I am surprised that no one said anything to them.

How did they handle the crew, do you know? I would think they would have had to bring new crew on the way down, as wouldn't the crew time out, by the time they left from Atlanta and then had to turn around and go back? Is that what they normally do, use the same crew on the return? I guess I never thought about that.

The dogs I figure probably were with med students, as you say, and got on because they knew local gate agents, and were allowed on, due to the circumstances. Doesn't make it right though.