This is probably the most “political” blog I have written for mikeandspike.com; however, I think the issue of flying with Emotional Support Animals is worth addressing. At the beginning of December (2020), I was notified by a Spike fan about the Department of Transportation’s ruling on Emotional Support Animals. The “animals” will no longer be allowed to fly in-cabin for free. Fine! Why all the trouble? What about designating my dog as a ‘family’ member with a passport just like Spike had in Europe?
Spike was a rescue of sorts as the Greek Crisis required his original owners to distribute his family. As such, I promised to take care of the little one at all costs–I sold my wedding ring, college ring, and Nurnberg American High School ring to buy a ticket for my little pup to return to the United States when I could no longer hang-on during the economic downturn in Greece. We became the emotional support team for each other!
Domesticated animals have been apart of the human condition for thousands of years. As our travel-study focused on, horses were some of the first domesticated animals for long-haul travel (our links for reading more can be found at the conclusion of this entry). Dogs came later–purportedly from the domestication of wolves. Well, the indigenous population and transported peoples had many tribes that referenced animals as “brothers”. This reference of animals with daily and spiritual reverence was often seen as heretical by many Christian settlers. Yet, over the years, animals have come to dominate our doting affection–in many cases even more than our own progeny (read the below articles on animals inheriting millions of dollars).
One need not go far to see that pets are equally appreciated as family members. Divorce courts are awarding custody and visitation rights to pets just like any other family member. When I call my children, I even ask how my four grand-kitties are doing and how my Gypsy and the grand-grand (huge) doggy, King, is doing?
So, I think my message to the U.S. Department of Transportation is maybe airlines are just shooting to make up for the financial loss and charge for pets, but I think they just opened a bigger can of worms. Let an airline tell a family member that their dogs are not family! I think Spike and I may have to visit the Capitol building for more than just a fun journey and placing the proverbial paw print!
Learning Opportunities: History, Humanities, and Science
USDA: European Pet Passport Information
National Geographic: Domestication (a history of its origins)
Live Science: The Surprising History of America’s Wild Horses (Surprised me as well…lol)
The Hustle: The Wild World of Trust Fund Pets
Legalmatch.com: Pet Custody Laws
