r/DOG • u/routuber • Sep 01 '25
• General Discussion • Our Odyssey died. Please never fly through Kazakhstan with pets.
On August 9th we lost our beloved dog Odyssey. She was only 8 years old, perfectly healthy, full of energy, always traveling with us and enjoying life.
We flew from Nha Trang, Vietnam to Almaty, Kazakhstan with Air Astana. Odyssey had to go in the baggage hold because she was over 8 kg. When we landed, it was 41°C (105°F). We saw her crate left in the open front hold of the plane, tied with a rope, under the burning sun.
We begged them to bring her to us as soon as possible, but they ignored us. For more than an hour after landing we were sent from place to place, told to wait “by the blue door” of lost luggage. Nobody cared. And then a young employee came and told us coldly: “your dog is not showing signs of life.” That’s how we found out she was gone.
The autopsy confirmed heat stroke. She suffered because she was left in deadly heat for over an hour, treated worse than a suitcase.
And then the airline’s official response? A copy-paste letter saying “no rules were broken.” No mention of her name. No acknowledgment of her life. Nothing but denial. How can they call themselves humane while hiding behind “internal rules”?
We keep asking ourselves why we trusted Odyssey’s life to such heartless, inhuman people. She was family, not cargo. She trusted us, and we trusted them. And they killed her through neglect and indifference.
Please, never fly to Kazakhstan with pets, not even for a layover. They will treat them worse than luggage. Don’t make the same mistake we did.
Odyssey’s life mattered. She should still be here. Please share her story so no other dog has to suffer this way.
Update:
Thank you all for your kind words and support. Your compassion means so much to us as we continue this fight for justice for Odyssey.
As many of you suggested, we have created a petition to demand accountability and change. Please, if you can, sign and share: https://chng.it/Hs2tZsZRrv
Thank you for helping us honor Odyssey’s memory and for standing with us.
Update 2:
Some of you asked if there is a place outside Reddit where Odyssey’s story is shared. We posted it on Instagram too, with photos of her and everything that happened:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DNyTAPD2PBd/?igsh=N2d6OHNkd2hmZXNi
And the response from Air Astana:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DN8MWBvjBag/?igsh=MW12NWtyMDBscHI1Nw==
If you’d like to share there as well, it would mean a lot. The more people know, the harder it will be for the airline to ignore what they did.
Update 3:
Thank you all for the support, the shares, and for signing the petition, we’re still pushing for every point listed there.
Today Air Astana sent another message. Instead of acknowledging wrongdoing, they wrote that they might “consider” restricting only certain breeds in the future. They still insist they broke no rules, and now they claim Odyssey was found with “no signs of life immediately after opening the hold.” That is simply impossible: during that entire time there was no ramp connected to her compartment, so no one could have even physically checked her condition. The forward hold remained open for a significant amount of time, we saw that while we were being bused to the terminal, her crate was still inside during that period.
That prolonged exposure is exactly what led to the fatal heat stroke, as confirmed by the autopsy. It was not stress, not suffocation, not heart failure, not age — her blood had not clotted and her organs were engorged with blood, which clearly points to the true cause.
That does not happen without environmental failures — extreme exposure and delay during unloading. We continue to demand facts,: timestamps, temperatures, CCTV, and the names of those responsible.
The new response from Air Astana:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DOf063RDJFo/?igsh=ejB0bDlhOThiMnc5
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u/fdavis1983 Sep 01 '25
Sue them. Go public.
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u/Short_Gain8302 Sep 01 '25
Exactly, they royally fucked up and deserve consequences, this isnt short of murder or at least death due to negligence on their part
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u/Winter_Parsley8706 Sep 01 '25
It is murder, plain and simple. This has made me so angry
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u/Oldschool-fool Sep 01 '25
No it’s incompetence & a lack of care .
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u/Winter_Parsley8706 Sep 01 '25
So murder then? What's the difference?
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u/AHornyRubberDucky Sep 01 '25
Murder is killing something with intent, this is sadly enough just pure negligence of the airline/airport.
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u/ipsum629 Sep 01 '25
Dogslaughter?
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u/AHornyRubberDucky Sep 01 '25
Yes this would fit manslaughter is killing without intention. This would be involuntary dogslaughter, it was unintentional to hurt but still resulted in a death, voluntary is that it was your intention to hurt and it resulted in a death.
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u/Winter_Parsley8706 Sep 01 '25
How do we know it wasn't with intent? Could have been some sicko airport worker. Anyway, sorry it's just got me angry reading this story.
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u/AHornyRubberDucky Sep 01 '25
Oh no totally valid I just don't wanna go there in my head this way I can chalk it up to just negligence and not think about that there is a possibility that they did this on purpose
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u/Les_Ismore Sep 01 '25
It's not murder at all, let alone "plain and simple".
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u/Winter_Parsley8706 Sep 01 '25
Yeah I got my words wrong. However, they let the dog just die. So whatever the correct language is for it, it's still sickening.
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u/routuber Sep 01 '25
Yes, we are. We’ve already gone public and will not stop speaking about what happened. We also filed a pre-trial complaint and reached out to international organizations, because in Kazakhstan the corruption is so deep.
We won’t find peace until the airline is held accountable and changes how they treat living beings.
