A UK airport has come up with a fur-proof way to make flights more enjoyable for nervous flyers.
Therapy dogs are being stationed at arrivals and departures at Southampton International Airport to help passengers with hidden disabilities and those with a fear of flying.The four-legged employees will be a semi-permanent feature at the airport and will be on patrol once a week.
The dogs, from the charity Therapy Dogs Nationwide (TND), are fully temperament tested and experienced in their trade.Simon Young, Head of Passenger Operations, said: ‘Having therapy dogs in our airport will not only benefit our passengers but also our staff. ‘Four legged companions are well known for boosting general happiness, wellbeing as well as mood and we are very excited to welcome them to the Southampton Airport family.’
Aberdeen Airport became the first in the UK to use dogs to help anxious flyers.
Fourteen dogs, including three golden retrievers, two German Shepherds, two beagles, a Leonberger and a pug, became part of the crew in May last year. Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) is becoming increasingly popular with dogs often sent into care home, schools and hospitals.Use a Roll of Packing Tape to Pick Up Loose Pet Fur. Do your clothes pick up dog hair like crazy? Don’t have a lint roller on hand? One of my favorite life hacks for dog owners is using packing tape to pick off all that dog hair that gets all over your clothes.
Therapy dogs are trained to provide affection, comfort and support to people who are socially isolated or suffer mental illness.
The benefits of AAT include improvement in general health and wellbeing, increased confidence, and improved communication skills.
Airport bosses say the mere action of stroking a dog can slow down the heartbeat and reduces blood pressure, making them great for anyone feeling nervous about their journey.
The Launch of Southampton Airport’s Canine Crew coincided with a charity collection for national pet charity, Blue Cross, which has a re-homing centre in West End. Speaking on the partnership, Kirsty Smith, Rehoming Supervisor at Blue Cross Southampton, said: ‘We see every day how incredible pets are and how much of a benefit they bring to our lives; through the joy they bring and often helping alleviate our stress and worry in difficult situations.’Most animals are creatures of habit. It will be important to develop a consistent schedule to follow with your new pet. Potty breaks at regular intervals, feeding at the same time(s) every day, playtime, walks – everything needs to be scheduled. At first, this can seem overwhelming but soon enough, you and your new pet will be on the same schedule.