A pack of four-legged therapists got a break this week when they were honored at the airport where they dutifully work to ease stress and calm travelers.
The event at Philadelphia International Airport marked five years since the 23 members of the Wagging Tails Brigade began greeting people and serving as therapy dogs.
Several of them were presented with birthday presents and a customized cake while passersby were invited to eat cupcakes and sign an oversized birthday card.
Members of the brigade and their volunteer human handlers are at the airport for at least two hours a week, impressing people with their tricks and doing what they can to raise the spirits of road-weary passengers. Dogs wear vests asking people to “pet me.”
A volunteer with Hope, a Labrador retriever, said their goal is to make travel a bit more pleasant. “I like to refer to the airport as the land of cancellations and delays. So people tend to be very stressed out here.”
A couple on their way to their honeymoon in the Dominican Republic, turned to pet one of the canine therapists while trying to stay positive after their flight was delayed. “It reminded us of our dog back at home.
When the weather is bad and flights are delayed or cancelled, therapy dogs are often seen busy helping to de-stress crowds of children and adult travelers. Volunteers try to coordinate to have at least one brigade member at the airport to greet travelers, especially on days with significant delays or disruptions.
[Visit the PHL Wagging Tails Brigade]