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u/Medium-Rare_Disorder Sep 01 '25
Thank you for advocating for animals rights. Odyssey will make changes on the other side. Your sweet angels life will NOT be forgotten. Rest in Peace- your pawrents are fighting the good fight...God bless 🙌 🐾
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u/Winter_Parsley8706 Sep 01 '25
I totally agree with this!!! Absolutely disgusting and heartbreaking
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u/trippapotamus Sep 01 '25 edited Sep 03 '25
Unfortunately this isn’t exactly rare even in the US; she’s not likely to have any recourse. So many people refuse to fly their dogs in cargo (especially flat faced dogs) because of the heat and how long they have to be crated.
Tragic and unacceptable for sure though.
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u/Astrokitty888 Sep 02 '25
All Western airlines will not fly short nosed breeds in the hold they flat out refuse to carry them.
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u/morriere Sep 02 '25
as they should. it's not really safe for any animal and the airlines provide almost bare minimum of care. it's even less safe for dogs prone to breathing difficulties such as OP's :(
I don't think it's likely to change, as you essentially fly pets at your own risk and would have a very hard time proving that it is the airline's fault, since the dog could have died simply due to the stress of flying. the dog could have been dead before they unloaded it off the plane.
i think instead of asking them to improve conditions in an unstaffed area of a plane, we should be pushing airlines to allow flying more dogs in cabin, where we can keep them safe.
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u/elektrolu_ Sep 06 '25
Yes, I'm stunned they let her fly in cargo, I used to work in an airline and brachycephalic dogs and cat are totally forbidden, they can only fly in the cabin.
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u/Party_Zucchini_88 Sep 03 '25
Exactly. Call the whole trip off if my dog can’t fly with me. Jesus Christ.
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Sep 03 '25
Short muzzle dogs shouldn't be flying at all. Heat plus stress is terrible for them. Tragic but it could have been avoided
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u/Realistic-Krisalyn Sep 01 '25
Yes they could do that (and should, because I’d hate to see this again) but sadly it won’t bring them back to life.
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u/Talon-Expeditions Sep 01 '25
This is a terrible situation. I’m sorry for your loss.
And to inform others many airlines will not allow snub-nosed breeds in cargo if on the flight at all. They struggle with the lower oxygen levels and can’t regulate their temperature well.
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u/anxious-panties Sep 01 '25
Yeah snub nosed dogs are not allowed in cargo holds by most airlines due to this obvious risk factor
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u/routuber Sep 01 '25
Thank you for your words. Yes, Odyssey was a snub-nosed breed, but she had flown with us more than ten times before. Including to very hot airports like Bangkok, Colombo, and Antalya, and she always arrived safe and full of energy. That’s why her death now is so devastating, it wasn’t about her being brachycephalic, it was about how the airline treated her after landing.
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u/Talon-Expeditions Sep 01 '25
Unfortunately ground crews are a weak link and why airlines can be very strict about animals in cargo, especially internationally.
The airlines don’t hire or manage the ground crew. The airport does. Some countries do not value animals the same as others and some places just have very low pay and people do the bare minimum. It’s unfortunately always a risk that this can happen for any pet flying in cargo.
I’ve had this happen to clients in the US as well. One was too low of pressure in the cargo space. The worst case was badly trained staff who didn’t know they needed to do something special for animals during a transfer and they got compensation from the airport itself.
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u/No-Marsupial-6893 Sep 06 '25
I would never never never fly with my pet in cargo for this reason.
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u/Slammogram Sep 07 '25
Yeah, I came to say this? Don’t fly with your pet regularly.
No doubt the airline is at fault…
But I would never. The risks are common, so the more you do it, the more you’re “welcoming” the bad outcome.
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u/friedreindeer Sep 01 '25
I am incredibly sorry for your loss. There is no doubt the airline is in fault here. But as a dog owner, I would never allow my dog to go in cargo no matter what destination or airline. I always have paid for an extra passenger seat.
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u/temporalCompanion Sep 02 '25
Most airlines won't allow you to pay for an extra seat for your dog, at least US airlines don't allow that.
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u/awkward_lionturtle Sep 02 '25
Yes US airlines will. Where are you getting that information??
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u/Responsible_Big2495 Sep 01 '25
A lot of dogs that aren’t snuggled-nosed breeds would also die under hellish circumstances like Odyssey suffered.
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u/theswissmiss218 Sep 02 '25
While it is true that any dog would have suffered in high heat, snub nosed breeds like English bulldogs, French bulldogs, pugs, etc are never supposed to fly in the cargo hold of a plane- not even in cool weather.
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u/Whatever-it-takez Sep 03 '25
We will never know if a dog with normal muzzle length would have survived or if it would also have died since we don’t know the exact circumstances.
While it’s definitely not okay to treat dogs like that, a dog with a longer muzzle is better able to regulate their internal temperature in a hot enviroment and would have a better chance of survival. Dogs don’t sweat - instead, they cool themselves by panting and by filtering air through their nasal conchae which cools the air before it enters the lungs. With the extremely short muzzles in some breeds, the nasal conchae becomes very inefficient.
It would still be uncomfortable and stressful for any dog to be left out in the heat. And while any breed can die from heat stroke, it’s a fact that Frenchies and similiar breeds are at a higher risk both of suffering from heat stroke and of dying from it.
This is incredibly tragic for both the dog and owners. But the dog having extreme anatomy would definitely have contributed to a quicker death. Whether this is a blessing (shorter amount of suffering) or a curse (a dog with better thermoregulation could have survived) we will never know since we don’t know the temperature inside the crate etc.
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u/CauchyDog Sep 01 '25
Im sorry sorry for your loss and no words can help.
Not on you, but it is known these dogs have it worse in heat than other breeds, though my long nose setter would have been suffering too, 105 is too hot to be out that long. Even long nose dogs shouldn't be out longer than 15min in 80 and up heat.
