Cop Who Rescued Abandoned Dog at Vegas Airport Adopts Him

The Goldendoodle was left tied up at the airport, but now has a forever home with his rescuer.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A Goldendoodle dog was abandoned at the Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, but was rescued by police officers. One of the officers who helped save the dog, LVMPD Officer Skeeter Black, ended up adopting the pup, nicknamed JetBlue, and giving him a permanent home.

Why it matters

The story highlights the compassion of law enforcement officers who go above and beyond to help animals in distress, as well as the importance of responsible pet ownership and the need to properly prepare for pet travel. It also showcases the popularity and appeal of Goldendoodle dogs as family pets.

The details

The Goldendoodle was left tied to a carry-on baggage sizer at the airport near the JetBlue ticket counter on February 2. His owner was arrested on charges of animal abandonment and resisting arrest, as she had not completed the required online forms to travel with the dog as a service animal and was unable to get a boarding pass. Footage shows police officers confronting the suspect at the airport. The dog was then taken in by Retriever Rescue of Las Vegas, and Officer Skeeter Black, who had been approved to adopt a Goldendoodle through the rescue, was selected to be the dog's new forever home.

  • The dog was abandoned at the Las Vegas airport on February 2, 2026.
  • Officer Skeeter Black and his family had been approved to adopt a Goldendoodle through Retriever Rescue of Las Vegas since September 2025.

The players

LVMPD Officer Skeeter Black

A Las Vegas police officer who helped rescue the abandoned Goldendoodle and later adopted the dog, nicknamed JetBlue, as his own pet.

Retriever Rescue of Las Vegas

The rescue organization that took in the abandoned Goldendoodle and facilitated the adoption by Officer Skeeter Black and his family.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— LVMPD (Social media post)

The takeaway

This heartwarming story demonstrates the positive impact that law enforcement officers can have when they go the extra mile to help animals in need, and highlights the importance of responsible pet ownership and proper preparation for pet travel. It also showcases the enduring appeal of Goldendoodle dogs as loving family companions.