Detroit Airport Partners with Paws With A Cause

July 11, 2013
DTW is teaming with Michigan-based Paws With A Cause® to provide a setting to help train puppies destined to become Assistance Dogs.

Detroit, Mich. (July 11, 2013)--Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) is teaming with Michigan-based Paws With A Cause® to provide a setting to help train puppies destined to become Assistance Dogs.  Training kicks-off July 11, 2013 at the McNamara Terminal in partnership with Delta Air Lines and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in Detroit.  With the help of volunteers who raise and socialize the puppies for the first year of their lives, PAWS® Dogs are then custom-trained to become Assistance Dogs for people with disabilities.

PAWS® representatives were available in the Terminal’s Concourse A between 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. so that passengers and employees could learn about the program.

“From a canine point of view, airports produce lots of strange noises, flashing lights and other distractions providing for a challenging environment to navigate,” said Airport Authority CEO Tom Naughton. “These puppies will have the opportunity to ride the ExpressTram, experience the tunnel to Concourses B/C, and board a Delta aircraft.”

PAWS® provides services in 30 states and since 1979 has placed more than 2,500 assistance dogs throughout the country.

“We are very excited to work with Detroit Metropolitan Airport on this training exercise,” said Michael D. Sapp, Paws With A Cause® CEO. “Our dogs need exposure to as many different types of environments as possible, in order for them to be comfortable in these settings later in life. Our clients are independent and many do travel frequently. Training in the airport environment is an outstanding opportunity for our future Assistance Dogs.”

The July 11 kick-off will feature Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers from four to 14 months of age working on basic obedience exercises.

PAWS® currently has 124 foster puppies being raised by volunteers across the nation. Approximately 40 dogs are currently in advanced training at PAWS® headquarters in Wayland, Michigan.

“We are proud of our partners, Delta Air Lines and Transportation Security Administration for stepping up and teaming with the Airport Authority and PAWS to accommodate this important venture,” said Naughton.

Visit www.pawswithacause.org to learn more about Paws With A Cause® and www.metroairport.com for information on Detroit Metropolitan Airport and Wayne County Airport Authority.

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