A Reno, Nev., airline baggage handler was offered her job back with missed pay after she was fired for refusing to load an emaciated dog onto a flight.

Lynn Jones, 56, told the Reno Gazette Journal that she was still undecided and worried about potential retaliation from other employees if she decided to return.

"I loved my job at the airport," she said.  " … But I just couldn't turn my back on that dog. … My supervisor said it wasn't my concern, but animal abuse is everyone's concern who sees it."

Jones was fired Nov. 12 after she refused to load the sickly dog onto a flight bound for Corpus Christi, Texas.

The hunting dog's paws were also covered with sores and bleeding, witnesses told the Reno Gazette Journal.

The dog was taken away by animal control officers and was nursed back to health before being sent to its owner in Texas.

Sally Leible, president of Airport Terminal Services, Jones' employer, called the incident "regrettable" and said it would be used as a teachable moment for the company.

"We applaud Ms. Lynn Jones' courage to report the unfavorable condition of the animal she encountered, and we encourage others to be as vigilant as she was," Leible wrote in an open letter posted on the company's website.

"We are hopeful that this valued team member will rejoin us."

Leible said Airport Terminal Services would also make a $5,000 donation to the Nevada Humane Society.

Jones is a long-time canine lover. She has three dogs and once owned a dog-grooming business.