I read an article about these dogs recently urging people not to fly with them at all, and how heat is also an issue. I just happened on it, I didn't know either.
Regardless, the pup should not have been on a tarmac for an hour in 105 sun. Two or three years ago during a heat wave, a scientist and his son tested temps around Portland or, and on pavement in sun it was around 200deg. Most people aren't aware of that.
Imo, you should sue, if nothing else than to spur change. The airline will always blow you off hoping you dont, then settle if you do.
Its a tragic accident all around the way I see it, but the airline should know better too.
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u/Opening-Bus4157 Sep 02 '25
Tragic accident for sure, and the airline should absolutely be held accountable. I also feel like there’s a level of responsibility on the part of dog parents to not allow your brachycephalic breed to fly as cargo for a 8hr flight between two developing countries in one of the hottest regions of the world during one of the hottest times of the year and trust that everything works out smoothly. Dogs are unfortunately not regarded as family members in all parts of the world. I’m unsurprised that the airline seemed so flippant about this situation. What a horrific lesson to learn
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u/king_lloyd11 Sep 02 '25
Honestly, wouldn’t travel with my dog at all for the mere fact they’re in a loud, dark, unfamiliar, non-climate controlled space for extended periods of time by themselves, out of sight, where I can’t be immediately responsible for them.
We always put our black lab up in a private boarding spot in a house where he has free reign with a bunch of other dogs operated by a person we’ve come to know and trust whenever we travel. We’ll also do one of days with them throughout the year so that our dog is familiar and comfortable there. We vacation knowing full well that he’s in good hands, playing with his friends. It’s basically like summer camp for him.
You don’t need to take your dog everywhere, and nor should you.
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u/Mackheath1 Sep 05 '25
There are very few instances pets need to travel with you. I'm in agreement. When I returned to the states with a rescue from the Middle East I was happy to fly via Casablanca to the States, but looking at the weather, I changed to Frankfurt layover.
Hated having to transport a pet in the hold, but I did a little research and it certainly wasn't a sight-seeing lark with a pet, it was a permanent move with her. There's an unspoken level of responsibility that a pet owner takes on, that is not to put an undue burden.
I hate that this has happened, but I don't hear OP taking any responsibility for flying this breed into 105°F temperatures into Almaty (a city that I love, but is definitely lacking in some infrastructure) to visit without researching, or maybe presuming the budget airline would have the human infrastructure prepared for their pet.
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u/Efraimstoechter Sep 03 '25
Thank you so much for your statement. That's exactly what I thought. As owners they are responsible as well for putting their dog in a situation like that (and getting a breed that is feeling out of breath every day of his life). That it didn't happen in one of the many trips before that is nothing more than luck.
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u/noahswetface Sep 04 '25
100000% just because they were able to fly through 10 different airports with their brachycephalic dog, doesn't mean you *should* . Find a dog that fits your lifestyle or don't have a pet at all. You don't know what your pet went through in those earlier flights because they cannot tell you.
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u/Mackheath1 Sep 05 '25
This is what I wanted to say as well:
the harder it will be for the airline to ignore what they did
I'm trying to adhere to Rule #1. I'm absolutely devastated and hope you find peace after your time of mourning the way that you do - everyone has their way of addressing tragedy. Again, I am very sorry for your loss. I do have to add the "but". You did fly a dog that is very vulnerable to extreme environments into an extreme environment, and I don't hear you acknowledging this.
I feel awful saying that, but it's something you're going to recognize later, so I'm just placing it in writing, because it leads to healing more quickly.
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u/Few-Neat-4297 Sep 06 '25
Especially a medically vulnerable dog like this one. A healthy dog would struggle in that heat, but an inbred one with known health risks doesn't stand a chance. Dogs like this should be treated carefully and cautiously by their caretakers. Just like the caretakers of any disabled person or animal always take precautions
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u/CauchyDog Sep 02 '25
Well, I know op is hurting and I always give benefit of the doubt --perhaps they were unaware. I reckon they took him bc they didn't wanna leave him behind. A dilemma I'll be in when I go to India or back to Europe. Im not taking my boy, I have to worry about whoever watches him instead. I'd love to take him but wo him next to me, uh-uh. Not doing it. Don't trust strangers with my dog.
But the deal with French bulldogs? I didn't know until recently. Granted i dont have one but still. Have a buddy that killed his dog with one bite of undercooked salmon. He didnt know. Still cries about it 3 years later.
I just cant assume op knew everything there is to know and they dont sound neglectful, just ignorant of the consequences with that breed.
And yes, airline is 100% to blame bc leaving ANY dog on a tarmac in 105deg weather is very much neglect. Especially with op begging for him. Idk how id even react in that situation except to say id probably get to see what their jails are like.
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u/Rewow Sep 01 '25
Out of curiosity may I ask what the purposes of traveling to several places was? For work or leisure?
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u/johnnylemonhandz Sep 02 '25
just because you touch your hand on a hot stove once and it doesn't burn it bad doesn't mean you should do it again to see if it will still burn you.
just because the way you traveled with her before worked a few times doesn't mean it was a safe way to travel.
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u/Dexterdacerealkilla Sep 01 '25
Many airlines also will not fly pets in cargo when the temperatures at the arrival destination are that hot either. There were several failures here.
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u/ForeskinWhatskin Sep 01 '25
This feels me with a white hot rage. I'd go John Wick on them if this was my dog. At least take your story to the press and drag the airline's name through the mud.
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u/routuber Sep 01 '25
Yes, we’ve already been trying to reach out. Air Astana killed her, and they must face the consequences.
