Calming Canines: Appleton Airport Therapy Dogs

TravelPulse Staff
by TravelPulse Staff
Last updated: 2:00 AM ET, Tue October 11, 2016

Think about the last time you saw a dog. It made you smile, right? Well, Appleton Airport therapy dogs are here to do the same thing.

In March of this year, the Fox Valley Humane Association brought their therapy dog program to Appleton Airport in Wisconsin for the first time. If you're a nervous flyer, bored of waiting for the layover to actually be over or just feel like petting a friendly pet, this program is for you!

Why people love Appleton Airport therapy dogs:

There are over 50 dogs in the program, ranging from a tiny toy poodle to a massive Newfoundland dog. For first time travelers, this program is especially effective.

"I had no idea of how many people are frightened by flying," Deb Lewis, executive director of the humane association, told Post-Crescent News. "They talk to the dogs, but also with the handlers. It takes their mind off their fear and brings down their stress level."

Another benefit people at the airport have noticed is how the dogs bring people together in a place where it's normal to keep to yourself.

"They're changing the dynamic of the airport," Pat Tracey, marketing manager of Appleton Airport, told Post-Crescent.

Why you should pet an Appleton Airport therapy dog:

There are endless benefits to interacting with therapy dogs. From lowering blood pressure to improving your mood, we could all use a friendly pup to pet at the airport. These dogs are specially trained to give you some of that TLC we often need while traveling - and we're not going to get it from the TSA.


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