Therapy Dog Help Calm Anxious passengers At Scotland Airport

A therapy dog, Alaskan malamute named Harley, calms passengers with a fear of flying at Aberdeen International Airport in Scotland. Harley has been walking around the terminal with his owner, Niel Chisholm over the past week, in a bid to calm the passengers at the airport.

Harley was initially brought in on a trial basis to help frustrated passengers flying out of Aberdeen. But now he will be returning to the airport in July after airport bosses were impressed with how popular he was with passengers – including one who asked if Harley could meet her autistic son on their return to Aberdeen.

Airport manager, Fraser Bain said, “The use of therapy dogs has become quite common in North American airports to reduce customer anxiety and improve the passenger experience but we were not aware of any such schemes in UK airports.”

Harley made his first visit to the airport in March 2018 and he was an instant hit. He is a beautiful dog with such a gentle nature that people warmed to him straight away. And Mr. Bain said that he could see passengers’ faces light up when the dog walked around the airport.

He said, “Harley and Niel toured around the airport and we literally could see passengers’ moods changing and a smile appearing on people’s faces.”

Harley provided a safe point to start conversations and his non-judgmental, accepting nature made him a perfect distraction for some people.

“We are keen to explore further ways of how Harley can be of benefit to passengers traveling through the airport, whether this is linked to busier periods at the airport or tied in to help passengers with hidden disabilities. We are looking forward to working more with Niel and Harley and receiving lots more cuddles with our gentle giant.”

Reference: Daily Mail

Pictures credit: SWNC.com

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