ISTANBUL. The American news agency Associated Press (AP) reported in detail about the therapy dogs that have started their service at Istanbul Airport. The team consists of 5 people: Liza, Alita, Kuki, Hektor and Moka. Everyone has name tags… They have been in use since the beginning of March 2024.”
The US-based news agency Associated Press representatives in Istanbul introduced the sweet team of 5 to the world. The following statements could be read in the news:
“Five new employees selflessly roam the corridors of one of the world’s busiest hubs to ensure anxious passengers have a stress-free journey.
Meet Istanbul Airport’s therapy dogs, who are always on hand to give you cuddles, belly rubs and uninhibited kisses.
The Associated Press spoke with Kuki and Alita, two of the dogs participating in the pet-friendly airport’s new pilot project to reduce travelers’ stress and anxiety.
All four-legged members of the program are professionally trained and certified therapy dogs whose job it is to help people…”
After months of preparation and intensive training, the “therapy dog team” has been in action since the beginning of March 2024 and is learning to react to distracting stimuli such as noises and people. With five therapy dogs, Istanbul Airport offers anxious or otherwise stressed travelers a four-legged experience. Five newly hired therapy dogs selflessly roam the halls of one of the world’s largest transportation hubs to provide anxious passengers with a paw-friendly travel experience. May I introduce: the Istanbul Airport therapy dogs – always ready to help with cuddles, belly rubs and kisses.
“We have to make sure they are safe and 100% adaptable to any environment. Kuki, a Lagotto Romagnolo, an Italian retriever, is the captain of the team. He works hard to please, but he loves his breaks and sometimes skips. But that’s okay,” says Kadir Demirtas, Customer Experience Manager at Istanbul Airport. The team’s veterinarian explains that each dog’s temperament determines daily work hours. “They are led through the airport by their dog handlers, who are also responsible for their care,” says Volkan Arslan.
The dogs, who are equipped with official ID cards and uniforms as airport employees, have a fixed schedule and work during peak travel times from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Alita, a border collie, is Kuki’s teammate. Their intense gaze and devotion to their handler are striking, as is their ability to calm and soothe nerves. “We are always surrounded by people who are constantly petting them,” says Volkan Gul, Alita’s dedicated caregiver, adding that she helps them relax. “After the first positive feedback from travelers, airport officials are already planning to expand the pilot project.” (AP, news)
Source:
Istanbul airport provides anxious travelers with paw-sitive experience by hiring 5 therapy dogs
2024-04-10 15:10:41