- MLB Comfort Canines program launched after Hurricane Milton.
- Ten volunteers and their dogs are part of the team, on hand to greet travelers and help ease travel-related stress.
- Program warms hearts of handlers, passengers and airport staff.
Waiting to board her flight at Melbourne-Orlando International Airport, Meg Jones stumbled upon a pleasant surprise.
After all, who couldn’t use a pup to pet during the hustle and bustle of travel?
Enter the MLB Comfort Canines.
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“This was absolutely the most perfect way to end a vacation, with wonderful, sweet, loving dogs to just pet and love,” said Jones, 54, of Winston-Salem, N.C. “I can think of nothing more fantastic than that.”
The new program at the Melbourne airport, in conjunction with Space Coast Therapy Dogs, was about four years in the making.
Melissa Naughton, assistant director of Business Development and Marketing at the airport, said the program has been well received since launching.
“Traveling can be a stressful experience, and as a non-stress airport, we understand that traveling is not something people do all the time,” Naughton said. “So, they may be feeling stressed about it. They may not be traveling for the best reasons, so having the MLB Comfort Canines program is a way to make the experience more positive, start off their trip with some peace, and take away some of the stress and anxiety that our passengers may be having.”
Ten volunteers are on the MLB team, who sign up for shifts 60 days in advance, said Laura Richard, the airport’s communications coordinator of marketing and business development. Each volunteer must commit to at least three shifts.
“It’s kind of unexpected to come to the airport and then you see these friendly dogs,” Richard said. “I think it really brightens their day, alleviates stress. It’s a good distraction.”
‘She became our champion’
Eduardo Mills, 68, of Malabar said he came up with the idea.
“Four years ago, I went to badging and said, ‘Can you badge me, and I’ll start going around with my dog?’ ” Mills said.
He quickly discovered there was a process for getting approval.
“Thank God for Laura,” Mills said of Richard’s assistance in bringing the program to the airport. “She became our champion.”
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So far, the program has been a hit with travelers and airport staff alike. There are various breeds visiting with passengers, from papillons to golden retrievers. Each dog has its own “baseball card,” with their picture, name and fun facts about the pooches.
“They really love the dogs,” Richard said. “Most (international-bound) planes have over 300 passengers. So, it’s busy when they’re there. And the dogs seem to really like it too.”
Enhancing travelers’ airport experience
Comfort Canines is one part of the airport’s plan to elevate the passenger experience, Richard said. They’re especially helpful in the new international travel terminal, given the long-duration flights.
“People are so excited when they see our dogs,” said Rose Wilcox, a designated dog handler. “And you can see them relax, and the smiles they bring and how they reach their spirit and come alive.”
Wilcox, 68, a former social worker from Pennsylvania, now lives in Melbourne. She was accompanied by Timmy, her “social butterfly.”
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“The healing power of a dog is unbelievable,” Wilcox said. “It’s just incredible how dogs can touch people’s hearts, as they touch my heart. And there’s healing power in it.
“It’s the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done,” Wilcox added.
‘There’s nothing better’
The therapy dogs also visit with residents of local nursing homes and assisted-living facilities.
“Using your dog to make people happy and see the smiles, see the healing with some people, there’s nothing better,” Wilcox said.
Sarah DeCicco and daughter Emery, of Catskill, N.Y., enjoyed petting the therapy dogs – a different experience for them at an airport. Typically, DeCicco warns Emery against approaching dogs in airports, who are usually there for security.
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“It was a lot of fun,” DeCicco said. “Usually, waiting can be kind of tough when you’re five years old. I think the dogs definitely helped that distraction. This was a special treat.”
The handlers agree, too.
“Using your dog to make people happy and see the smiles and see the healing,” Wilcox said. “For some people, there’s nothing better.”
This reporting is supported by a Journalism Funding Partners grant. Mental Health Reporter Sara Paulson can be reached at spaulson@floridatoday.com.
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