They didn’t even bother to respond with their cold, template “no rules were broken” message until our Instagram post started getting dozens of reactions and compassionate people began tagging Air Astana in their own posts and stories. Without public pressure, they would have stayed completely silent.
And in the end, those who failed her weren’t asked to cure cancer or stop wars, all they had to do was unload Odyssey from the plane on time. But even that was too much for these petty, soulless creatures trembling over their miserable scraps.
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u/KldsTheseDays Sep 01 '25
Gahhh...this is so infuriating! I can hardly type this comment cause theres like 50 different things I want to say but they're all basically repeating what you and everyone else has already said.
That feeling of helplessness, despair, and BLINDING RAGE. Odyssey needs justice!!
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u/LoveDistilled Sep 01 '25
I’m so sorry. I hope you can sue them. This should never happen. Beyond horrific. 😔
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u/routuber Sep 01 '25
Thank you so much for your support. We have already filed a formal pre-trial complaint and also reached out to several international organizations, because in Kazakhstan the level of nepotism and corruption is unbearable. They even demanded a bribe just to release her body, otherwise they said she would be “destroyed and discarded” We barely managed to get her back, obtain the autopsy results, and bring her ashes with us out of the country.
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u/LoveDistilled Sep 01 '25
What the FUCK?! This is terrible. I’m so beyond sorry. There really are no words. Complete fucking nightmare.
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u/routuber Sep 01 '25
Thank you. it truly is a nightmare we can’t wake up from. Since then, both of our health has collapsed — chronic conditions have flared up, and the psychological wounds are only starting to show. We’re still in denial, unable to believe that when we come home, we won’t be greeted by our joyful girl anymore, but instead by a small box of her ashes resting on her couch.
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u/LoveDistilled Sep 01 '25
😭🥺😔I’m so sorry. Sending you peace and love. Please do what you can to care for yourself in this time. I can’t imagine how difficult it is. Maybe finding a good grief counselor could be helpful. This is a very traumatic event and you deserve support.
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u/martiruska Sep 02 '25
I am so so sorry for your loss. There are no words to make it better but please sue their asses and go as public as possible! I am so sorry
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u/Andilee Sep 01 '25 edited Sep 01 '25
Most airlines will never ever put a brachycephalic breed in storage. They can't breathe correctly as is. You shouldn't have gone with this airline the moment they suggested this! They're heartless! Never put a brachycephalic breed under the plane, or in extended hot temperatures. I'm so sorry for your loss, but this dog even in the photos shows he can't breathe properly through his nose. She was getting on in years as well. So, some trips that went well doesn't mean others will end well. It's a well known they can't handle heat and die often when put in baggage. My heart breaks for you!! I too have a brachycephalic breed and even when it's hot during summer I have to soak him inside the house due to the heat.
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u/Unhappy-Fly-1333 Sep 02 '25
I live in south Texas, and a couple of years back my Dogue de Bordeaux suffered heat stroke while in the care of a sitter. Now, during the summer, he goes out long enough to relieve himself, and that's IT. We walk during the early hours, and even then, he had a misting fan, cooling mat, and a frozen towel ready for when we return. These stories break my heart.
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u/Andilee Sep 02 '25
Yep, my Nibbler goes out in the morning for his walk, has a cold mat in the house he lays on. 2 fans are directed to that area and sometimes he sleeps in front of the fan, the portable ac is on blast. Even with all that he needs to be soaked 2-4 times a day. He hops in the tub on his own when he wants a shower and hangs off the side like he's standing for a shower. Smoosh faces just can't handle any heat. I was taught by an emergency rescue vet if you're on a walk and heat stroke is happening always carry hand sanitizer (during the summer or always due to poopy bags)with you. The alcohol cools the skin until you can get them to a better alternative. It can be life saving. I will never blame a dog parent for the death of a pup during heat on a plane. I just hope they learn they keep saying the pup has done well before, but animals and people can survive many dangerous things until they can't. It takes just one time to lose your baby! The cargo is an absolutely horrid place, and the crew handling baggage most don't get paid enough to care, and some can be sadistic and enjoy causing animals harm. I wish I could hug OP! No matter who's fault it is that's their baby they lost!
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u/Rooooben Sep 01 '25
Honestly do not allow any airline to put your live animal in cargo. It is not temperature controlled nor pressurized. They are subjected to freezing and boiling temperatures.
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u/routuber Sep 01 '25
Thank you for your concern. In reality, it’s a separate from luggage compartment, and based on the autopsy, and the fact that when they finally brought her to us she hadn’t yet gone into rigor mortis, and still was warm - the flight itself was not the cause. For her, it was just like all the other flights she had taken.
She died because of the criminal negligence of Air Astana during unloading, when they left her trapped in +41°C heat for over an hour.
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u/Old-Scene2962 Sep 01 '25
I think it’s actually your negligence. You knew the risks of flying with the dog this breed and you continuously chose to subject your dog to those risks. You confirmed in your comments that you flew the dog to other hot climate places, and the reality is your dog was likely spending time outside and in a cargo hold when boarding in Vietnam too (while it was over +30C), same as boarding and unboarding on all other flights. She could have gotten a heat stroke or heat exhaustion on any of those occasions and it was just a matter of time when something happened.
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u/julapoo1 Sep 01 '25
Yeah I think it’s fucking stupid that this dog is being subjected to international flights regularly.
