Aviation's Believe It or Not

Dec. 9, 2015
According to Eric Lipp, Executive Director of Open Doors Organization, a man had a miniature horse that he took on an airline for “emotional support.”

Believe It Or Not!

Y’all, this one is hard to believe. 

We all know that the guvmint, in all of its brilliance, has declared that a disabled person may carry a pet on flights if said pet is a service animal. I thought that was for guide dogs for the blind. Then I met a big, strong man who looked like Hulk Hogan riding a motorcycle with a tiny dog in a pouch on his chest. Found out the man has epilepsy, and the dog would yap like all get out a couple of minutes or so before an epileptic seizure. Now that’s wonderful.

But folks, this whole thing is getting out of hand, now.

According to Eric Lipp, Executive Director of Open Doors Organization, a man had a miniature horse that he took on an airline for “emotional support.” The horse didn’t fit in the back, so the airline moved man and horse to first class.

The horse “…pooped all over and the other first-class travelers weren’t happy.”

Well, who can blame them? If I had paid for first class and a horse “pooped all over” I would have been madder’n hell.

Come on, now—emotional support?

This is just one more example of a guvmint gone nuts and people taking advantage of it.

OTOH, I do have a pet boa constrictor that helps me get through the day. You reckon I oughta take him on the plane on my next trip?

About the Author

Ralph Hood | Certified Speaking Professional

Ralph Hood is a Certified Speaking Professional who has addressed aviation groups throughout North America. A pilot since 1969, he's insured and sold airplanes at retail and distributor levels and taught aviation management for Southern Illinois University.

Ralph Hood is also an award-winning columnist (he writes for several publications), a salesman and sales manager (he sold airplanes, for crying out loud!), a teacher (he taught college-level aviation management) and a professional public speaker who has entertained and enlightened audiences from Hawaii to Spain, and from Fairbanks to Puerto Rico.

  • Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), National Speakers Association
  • Past member, National Ethics Committee, National Speakers Association
  • Past president of Alabama Speakers Association
  • Member, Alabama Aviation Hall of Fame
  • Past National Marketing Mentor, AOPA Project Pilot