The 2018 United Airlines dog death controversy stems from a tragic incident where a French Bulldog named Kokito died after being forced into an overhead bin by a flight attendant. The event sparked immediate international outrage and a surge of internet memes that criticized the airline's perceived lack of empathy and safety protocols. These memes often feature dark humor, corporate parodies, or comparisons between United’s service and extreme survival scenarios. While the event was a serious news story, the meme culture surrounding it served as a form of digital protest, ensuring the company faced lasting reputational consequences for their treatment of passengers and pets alike.