The legitimacy of an "emotional support turkey" is being tossed around on social media after a flight attendant snapped a photo of a full grown turkey on an international Delta flight that was an emotional support animal for one of the passengers - yes you read that right, a turkey. This support animal looked just as bewildered as we were. Although in the turkey's defense, the picture does show him sitting on a lap with a human arm around him.
But a turkey? Still shocked. Nothing quite says emotional comfort as a live turkey, says Mashable. Agreed. It was the rest of the passengers who were shocked, and some even miffed. Odder yet is that it's Delta, the carrier who has kicked off service dogs - and who has decided to no longer allow pets as carry-ons - who allowed the turkey to remain on the plane.
"Delta complies with the Air Carrier Access Act by allowing customers traveling with emotional support animals or psychiatric service animals to travel without charge in the cabin. While we can't always accommodate all pets, Delta employees made a judgment call based in part on extensive documentation from the customer. We review each case and make every effort to accommodate our customers' travel needs while also taking into consideration the health and safety of other passengers," said Delta spokesperson Ashton Morrow in a released statement about the incident to Road Warrior Voices.
While emotional support animals are usually dogs and cats, they can include other animals like guinea pigs, rats, birds and bunnies, says Metro. The turkey was wheeled through the airport on a wheelchair, with a "potty pad" beneath it.
Blake Shelton used to have a pet turkey, I wonder if he was an emotional support for Blake during the tough times. Just a man and his turkey. It doesn't get any better than that.