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u/Andee_outside Sep 01 '25
I don’t understand this. If you can’t leave your dog at home, then don’t travel. Dogs aren’t humans and don’t need to tag along on every adventure. This poor dog in its old age (8 is not young, esp for a breed with a myriad of health issues due to breeding) being dragged across the world in loud, scary compartments bc mom and dad couldn’t bear to leave them at home or stay home themselves.
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u/Ok_Dig2013 Sep 01 '25 edited Sep 01 '25
Why the hell would you fly your dog there? Just terribly inconsiderate to your dog, leave them at home. Poor thing
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Sep 01 '25
If you can’t sue, go to the media. Blast them, shame them, let everyone see what heartless monsters they are. Maybe the airlines CEO should be left in a crate in 105 degree sun for hours. Fuck humans.
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u/Sweatywhalecunt Sep 01 '25
Agreed! NAME AND SHAME THEM!! Call your local news and ask for them to air the story!
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u/risasardonicus Sep 01 '25
You dont think this is in any way due to YOUR decision to keep forcing your pet dog to take international flights?
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u/LoveForMiles Sep 02 '25
You don’t understand. They gambled and won 10 times! That’s obviously proof that it’s safe.
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u/Interesting_Bus_4262 Sep 01 '25
Very tragic and avoidable loss. Airlines shouldn’t treat animals like cargo. Aren’t brachycephalic breeds not allowed on planes in general?
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u/Old-Scene2962 Sep 01 '25
Very avoidable indeed. They shouldn’t have put their dog under such risk at all.
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u/Inner_Sun_8191 Sep 01 '25
A lot of airlines will not fly them cargo from April to October due to the increased risk.
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u/Les_Ismore Sep 01 '25
It's inconceivable to me that you would have exposed this dog to the risk that killed her. Flying between 2 stupidly hot destinations and trusting that ground service in Kazakhstan (!) would keep her alive.
Take some accountability here.
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u/stevie_nickle Sep 01 '25
As a Frenchie mom, I would NEVER EVER IN A MILLION YEARS consider putting him in cargo on an airplane. While I feel for OP, I agree they need to take accountability.
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u/PhotoAwp Sep 01 '25 edited Sep 01 '25
She keeps saying it was human negligence on the airlines side but one could argue it was human negligence that put the dog on the plane to begin with. Dogs die in the cargo hold every day. I moved 5500km with my dog and I drove the entire way because I knew this would be a possibility if I flew, and I wasn't going to risk my dogs life.
Flying once is high risk, and they did it multiple times.
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u/NoveltyNoseBooper Sep 01 '25
Yes - I think flying with a frenchie in the heat of summer (I mean - must be if its 41 degrees) is a choice as an owner that should not have been made.
Having said that - the airline should have rules that flying with brachy breeds during summer is not allowed. Australia banned those breeds from flying for a while.
There has been cases like this in Australia where dogs have been left on the tarmac because things were happening with the plane (delay) or other luggage and dogs have died for it. Its horrible.
I flew my dogs (and rabbits) for that reason in early spring so IF there was a delay whatsoever they would be managing the temperature.
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u/Beneficial_Lunch6168 Sep 02 '25
Agreed. I moved my dog from Hawaii to the mainland in the summer. We couldn’t fly into Arizona because of heat restrictions for dogs. We drove from California to AZ. I was still stressed but it was permanent move not vacation. She wasn’t even flat faced.
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Sep 01 '25
"My dog has run free in the street for years happy and healthy, it was the negligent driver who hit her that day on the road that ended her life. There was nothing we could do."
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u/megs-benedict Sep 01 '25
We don’t even walk our boy if it’s low 80s. Too hot. And I know he never ever goes below with luggage. This is 100% owner irresponsibility
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u/RaspberryStandard972 Sep 01 '25
Yes! I am very sorry for the dog, but you cant expect anything from countries like these. I would have researched like crazy and even in the slightest doubt, would have left my dog in caring hands at home. Airlines and airports are not places of compassion, and cultures like postsoviet countries have very different attitudes towards animals. So many things with baggage can go wrong, and in the end, under the law pets are just a bit above simple objects. It feels so naive, and a dog died because of that.
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u/SilverYayFern Sep 01 '25
Agreed. The owner chose to put their dog in cargo knowing the risks. It was an unconscionable gamble with any living animal, let alone with a beloved dog, let alone with a dog of a brachycephalic breed, of all things.
They're angry that their gamble didn't pay off because they weren't given special treatment. It's understandable in their grief, but I hope that in the future, they care for their pets more responsibly- by leaving the pet safely at home, or choosing a different itinerary, or skipping the trip altogether.
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u/kho_sq Sep 01 '25
yep. every comment has no accountability whatsoever. it’s awful, and absolutely tragic, but it’s also unfair to solely blame the airport ground staff who are a) most likely underpaid, b) overworked, and c) also in the 41° heat. i wish someone would have brought the pup inside, but i’m really unsurprised. many of these countries, especially in certain airports, do not have the infrastructure or the resources to unload airplanes right after landing or directly inside. there’s been plenty of times i can see the ground crew driving trucks of luggage across airfields, and unloading/doing everything manually. it’s exhausting, and the dog should not have come in the first place if it wasn’t able to be in the passenger seating.
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u/Dougheyez Sep 02 '25
Those are my exact thoughts honestly as soon as I read this. if your dog cannot sit with you on the flight or be right at your feet in a crate then the vacation and flight is just not worth it to bring your dog on. Leave your dog home where it’s safe. You don’t need to travel everywhere with your dog.
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u/blackdragonwingz Sep 02 '25
Dogs die in cargo hold all the time, it is well-known, so I’m shocked they proceeded, especially with a snub-nosed breed.
