Therapy dogs for hugs, not drugs in feel-good programs at US airports
By Sue Manning |
June 1, 2013, Saturday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
THERE'S a new breed of dog in US airports. They aren't sniffing for drugs or bombs - they're looking for people who need a friend, a belly to rub or a paw to shake.
The dogs are intended to take the stress out of travel - the crowds, long lines and terrorism concerns.
"His job is to be touched," volunteer Kyra Hubis said of Henry James, her five-year-old golden retriever that works a few hours a week at one California airport.
"I just stand there and people talk to him. I'm at the end of his leash, he's not at the end of mine."
Mineta San Jose International Airport is widely credited with introducing airport therapy dogs in days after the September 11, 2001, attacks, when flights were grounded, anxious passengers were stranded and reaching friends and relatives was nearly impossible.
Then a volunteer airport chaplain took his dog Orion to work. He made such a difference that a program was created and the airport now has nine dogs. Los Angeles International Airport has 30 and Miami Airport has one.
You never know why people are flying, said Heidi Huebner, director of volunteers at LA airport, which launched Pets Unstressing Passengers (PUPs) in April. Travelers might be in town for a funeral, to visit a sick family member or to attend a business meeting.
"You can literally feel the stress levels drop. People start smiling, strangers start talking to each other and everybody walks away feeling really, really good," Huebner said.
Dogs have to be healthy, skilled, stable, well-mannered and able to work on a slack 1.2-meter leash, said Billie Smith, executive director of Therapy Dogs Inc, which certifies the airport's animals. They have to be comfortable with crowds, sounds, smells - and they need to pass through security like all airport workers. Handlers are taught to watch for people who fear or dislike dogs or those who might have allergies. People mostly approach the dogs identified by their vests or bandannas.
TLA dogs include a long-haired Dalmatian, a Lab-pointer mix, a field spaniel, a poodle, three Australian Labradoodles, a Doberman and an Irish wolfhound named Finn.
Miami's sole dog, Casey, a four-year-old golden retriever, has her own website, fan mail, business cards and a role on "Airport 24/7: Miami," a weekly reality show on the Travel Channel.
"Casey is so pure and genuine," said Dickie Davis, director of terminal operations and customer service. "She doesn't ask for anything or sell anything. She's just a love magnet."
When Claudia McCaskill's family recently flew home from vacation in Brazil, she requested Casey meet the plane to greet her five-year-old daughter, Carina, who is autistic. Casey and handler Liz Miller were there with a gift basket, and Carina fell in love with the dog.
The dogs are intended to take the stress out of travel - the crowds, long lines and terrorism concerns.
"His job is to be touched," volunteer Kyra Hubis said of Henry James, her five-year-old golden retriever that works a few hours a week at one California airport.
"I just stand there and people talk to him. I'm at the end of his leash, he's not at the end of mine."
Mineta San Jose International Airport is widely credited with introducing airport therapy dogs in days after the September 11, 2001, attacks, when flights were grounded, anxious passengers were stranded and reaching friends and relatives was nearly impossible.
Then a volunteer airport chaplain took his dog Orion to work. He made such a difference that a program was created and the airport now has nine dogs. Los Angeles International Airport has 30 and Miami Airport has one.
You never know why people are flying, said Heidi Huebner, director of volunteers at LA airport, which launched Pets Unstressing Passengers (PUPs) in April. Travelers might be in town for a funeral, to visit a sick family member or to attend a business meeting.
"You can literally feel the stress levels drop. People start smiling, strangers start talking to each other and everybody walks away feeling really, really good," Huebner said.
Dogs have to be healthy, skilled, stable, well-mannered and able to work on a slack 1.2-meter leash, said Billie Smith, executive director of Therapy Dogs Inc, which certifies the airport's animals. They have to be comfortable with crowds, sounds, smells - and they need to pass through security like all airport workers. Handlers are taught to watch for people who fear or dislike dogs or those who might have allergies. People mostly approach the dogs identified by their vests or bandannas.
TLA dogs include a long-haired Dalmatian, a Lab-pointer mix, a field spaniel, a poodle, three Australian Labradoodles, a Doberman and an Irish wolfhound named Finn.
Miami's sole dog, Casey, a four-year-old golden retriever, has her own website, fan mail, business cards and a role on "Airport 24/7: Miami," a weekly reality show on the Travel Channel.
"Casey is so pure and genuine," said Dickie Davis, director of terminal operations and customer service. "She doesn't ask for anything or sell anything. She's just a love magnet."
When Claudia McCaskill's family recently flew home from vacation in Brazil, she requested Casey meet the plane to greet her five-year-old daughter, Carina, who is autistic. Casey and handler Liz Miller were there with a gift basket, and Carina fell in love with the dog.
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