A Dubai pet owner has spoken of his "devastation" after his beloved Pomeranian died while being transported to the Philippines on an Emirates flight.
Cliff Rozal arranged for a friend to accompany Snoopy, almost 6, who was in “excellent health”, on a flight from Dubai International Airport to Mactan-Cebu International Airport in the Philippines on September 1.
But on arrival, the friend was sadly informed that Snoopy had died of hypoxia, a lack of oxygen reaching the body's tissues, during the flight.
“You have to go to the cargo hold area to collect animals and when my friend got there the customs and airport staff told him that [Snoopy] was no longer breathing,” said Mr Rozal, who was waiting for his beloved pet in Malaybalay City in Bukidnon.
“The customs veterinary surgeon said he had been dead for four hours already, which means he died mid-flight. I told them that they should have kept him in the cabin where the oxygen was sufficient,” said Mr Rozal.
An Emirates representative said the airline "expresses our deepest condolences on the passing of Mr Rozal's pet. We follow strict guidelines to ensure the comfort and safety of all animals we transport, and are conducting a thorough investigation into the situation."
Aside from a previous bladder stone, Mr Rozal said that Snoopy had been in excellent health.
Mr Rozal initially took on Snoopy as a fosterer because he was not sure whether he could offer a pet a permanent home.
“I fell in love with him instantly,” said Mr Rozal, who quickly decided to keep him.
“He was a very smart dog. He was the best-behaved dog I have ever met. He was not just a dog, he was my family. He meant everything to me.”
Mr Rozal lives in Dubai, but is on indefinite sick leave from his job as a finance operations manager for an insurance company for an undisclosed medical condition. Snoopy was due to spend a night in Cebu before taking another flight the following day to join Mr Rozal.
“I was helpless because I was in another city and Snoopy was so far away. It’s devastating and it’s really making my condition worse,” said Mr Rozal.
“What is more painful is that they didn’t even allow us to take [his body] out of the airport. He is our dog. They said it is international law that if an animal dies mid-flight or in the airport they cannot allow them to be taken outside of the airport,” he said.
“He is buried there next to the runway.”
An Emirates staff member sent Mr Rozal a picture of his burial place and he was told that the airline would launch a full investigation into what happened.
“According to the Emirates lady, this is the first time it has happened in Cebu,” said Mr Rozal, who arranged Snoopy’s travel with the help of a veterinary clinic in Dubai. The total price of the flight, including the air ticket for his friend, who was acting as Snoopy’s flight buddy, was Dh8,000.
“I didn’t care about the cost. I just wanted him to be with me here in the Philippines,” said Mr Rozal.
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Who was Alfred Nobel?
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
- In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
- Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
- Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
Yahya Al Ghassani's bio
Date of birth: April 18, 1998
Playing position: Winger
Clubs: 2015-2017 – Al Ahli Dubai; March-June 2018 – Paris FC; August – Al Wahda
5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
The view from The National
Nancy 9 (Hassa Beek)
Nancy Ajram
(In2Musica)
If you go
The flights
There are direct flights from Dubai to Sofia with FlyDubai (www.flydubai.com) and Wizz Air (www.wizzair.com), from Dh1,164 and Dh822 return including taxes, respectively.
The trip
Plovdiv is 150km from Sofia, with an hourly bus service taking around 2 hours and costing $16 (Dh58). The Rhodopes can be reached from Sofia in between 2-4hours.
The trip was organised by Bulguides (www.bulguides.com), which organises guided trips throughout Bulgaria. Guiding, accommodation, food and transfers from Plovdiv to the mountains and back costs around 170 USD for a four-day, three-night trip.
