United Airlines announced they are deploying comfort dogs to major airports throughout the country to make traveling at Christmas a little less onerous. According to a press release, United Paws, a program designed to deliver smiles to customers, brings professionally trained comfort dogs to airports in Chicago, Cleveland, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark and Washington/Dulles. The United Paws crews will greet customers from Dec. 21 through Dec. 23, each day between 9 a.m. and noon and between 1 and 4 p.m.
“United Paws is a wonderful program that comes at just the right time for some holiday travelers who may be experiencing a bit of anxiety or stress,” says Veterinary Consultant Dr. Walter Woolf. “Research shows that just petting a dog releases oxytocin, the hormone associated with bonding and affection, and also decreases levels of stress, helps us breathe easier and lowers our blood pressure. I’ve experienced this recently and think this is a wonderful idea for holiday travelers.”
“In ways large and small, all of us at United want to bring a bit of comfort and joy to our customers during this busy season of travel,” said Tom O’Toole, United’s senior vice president and chief marketing officer. “We introduced comfort dogs during the holiday season last year, and they were very popular with our customers, so we’re bringing them back at more airports this year.”
No word on what the TSA inspection dogs think of this intrusion onto their turf.
Almost makes me wish my family lived further away so I could fly to see them.
Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!