Istanbul Airport has made 5 new hires to supply a stress-free journey expertise for anxious passengers: remedy dogs which can be prepared to supply help with snuggles, stomach rubs and sloppy kisses
By
AYSE WIETING and MEHMET GUZEL Associated Press
ISTANBUL — Five new hires are selflessly roaming the halls of one of many world’s busiest transportation hubs, hoping to supply a paw-sitively stress-free journey expertise for anxious passengers.
Meet Istanbul Airport’s remedy dogs — at all times prepared to supply help with snuggles, stomach rubs and sloppy kisses.
The Associated Press caught up with Kuki and Alita, two of the dogs collaborating within the pet-friendly airport’s new pilot undertaking aimed toward easing stress and nervousness amongst vacationers.
All four-legged members of this system are licensed remedy dogs, professionally educated and conditioned to consolation people.
The “Therapy Dog Team” has been on responsibility since late February following months of preparation and intensive coaching, studying desensitization to distracting stimuli, like sounds and other people.
“We have to ensure that they are safe and they are 100% adapted to all environments,” mentioned Kadir Demirtas, Istanbul Airport’s buyer expertise supervisor.
Kuki, a Lagotto Romagnolo, an Italian retriever breed, is crew captain. He works exhausting to please however likes his breaks and typically performs hooky.
That’s OK, nonetheless.
The crew’s veterinarian mentioned every canine’s temperament dictates their hours on the job every day.
“They walk around the airport led by their handlers who are also responsible for their care,” mentioned Volkan Arslan.
The dogs, who’re airport workers with official badges and uniforms, have a set schedule and work throughout peak journey hours, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Alita, a border collie, is Kuki’s teammate. Her intense gaze and dedication to her handler are placing, as is her capacity to assuage and calm nerves.
“We are at all times surrounded by people who find themselves continuously petting her,” mentioned Volkan Gul, Alita’s devoted handler, including that she helps them loosen up.
Airport officers mentioned they have already got plans to increase the pilot undertaking following preliminary constructive suggestions from vacationers.
