why didn't you remove another 2 pounds....the agents have let me & family do that a number of times....put it into a carry on....

of course, if you are connecting to ba, you will probably have to gate check the pull toy...

btw, there must be a federal agency that you could complain to....it would be interesting to do....

however, i wouldn't go that far..

i assume you didn't have to pay from your post, so whats the problem?

good luck...