Redmond Airport welcomes dogs to ease travel stress

As cancellations and delays continue to plague airports around the country and the world, some new hires at Redmond Municipal Airport are hoping to make a — pawsitive — change.

Therapy dogs Lily the terrier, Gunner the poodle and Murphy the golden made the rounds at the Redmond Airport on Thursday afternoon. A new ritual, a few weeks ago.

Smiles were quick to follow.

“Travel is stressful. It creates a lot of stress. Some people don’t like to fly,” said Airport Director Zach Bass.

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Four teams with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs began appearing last month in a new program filmed at major airports around the country.

Trainer Observer Sue Dolziel with Alliance, Gunner’s owner, initially met the airport through Compassion Canines of Central Oregon, which oversees dog training organizations in the area.

Here’s a glimpse of life from therapy dog ​​Lily after we put a GoPro on her back

They have taken dogs to schools, libraries, nursing homes and even the Deschutes County 911 office. The airport is the first.

“It’s a really easy place for us to come to the airport, as you can see Gunner loves it,” she said. “Gunner thinks it’s a great thing, it’s like Disneyland for Gunner.”

The poodle eagerly approached passengers in the waiting areas, causing smiles and laughter as he went.

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The effects of a furry friend and post-TSA contractions are undeniable.

“I think the right dog gives people a lot of reassuring signals,” Dolezile said. “It’s something you can do with your hands, you can brush his hair, you can play with his ears.”

“Many times when people travel, they have to leave their dogs and pets at home and that creates some stress,” Bass added. “So to be able to interact and touch and see a pet here seems like a very good interaction.”

The teams currently visit the airport every Thursday for a few hours and hope to eventually increase to 12 teams on a rotating basis.

“We want well-trained dogs, that’s the main thing,” Dolizil said. “With small dogs like Lily the border terrier, little kids just love her, and she’s the perfect size to get on the ground. All dogs must be represented.

The next time you’re passing through a terminal and you’re feeling on edge…

“Just sit down, ask one of us to come and sit with you, and maybe we can help you feel a little better,” Dolziel said.

Visit the Compassion Canines of Central Oregon website for more information on how to get dog training for your pooch or to find therapy dogs for yourself or your business.