On June 30, a dog died of overheating on an Alaska Airlines flight. Unfortunately, the animal's owners could only watch helplessly as their pup suffered due to the high temperatures. Now the couple wants the airline to change its pet travel laws to prevent other owners from suffering the same thing.

Family devastated after French bulldog dies on Alaska Airlines flight

A couple flying from Hawaii to Oregon were heartbroken when one of their beloved dogs died during an Alaska Airlines flight. On Sunday, Gary and Angie Engelgau were set to begin their new life together in Oregon. However, the couple noticed that their canine companions were visibly distraught due to the rising temperatures in Honolulu.

French bulldog Frank started panting in his kennel because it was nearly 80 degrees. The couple asked Alaska Airlines staff if they could let the puppies out because they seemed to be in distress. However, they were denied because animals are not allowed to leave their carriers in the airport. They can use the pet toilet area but must stay in their kennels during taxiing, takeoff and landing.

In addition to Frank, the Engelgaus were also traveling with their French bulldog, Charlie, and their beagle-chihuahua mix, Fawn. According to the New York Post, Angie admitted that Hawaii isn't exactly dog-friendly in terms of temperatures. The couple noted that Frank isn't necessarily the “smartest dog,” but he's a “good dog.”

After their request was denied and seeing their beloved dogs in distress, they let them out for a 40-minute break without permission. The couple took them to the shade and gave them water as they were dehydrated. Unfortunately, that wasn't enough as the dog died during the Alaska Airlines flight.

Gary and Angie tried to cool them down with ice, but Frank stopped moving and breathing in his carrier. The Engelgaus noticed that his eyes were still open and his tongue was hanging out when they finally let him out. During their five-and-a-half hour journey, the couple held Charlie and Fawn in their arms and mourned the loss of one of their family members.

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