I can’t help it. This is a great idea and it uses volunteers – although I suspect the dogs work for treats. I am definitely down with pets from the canine crowd. Hopefully, it will help ease the stress from the TSA sexual harassment.
Huffington Post/Ryan Grenoble
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/18/lax-airport-therapy-dog_n_3110674.html
Some people recommend a stiff drink to combat anxiety about flying. Officials at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) think they have a better solution: friendly dogs.
Launched this week at LAX, the Pets Unstressing Passengers — or “PUP” program — aims to have tails wagging in various terminals at the airport in an effort to create a less stressful environment for travelers.
“It’s a great opportunity to spread happiness to millions of travelers from all over the world,” said Los Angeles World Airports Executive Director Gina Marie Lindsey in a release. “Expect to see the PUP’s on a regular basis in Terminals at LAX.”
The release hastened to add that all dogs and their handlers have undergone both classroom and “in-terminal” training. The dogs, a mixture of mutts, Dobermans, Bichon frises and other breeds, will be identified by red vests that read “Pet Me!” according to the Los Angeles Times.
Similar programs have launched at the Miami International Airport and the San Jose International Airport in the last several years, undoubtedly bringing a more welcome form of “pat down” than those currently offered by the Transportation Security Administration.
LAX is part of a system of three Southern California airports – along with LA/Ontario International and Van Nuys general aviation – that are owned and operated by Los Angeles World Airports, a proprietary department of the City of Los Angeles that receives no funding from the City’s general fund.
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