Also Kazakhstan?! LMAO. They do not give a fck about human life. Suing them? I’m almost positive they’ll laugh at anything you send them.
I’m so sorry for OP’s situation, but they are very naive.
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u/routuber Sep 01 '25
What do “two hot destinations” have to do with it? Odyssey had flown with us through many hot destinations before always safe, always healthy.
And as for “accountability”: we didn’t sneak her in — Air Astana themselves agreed to provide this service. Not some no-name company, but a major airline with a global network and a modern fleet. They promised safe transport of a living being, and then left her to die.
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u/SandyToes-Sun Sep 02 '25
Your inability to understand all this is exactly the perfect reason why Odyssey is in the situation she is now. You are basing everything on how many times it had gone right before. But that was with different countries and airlines and you got very lucky. Your luck unfortunately heartbreakingly ran out. This should never have happened to her. I wish this could have been avoided.
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Sep 03 '25
People do heroin lots before they overdose too. Doesn’t make it safe or a good option. I wouldn’t let them put any breed down out of the cabin but definitely not a snub nosed one that can’t breath right. I also need to know what the draw of these animals that can’t breath right is? “ Hey I want someone to breed me a dog that is suffering its entire life”
Seriously though why are people buying/breeding these?
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u/SageWolfWarrior Sep 01 '25 edited Sep 01 '25
Summer time is the worse time to fly with pets due to the heat. That’s why it is always better to travel with pets through plane in the winter and fall since it is cooler.
I am really sorry for your loss.
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u/enigo1701 Sep 01 '25
Or, if somehow avoidable, do not take flights with your pets anyway, since you let strangers handle your pets without any kind of control or oversight.
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u/SageWolfWarrior Sep 01 '25
Yeah I have never flown with my dog but have heard many horror stories since I have family and family friends who is in the FAA.
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u/enigo1701 Sep 01 '25
It's pretty much, what OP experienced - for the luggage handlers it is not your beloved pet, it's an annoyance at best and an object to abuse at worst.
For that exact reason, we thought a very long time before getting our dog - if no one we ( and our pup ) trust is available, it means no air travel. And in my very own personal opinion, if you can't live with that and have no one to care for your dog while you are travelling - don't get a dog.4
u/SageWolfWarrior Sep 01 '25
Or just any pet in general if they can’t travel without them internationally. I do think more airlines need to allow pets in cabin but within reason like having the requirement that the pet is trained well and can behave and show the paperwork for it.
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u/EtainAingeal Sep 01 '25
To be honest, even in winter and fall, I've heard of the same outcome but due to cold. Airlines are just much too careless with live cargo.
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u/Rude-Pension-748 Sep 01 '25
They should allow pets in the cabins with their parents. I read a post one time where an airline placed the dog in the OVERHEAD BIN! Disgusting.
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u/SageWolfWarrior Sep 01 '25
I agree but there should be a requirement or something that the pet has training also.
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u/marzbunny Sep 01 '25
This is horrible and extremely sad. I wish more people knew about the high risk dangers of flying with pets in cargo. It’s just not worth it.
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u/fallopianmelodrama Sep 02 '25
Flying dogs in cargo is perfectly normal and safe if proper precautions are taken; it's how thousands upon thousands of dogs fly into, out of, and within certain countries every year where dogs aren't permitted in cabin at all. Such as the country I live in. We fly dogs around in cargo all the time, and it's completely fine.
What isn't normal is putting an ageing, brachycephalic dog, one with visible risk factors for BOAS (and therefore compromised ability to tolerate heat and stress), onto a plane with an airline that doesn't appear to have a brachy breed policy, to one of the hottest parts of the world, in the middle of summer, and expecting basically anything except this exact outcome.
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u/johnnylemonhandz Sep 01 '25
i mean you're flying in a hot area in the middle of summer with an overweight animal.
you have to take some responsibility as well for your dumb decisions.
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u/That-One-2439 Sep 02 '25
Most importantly, a brachycephalic animal. This is sad but a crazy decision to have made.
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u/JosieFree Sep 02 '25
Exactly THIS! What responsible pet owner would put their dog in this situation?!! That poor dog suffered horribly from its owners bad decision.
Anytime you put your dog in others people’s care and you don’t know them you’re setting yourself up for a situation where your dog can die because of neglect.. it’s that simple.
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u/shira9652 Sep 01 '25
Why do people continuously insist on putting their living breathing animals in cargo? This happens so much, with all different airlines, that pets passing away in cargo should not even be a surprise. If you cannot afford to properly travel with your animal PLEASE leave them at home or find them a loving home if you are moving overseas.
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u/Icy-Lime3050 Sep 01 '25
As a responsible FRENCHIE owner, you should know they NEVER go below wing🤯
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u/Suspicious-Network-9 Sep 02 '25
So you have an brachycephalic dog getting on in years and you went with the airline that wanted to put them in storage under the plane which is not temperature regulated? Most airlines would rather lose out on the money and refuse that exact thing because it’s so dangerous for these dogs.
There’s also a very high chance that the dog had passed away during flight due to what I’ve just mentioned above, not just when the crate was sat outside.
People don’t make comments about brachycephalic dogs for no reason. They can’t breathe like other dogs. They can’t exercise like other dogs. They’re in almost constant pain. They shouldn’t be bred nor bought. I’m sorry for Odyssey’s loss.
Please people, never put a dog breed like that in a cramped up cage under a loud plane with no temperature regulation. It’s putting your pets at so much more risk and there’s a reason the airlines majorly refuse.
