News: Try Petting a Pup
With the holidays fast approaching and travel plans underway, Harrisburg International Airport (HIA) in Middletown has the perfect stress-reliever … dogs.
Who doesn’t love a big ol’ cuddle from a pup after a long day? EmBark, an airport therapy dog program that began in 2018, is a sight for travelers’ sore eyes.
Cheryl Daily, EmBark team leader and tester/observer for Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD), shared that the director of HIA had reached out to her to see if ATD could provide service to the airport, and EmBark was born.
“We grew from five dogs back in 2018 to 32 dogs currently,” Daily said.
Studies have backed the belief that dogs can reduce anxiety, stress and depression, and what better place to have access to dogs than a high-stress environment?
Traveling can be anxiety-inducing on its own, and airports can easily become overstimulating and stressful.
“It is a tremendous honor to be on the Embark team, and Bella and I have often heard from staff, crew and passengers saying, ‘It was a hard day, so happy to see the dogs,’” Pat Luna of EmBark said, “and that makes it all worthwhile.”
Volunteers often describe participating in EmBark as the most fulfilling job they have ever done.
For dogs to participate in EmBark, they must be a therapy dog with ATD and pass the Alliance test. Then, they will visit HIA and meet with Daily for observation.
“I have to make sure the dogs can handle the excitement and all the hustle and bustle of the airport,” Daily said. “Our dogs also have to learn how to go through TSA.”
The process to become a therapy dog is involved, but the reward is well worth it.
“Many of these dogs have taken obedience classes that give them the title to have their PhD,” Daily said.
Airport therapy dogs have increased in popularity in recent years. Daily shared that approximately 65 airports are now home to therapy dogs.
As if the dogs didn’t have enough adoration, EmBark therapy dogs each have their own collectible trading card, similar to those of athletes. The card includes a photo of the dog, breed information, appearance, birthday, favorite toy and treat, as well as a short story.
Daily added that anyone interested in volunteering their therapy dog can contact HIA, and the airport will then connect them to Daily.
Find more at https://news.thesunontheweb.com/articles/try-petting-a-pup/
