A group of four-legged comforters was celebrated at Philadelphia International Airport on Monday, marking five years of their service to weary travelers. The 23 canines and their volunteer handlers from the Wagging Tails Brigade received birthday gifts and a custom cake, while passersby enjoyed cupcakes and signed a giant birthday card. The dogs, sporting vests with "pet me" signs, have been providing solace to passengers, spending at least two hours weekly at the airport.
Hopeful to ease travel stress, volunteers like Alan Gurvitz, handler of Labrador retriever Hope, diligently work to lift spirits in the "land of cancellations and delays." Jamie and Victoria Hill, delayed on their way to their Dominican Republic honeymoon, found comfort in petting Bella, a therapy dog. Jamie Hill mused, "It's reminded us of our dog back at home. We miss him."
Nancy Mittleman recounted a chaotic June day when her German shepherd Tarik captivated a group of children and alleviated the anxieties of their frustrated parents. "Soon enough, I had an entire crowd around me," she remembered, highlighting the positive impact of these therapy dogs. The volunteers aim to have at least one brigade member present on particularly disruptive days to maximize their support for stressed travelers.
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