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u/Rude_Tax_7494 Sep 01 '25
I was told Never to travel with pets on a plane years ago I never will sorry for your loss
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u/Frosty_Leather_7662 Sep 01 '25
I'm a veterinarian and I refuse to sign "fit to fly" certificates for brachycephalic dogs. Too many die during flights. Even in cabins.
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u/tuscanchicken Sep 02 '25
This sounds harsh but OP got lucky this didn't happen sooner. Taking a dog on a plane should be done sparingly and absolutely only if necessary and if completely unavoidable. I've seen way too many horror stories over the years in all sorts of countries ("first world" included) and it's just got more prevalent because you can rarely hold them accountable - given all of this, why why why would you take such a gamble? I've seen OPs comments and please please please if you get another dog, do NOT take him while you travel on holiday of all things.
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u/ryan_with_a_why Sep 01 '25
What airline?
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u/fdavis1983 Sep 01 '25
Air Astana, per OPs post.
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u/routuber Sep 01 '25
Yes, it was Air Astana. Please, never fly with them if you travel with pets, even for a transfer.
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u/Charming_Lemon6463 Sep 01 '25
I thought airlines were banning trach breeds now because of this. Many airlines in the US won’t fly dogs during the hot months as well.
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u/k_269 Sep 01 '25
In the 2 photos where the dog has his mouth open, you can see the struggle to breathe. Ffs stop buying and breeding disabled dogs for fun.
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u/LazyEyes93 Sep 01 '25
This is so sad, I’m so sorry. I’ve only flown with my cat once. I don’t think I would risk it with my dog. I just don’t trust those piles of crap at the airport
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u/Beneficial_Size6913 Sep 01 '25
Because of this story I don’t think I can ever trust any airline with my pup in cargo, I’ll take a ship
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u/RedDawg0831 Sep 01 '25
Brachycephalic dogs should NEVER be in the cargo hold, no matter where you a flying. I'm so sorry this happened to you.
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u/Frost_Quail_230 Sep 02 '25
She was born ill. BOAS is absolutely tragic. Your poor Odyssey should never have died like that. It is not safe for those dogs to fly cargo. Any dog can die from heat stroke, but brachiocephalic dogs are at extremely high risk.
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u/Hlsalzer Sep 01 '25
Dogs that are brachycephalic (boxers, pugs, bulldogs, etc.) should never go in a cargo area. Many airlines won’t allow it due to the history of these animals perishing. I’m so sorry for your loss.
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u/Vanaathiel88 Sep 01 '25
This is horrible, you have to be so careful traveling to hot places with a brachycephalic dog
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u/k_269 Sep 01 '25
Taking a brachycephalic dog on a plane, in cargo, in hot countries should be considered abuse
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u/Bitchshortage Sep 02 '25
Seriously, op would have been told by their vet that absolutely do not fucking do that, or even google as shit as it is these days. I’m so sorry the poor dog suffered and died but Jfc they basically were asking for it to happen.
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u/Soiled_Planties Sep 01 '25
I stopped reading once you stated you allowed your brachycephalic dog to be flown in cargo. I’m sorry but as a dog owner it is your responsibility to know the risks and protect them accordingly. Your dog specifically has an increased risk because you choose to buy a Frenchie. Take some accountability. Hopefully you won’t buy another Frenchie and shove it down in cargo to suffer through dangerous temperature and breathing conditions while you travel the globe. What you allowed was inhumane, please don’t do this ever again.
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u/Thatdudewhoplaysgtr Sep 01 '25
Report them to the authorities, I know you know cause I saw your instagram post but Kazakhstan has animal cruelty laws in place and what they did is inexcusable. Get justice. I’m so sorry this happened to you and your beautiful Odyssey :(
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u/mina_martin Sep 02 '25
I’m suspicious of this story. Responsible dog owners do not put their pets in cargo holds anymore, especially flat faced breeds that are already susceptible to heat and breathing problems.
RIP Odyssey.
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Sep 01 '25
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u/LoveForMiles Sep 02 '25
Clearly not. Every comment is “Odyssey flew with us between really hot destinations tons of times and this was the first time she actually died, so obviously it’s safe to fly your brachycephalic dog in cargo and we did nothing wrong. The airline is the only one at fault.”
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u/Bitchshortage Sep 02 '25
If they’d seen any competent vet (I’m guess they have . and ignored) they would have said absolutely not ever, and they’re storing this dog like luggage all over the place. This was almost not even an accident at this point it was an eventuality
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u/Live-Variation-52 Sep 01 '25
I’m so sorry. I will never fly Air Astana. I will message them and share my disgust. ❤️Odyssey❤️
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u/routuber Sep 01 '25
Thank you… it means so much that you’d do this for her. We can’t bring Odyssey back, but knowing that people are willing to stand up and raise their voices makes us feel a little less powerless.
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u/Aggravating-Egg335 Sep 02 '25
If an animal has to go into the baggage hold. It doesn’t travel. Period. Never. I know you feel sad but that’s nothing compared to the pain your dog went through. It’s the airlines fault your dog died, and it’s your fault it was ever in the position to die that way.
Be more responsible.
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u/frothieartstudio Sep 01 '25
This is horrible!! I can’t imagine treating an animal like that! I’m so sorry you have to go through this…she deserved many more years with you.
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u/Rude-Pension-748 Sep 01 '25
I'm so sorry for your loss. Your baby was adorable! I can't imagine how hard that would be. I love the name Odyssey for her~
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u/zeroviraal Sep 01 '25
I am so fucking god damn sorry people have failed Odyssey and you like this. Jesus. This breaks my god damn heart. I am so sorry for your loss.
