavering devotion of her family.