1 month ago
By AYSE WIETING and MEHMET GUZEL
Updated [hour]:[minute] [AMPM] [timezone], [monthFull] [day], [year]
ISTANBUL (AP) — Five caller hires are selflessly roaming nan halls of 1 of nan world’s busiest proscription hubs, hoping to supply a paw-sitively stress-free recreation acquisition for anxious passengers.
Meet Istanbul Airport’s therapy dogs — ever fresh to connection support pinch snuggles, belly rubs and sloppy kisses.
The Associated Press caught up pinch Kuki and Alita, 2 of nan dogs taking portion successful nan pet-friendly airport’s caller aviator task aimed astatine easing accent and worry among travelers.
All four-legged members of nan programme are certified therapy dogs, professionally trained and conditioned to comfortableness humans.
The “Therapy Dog Team” has been connected work since precocious February pursuing months of mentation and intensive training, learning desensitization to distracting stimuli, for illustration sounds and people.
“We person to guarantee that they are safe and they are 100% adapted to each environments,” said Kadir Demirtas, Istanbul Airport’s customer acquisition manager.
Kuki, a Lagotto Romagnolo, an Italian retriever breed, is squad captain. He useful difficult to please but likes his breaks and sometimes plays hooky.
That’s OK, however.
The team’s veterinarian said each dog’s temperament dictates their hours connected nan occupation each day.
“They locomotion astir nan airdrome led by their handlers who are besides responsible for their care,” said Volkan Arslan.
The dogs, who are airdrome labor pinch charismatic badges and uniforms, person a group schedule and activity during highest recreation hours, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Alita, a separator collie, is Kuki’s teammate. Her aggravated regard and dedication to her handler are striking, arsenic is her expertise to soothe and calm nerves.
“We are ever surrounded by group who are perpetually petting her,” said Volkan Gul, Alita’s dedicated handler, adding that she helps them relax.
Airport officials said they already person plans to grow nan aviator task pursuing first affirmative feedback from travelers.
