Furry Companions Bring Joy to Travelers at Huntsville International Airport

Furry Companions Bring Joy to Travelers at Huntsville International Airport

Huntsville, Alabama has a delightful surprise waiting for travelers at its very own Huntsville International Airport! We all know air travel can often be stressful—from long security lines to flight delays. But now, thanks to a heartwarming new initiative, passengers can look forward to some furry friends who are here to lift spirits and spread joy while waiting for their flights.

The Arrival of Therapy Dogs

Meet Rumor, a charming poodle, and Wicklow, an adorable cavapoo. These two friendly pups are part of a unique emotional support program, provided through a partnership with a non-profit organization called Therapy Partners. They roam the concourse every other week, bringing smiles and wagging tails, ensuring that travelers get a little dose of pet therapy during their journey.

It’s no wonder this initiative has been welcomed by both regular passengers and newcomers alike! Talyn Walton, a public relations specialist at Huntsville International Airport, mentions that the program was implemented in response to the desires expressed by travelers. “We had seen where other airports have therapy partners and different animals throughout the airport, as well as the community had expressed needs of wanting to see them in our airport,” she shares.

Training and Certification

However, getting Rumor and Wicklow ready for their roles was no easy feat! It takes considerable dedication and time—up to two years, in fact—to train therapy animals properly. Mary Graham, a therapy partners associate, emphasizes the importance of this training. “It takes a significant amount of time to get them trained correctly because they can’t jump up on people, they aren’t supposed to bark when they are working. They have to be well-mannered. But the critical thing is they have to be friendly,” she explains.

During their two-hour shifts at the airport, these pups not only provide comfort but they can also respond to the needs of passengers during unexpected flight delays. “We can call on them if we have a delay, and they will come out just to hang out for a little while just to ease any of those passengers’ flight anxiety and anything like that,” adds Walton.

The Impact on Passengers

The feedback so far has been overwhelmingly positive! Passengers have expressed joy and gratitude, with many stopping to interact with the dogs, sharing smiles as they pass by. “We get a lot of smiles and grins; it’s kind of fun because we know when we’re walking through the airport, if people look at us and smile, those are usually people that want to interact with the dogs,” says Graham. It’s a win-win scenario that transforms a busy airport into a more welcoming space for travelers.

Staying Around for Good

And the best part? Huntsville International Airport has confirmed that Rumor and Wicklow are here to stay with no end date in sight! So, the next time you find yourself at the airport, be on the lookout for these lovable pups. You might just discover that a few minutes with them can make your airport experience a whole lot brighter.

As travel can sometimes feel like a roller coaster ride of emotions, the calming presence of furry companions is truly a heartwarming addition to the airport experience. So, remember to stop and say hello to Rumor and Wicklow—you might leave with a smile, and a little less stress!