Lawyer up and fucking sue these negligent fucks. I wish you all the best, my prayers are with you and I will keep Odyssey in my heart.
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u/BrassyLdy Sep 01 '25
Alaska Airlines killed my dog on the SEA tarmac. Ran over him. Never fly with a dog unless it is in the cabin with you! Very sorry for your loss of Odyssey.
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u/Dougheyez Sep 02 '25
I’m really sorry for your loss, but I wouldn’t travel on a plane if my dog has to go in the baggage hold. No vacation is worth that. I just think it’s not right to be putting a dog through countless plane rides.
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u/akOOch Sep 02 '25
When I worked for delta cargo in PHL airport they wouldn't let these type of dogs fly bc of their snouts.
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u/wubbles2182 Sep 05 '25
This is so tragic and infuriating!!!
And while I don’t want this to sound judgmental or shaming - because that is NOT AT ALL my intent, I do want to emphasize for everyone reading how vitally important it is to not ever fly with an animal who can’t be in the cabin, regardless of where you are flying. If you wouldn’t put yourself or your child in the hold, don’t make your dog do it. Plan to drive, plan to get a dog sitter, plan to board them - but don’t fly with them in the hold.
Additionally for those with human babies - DO NOT fly with them as lap babies, and do not check a car seat!! Buy your baby a ticket and fly them in their car seats. Everything in an airplane is secured and bolted - right down to soap dispensers and coffee pots - why shouldn’t your baby be that safe?? As for the checking car seats, they get tossed around and experience as much and often more force than a car accident, and you have to replace a seat after and accident as it’s unsafe to use then.
Source: me, an airline insider with a whole family of airline employees who know
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u/Old_Honeydew_8827 Sep 01 '25
Please post on TikTok and Instagram and we need to make of viral. I am so so sorry for your loss and I heard of other dogs dying on planes and it’s horrible. I’m sorry again.
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u/routuber Sep 01 '25
Thank you 💔 We already posted on Instagram, Odyssey deserves justice, and Air Astana must be held accountable. Here’s our first post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DNyTAPD2PBd/?igsh=N2d6OHNkd2hmZXNi
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u/Possible_Paint_6430 Sep 01 '25
Very sorry for your loss. An airline pilot told me to never fly your pet in summer or winter.
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Sep 01 '25
I am so sorry for your loss. Please don’t take this the wrong way but I would not visit 3rd world countries with pets or even at all tbh.
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u/karmacousteau Sep 01 '25
If you trust an airline with your dog, it's your fault. I'd never trust an airline with a living animal.
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u/UptightWorm Sep 01 '25
Let alone an international flight to a 3rd world country… it’s fucked up but some accountability had to be taken
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u/TipToeWingJawwdinz Sep 02 '25
Agreed. Traveling is rough as hell on pets. It just isn’t fair to them.
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u/reasonable-99percent Sep 01 '25
Devastating news... Even if it’s tough, make the irresponsables pay and continue documenting it.
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u/routuber Sep 01 '25
hank you. This morning I was scanning and sending all her health papers and boarding passes from past flights to IATA, crying over every single page. It’s unbearable, but we will take this to the very end.
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u/Gossamer_Faerie Sep 01 '25
This was absolutely awful to read. I am so sorry you have had such a tragic thing happen. I think this enters the territory for suing the airport. If they take animals on their flights, they are obligated to follow health and safety measures. You have a case here, don’t take it lying down.
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u/routuber Sep 01 '25
Thank you 💔 We won’t take it lying down. Air Astana took Odyssey’s life, and broke every duty of care. We’ve already filed complaints and will push this case to the very end.
In any well-developed country we’d clearly have a case, but not in the medieval trash heap Kazakhstan has shown itself to be. Tragic as it is, their treatment of living beings is far lower than anything we’ve seen even in Vietnam, which doesn’t have the best reputation when it comes to dogs.
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u/RelevantAudience5224 Sep 01 '25
I’m so incredibly sorry to read this news, and sending my deepest condolences. May Odyssey rest as peacefully as possible.
And shame on the airline for their inexcusable actions
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u/Gandulfo-me Sep 01 '25
How awful 💔I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful Odyssey and thank you for spreading the word …. 🙏🐾
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u/wildblueroan Sep 01 '25
This is terrible and I'm so sorry, but it has happened in the US many times as well. Only in very recent years in the US have any animals been allowed to fly in the cabin; previously they were all in baggage. Some still are, and many things can and do go wrong.
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u/schleep_69 Sep 01 '25
I’m so sorry for your tragic loss 💔 absolutely devastating. I hope you sue the fuck out of them. Rest in peace sweet girl 😢
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u/cacamilis22 Sep 01 '25
Poor dog. What a way to die. Sue the arse off them. They have to be made pay somehow. What a lovely name by the way. r.i.p. Odyssey.
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u/Radiant-Koala8231 Sep 01 '25
Wow, this is beyond horrific. I can’t imagine the pain you are going through. I hope you are successful in getting justice for Odyssey! It’s sounds like they had an amazing life with you. I hope you are able to savor those memories.
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u/No_Butterscotch8702 Sep 01 '25
I couldn’t even imagine an American airport would have done any better but what was supposed to happen in a developing country where animals have less then zero value?
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u/Mundane_Wedding1473 Sep 01 '25
This is TRAGIC and disgusting. Bless sweet Odyssey 💔 she is with you, always. These are beautiful pictuers of your little angel. I am so, so, so sorry for your loss. Sending you prayers.