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Show dog bound for the Netherlands goes missing at Atlanta airport

Gayle's owner said she was secure in her crate and had gone through security nearly three hours before the flight was set to depart. But 10 minutes before boarding, her kennel was found empty.

ATLANTA — A family is asking for the Internet's help after they said their dog got lost at their airport, Saturday night. 

Floris van Essen said Gayle and another dog were bound for home in Amsterdam, Netherlands after being showed at an event in the U.S. over the weekend. 

Van Essen said Gayle was secure in her crate and had gone through security nearly three hours before the flight was set to depart. But 10 minutes before boarding, the people handling her were asked over the terminal speaker to talk to airport representatives. That's when van Essen said they were told that when crews went to load the kennel, it was empty. 

The handlers were asked to board the flight anyway, but were promised airport staff would continue to search for Gayle.

"As you can imagine, this is just a horrible ordeal," van Essen told 11Alive in a message. 

MORE: Dogs saved from house fire, deplorable conditions still seeking forever home

While he said Gayle has not yet been found, van Essen said both the airport and KLM are doing "their utter best" to find Gale. 

According to van Essen, Gayle - a 22-month-old Red-white American Staffordshire Terrier - is microchipped and was last seen wearing a pink collar. He's asking if anyone spots her, to reply via Facebook.

"Please!! Urgent message!! I need your help finding this dog. She got loose in the Atlanta Airport while waiting to board the plane. The staff left her alone in the crate outside and she escaped her...

11Alive reached out to the airport for more information, but has not yet heard back.

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