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1:40 a.m. • 2-10-12

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Soldier's dog goes AWOL before deployment


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Jeddah, missing dog of Fort Bragg soldier
Jeddah, missing dog of Fort Bragg soldier

Fort Bragg soldier John Weisner was preparing for a year-long deployment to Saudi Arabia with his dog, Jeddah, two weeks ago when the dog turned up missing.

Now, Weisner and his wife are scouring the Washington suburbs to find Jeddah before the end of the month, when Weisner has to ship out.

Weisner and his wife, Ronia, traveled from Fort Bragg to Dulles International Airport outside Washington on July 10 for John Weisner's trip overseas. He had planned to take Jeddah with him to the Middle East, but shortly before he was to board the United Airlines flight, an airline employee told him the dog was missing.

United spokeswoman Robin Urbanski said Jeddah escaped a kennel issued by the airlines as it sat on a Dulles ramp waiting to be loaded onto the plane. The airline is investigating how the 4-year-old, tan-and-white hound could have broken out of the kennel, which are usually screwed shut, she said.

The Army granted Weisner a temporary reprieve to find Jeddah, but has told him he needs to deploy by the end of July.

The Weisners have spent the last two weeks in northern Virginia, searching for the dog. Dulles employees and area residents have joined in the search.

The couple started a Web site to collect tips on Jeddah's whereabouts and provide updated information about the search. They also posted a $2,500 reward, which United matched, for the dog's return.

RELATED TOPICS: Fort Bragg, Washington County

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Have any of you ever travelled with a pet? When I flew with my cats, the only time I got them during the flights was when we had to clear customs. I didn't have access to them during lay-overs because they were down below with the luggage. If he left NC, and was in DC, then perhaps he was on a layover. I'm pretty sure he had nothing to do with it...and maybe, just maybe, this was an ACTUAL accident. (shocking thought I know!)

I'm surprised there hasn't been some sort of Rover Alert issued. Someone probably found the dog and hopefully is keeping it safe until they hook up with the owner.

I hope they find Jeddah. i'm sure the planes probably scared him out of his mind. As far as people criticizng the soldier taking his dog overseas...Get over it, my God. That dog is doing more for this country that you ever will. Whether you like it or not this soldier is protecting you so let him bring a companion for a little sanity. Some people never miss an opportunity to criticize the good people of the world. Keep criticizing, I like it when you expose yourselves.

"United spokeswoman Robin Urbanski said Jeddah escaped a kennel issued by the airlines as it sat on a Dulles ramp waiting to be loaded onto the plane. The airline is investigating how the 4-year-old, tan-and-white hound could have broken out of the kennel, which are usually screwed shut, she said."

Yeah, it sounds just like he let the dog out and is blaming United as a cover up. By the way, that is sarcasm. United has admitted to having the dog get away from them

I hope they find her. This must be so scary for her and her family. I wonder if it is fenced in the way it is at RDU?

poor Jeddah going to Jeddah, Saudia Arabia - my Father was there in the 70s - hideous climate, "culture" leaving much to be desired as well for my American tastes; poor dog would definitely have to be shielded from climate & populance. Clearly the soldier did not release the dog - no accounting for airline workers though.

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