Lady & Merlin's Airport Visit

Lady and Merlin visited with many travelers today at the St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE).  They really enjoyed meeting lots of new friends.  This was our first official Therapy Dog visit to the airport, and Lady and Merlin's second time at PIE.

This comfortable airport was full of busy travelers today, and we met lots of people headed all over the United States. It is fun to see a child's eyes light up when they unexpectedly see a dog in the airport.  They smile even more when we suggest that they come hang out with Lady and Merlin (with Mom or Dad's permission, of course).

Everyone who met Lady and Merlin, from the very young to the young at heart, forgot about the stress of their busy travels for a few moments as they petted and hugged our big furballs of love.

We're looking forward to our next visit to St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport !

Lady and Merlin visit St. Pete Clearwater Airport!

We visited the St. Pete Clearwater Airport to discuss creation of a Therapy Dog program.  We toured the airport and discussed the procedures needed to start this wonderful service at PIE.  Lady and Merlin enjoyed meeting with airport executives.  This visit helps us and our dogs become comfortable in this new environment prior to an official visit with travelers.  We will be working with the PIE airport to develop a formal Therapy Dog service.

More than 15 Domestic and International airports have therapy dog programs.  Last October, the American Association of Airport Executives in Kelowna, British Columbia invited therapy dog handler, Debbie Harvey, to speak at their Customer Service Conference.  She and Sarah Cox, Manager of Passenger Facilitation in Alberta Canada presented on therapy dogs and the "magic" they create in an airport environment. 

Therapy dogs help passengers forget the stress of traveling while they focus on our furry friends.

 

 

Therapy Thursday: First Therapy Dog Program at an Airport

The first therapy dog program began after the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, when an interfaith chaplain volunteer at Mineta San José International Airport (SJC) brought her certified therapy dog, a Boxer/Great Dane mix named Orion, to the airport hoping it would help ease travelers' anxieties about returning to the skies.

It worked. Orion was a big hit with both passengers and employees. Now SJC has 13 teams of volunteer handlers and dogs in a K-9 Crew that visits with passengers in the terminals a few hours each day, seven days a week.

The dogs include breeds ranging from a Cocker Spaniel, a Rat Terrier and a Miniature Schnauzer to Golden Retrievers, a French Mastiff and a Rottweiler. And they're all certified by Therapy Dogs International (TDI), which makes sure the dogs are tested for non-aggression, general obedience and willingness to be hugged and petted in the midst of noisy and distracting airports. Handlers are also required to pass a security clearance before joining the team.

"We've had many very touching encounters with airport employees and travelers," said Kyra Hubis, the SJC therapy dog program leader who has been visiting the airport with her Golden Retriever, Henry James, each Monday for the past four years. "It's especially poignant to see soldiers being deployed hugging Henry James and telling him to 'take care of the house' while they're gone."

We love the Ronald McDonald House!

We recently visited one of the Ronald McDonald houses on the campus of All Children's Hospital Johns Hopkins Medicine with our therapy dogs, Lady and Merlin. Lise, the Vounteer Coordinator, gave us a tour and shared the history of the Ronald McDonald House with us. 

Caring for a sick child while far away from home is difficult, expensive and unsettling. For 35 years, the Ronald McDonald House of Tampa Bay has been helping children with challenging medical needs, and their families, stay close together during difficult times. Since 1980, our four Tampa Bay Ronald McDonald Houses have comforted and cared for over 48,000 sick children and their families.

Lady and Merlin enjoyed checking out this wonderful facility.  We will be visiting the Ronald McDonald House each month.  Lady and Merlin are looking forward to providing a welcome distraction to children and adults staying at the house. As children interact with dogs, they almost immediately forget their troubles, the anxiety they feel, or the procedure they may be having.  Parents smile when they see the child's enthusiasm and giggle while the dog does a trick or rolls over for a belly rub. 

We are thrilled with the opportunity to provided service to this wonderful organization and the families who visit the house.

Therapy Thursday: Meet Frazer!

On Therapy Thursday, we highlight other Therapy Animals and the services they provide.
 



View the Video: A Day in the Life of Frazer.

Meet Frazer!  He's a black lab-golden mix who has been a therapy dog since 2007.  He brings happiness to patients and families as well as hospital staff in Virginia, where he lives.  His visits provide additional strength and courage for patients to face their treatments.  He makes them feel safe, determined and not so alone. 

 

Check out this video, A Day in the Life of Frazer! Catch a glimpse of how pet therapy is a source of alternative care for those in need.

 

Lady & Merlin Visit the Corey Avenue Sunday Morning Market

Visiting public places is one of the ways that we help train our dogs to be calm and obedient in unique situations.  This week, we took Lady and Merlin to the Corey Avenue Sunday Morning Market in St. Pete Beach.  This quaint main street turns into a fun outdoor market each Sunday with live music.  You'll find crafts, homemade food, homemade goods, produce, plants and much more in this great market.

Lady and Merlin
at the Corey Avenue Sunday Market

We bring the dogs here now and again to experience all of the sights, smells, and sounds and this helps train them for surprise situations that they may encounter on a therapy dog visit to a hospital, public library, airport, or other facilities.  They are very good at responding in challenging situations, but we give them regular practice in settings like this.

The young and the young-at-heart came over to see our two Collies and talk with us about their work as Therapy Dogs.  We had a great time at the market.  Check out the market here!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving day is a time to be grateful for all that we are blessed with.  Today I 'm thankful for all the opportunities that my two Therapy Dogs, Lady and Merlin, have given me.  We look forward to many more opportunities to provide service to patients, families, and children, providing comfort, unconditional love and support, and a friend to listen while children read their favorite book. 

Today, I want to share some of my favorite "Thanksgiving Dogs" with you!  Enjoy!