The Punta Gorda Airport announced the kickoff of a new Therapy Dog Program on Feb. 13 from noon to 2 p.m. Therapy K9’s of Southwest Florida will have 8 Registered Therapy Dogs and 6 will be “working” during the event to be held at the Punta Gorda Airport, 28000 Airport Road in Punta Gorda, Florida in both the departure and baggage claim areas.
A therapy dog is a dog trained to provide affection and comfort to people in a variety of locations and situations from hospitals, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, people with autism, children advocacy centers, and in airports.
Flight delays, cancellations, long security lines and checked-bag scenarios are the most common aggravations among airline travelers. Additionally, air travelers have stress regarding the purpose of their travel whether for business, vacation, family gathering, etc. Currently, over 20 airports across the United States have therapy dog programs.
Therapy K9’s of Southwest Florida – Charlotte County Coordinator, Kim Corby is thrilled to be able to share one of her Therapy Dogs, Fansee, with airport passengers. Fansee is a calm, patient, English Cream Golden Retriever who occasionally wears costumes to help when she is working with small children. The costumes help younger children open up and feel more at ease when they are placed in stressful situations such as testifying in court or being interviewed by law enforcement officers. Some of the other Therapy Dogs include breeds such as German Shepherd, Pug, Pitbull and Chocolate Lab/Greyhound mix.
Director of Aviation, Ron Mallard, stated, “This Therapy Dog Program is a way to ease that anxiety and stress associated with the air travel experience and we are glad the Therapy K9’s of Southwest Florida can offer their services to our Punta Gorda Airport passengers.”
