HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WAFF) – Huntsville International Airport recently added a therapy dog program they hope will help those nervous about taking to the skies.
Talyn Walton works with the airport and said passengers have enjoyed interacting with the dogs before and after their flights since the program started.
It’s not just travelers who enjoy the company of these therapy dogs, Walton said many staff members run to see the dogs during their break.
This program started after the airport brought in many therapy dogs for a day for Therapy Dog Appreciation Day. The feedback was so positive that Walton decided to advocate to expand the program.
The dogs are a part of a program called Therapy Partners. They spend their time visiting schools, memory care facilities, nursing homes and now the Huntsville airport.
The animals are trained to be around big groups of people and keep them relaxed during stressful situations.
Walton said these dogs helped ease many people’s worries earlier this month when they were worried about their flights being canceled because of Hurricane Francine’s landfall.
Oreo is one of 12 therapy dogs that are volunteering at the Huntsville Airport. His handler Sherri Lynn, said he loves making people happy.
“Oreo loves to be pet,” said Lynn. “So anytime he sees people, he’s all excited. When we first get to a facility, sometimes he shakes, but it’s not out of nerves. It’s because he just wants everybody to meet him and pet him. He’s like, show me all the people! He loves the attention, loves the pets and the treats.”
Lynn said the biggest reward with her job is knowing that Oreo has put a smile on somebody’s face.
“My job is just to be Oreo’s chauffeur, and he does all the work, and that’s my favorite part,” said Lynn. “He is the focus. It’s not me. I think we’re making an impact on the community.”
If you see a person wearing a green polo that says Therapy Partners, you can come up to them and pet their dog!
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