Checking In YWG
lets the dogs out
bit of unforeseen stress or anxiety on their trip. What’s a fly-by-plane person to do? Last December, Winnipeg Richardson International
T
Airport and St. John Ambulance Manitoba (SJA Mani- toba) introduced a program for this conundrum that is as lovable as it is effective. Teresa Toutant, Director of Com- munity Services at SJA Manitoba, says it was a combina- tion of things that led to its start at YWG. “Tis came to be in an exciting way, personally,” says Te-
resa. “I saw that SJA Canada started a similar program in another airport which instantly sparked my intrigue be- cause I previously worked with an airline. Also, there were such positive effects for travellers nationwide — I wanted to bring that to our community.” Tough the excitement was there, getting it off the
ground was no walk in the park. It took the combined ef- fort of multiple groups. SJA Manitoba led the charge from the volunteer perspective, working to gather a variety of nationally certified dog and handler teams. Te fleet of dogs includes everything from chihuahuas to mastiffs and several breeds in between. Meanwhile, the team at Winnipeg Richardson Interna-
tional Airport worked diligently to ensure the dogs would receive a warm welcome. Te airport quickly made way for these furry friends to do what they do best — give unconditional love. Te dog and handler teams are not only equipped to
comfort adults, but children as well. From the anxious flyer to the parents who need to calm their children, the airport now has 23 volunteer teams that go above and be-
58 • Summer 2016
hough the comfort of the experience has never been better, the truth is that not everyone enjoys flying. Even experienced travellers and those who love taking to the skies may encounter a
Meet some of the therapy dogs that you may see wandering around
yond to assist travellers in any situation. Nancy Leverence, Jamie Sasley and their English bull terrier named Bosco agree. “Bosco is a unique breed and his personality was perfect
for this. He’s great with people,” says Jamie. “He’s well known where he comes from — Selkirk — as a teddy bear,” adds Nancy. “We wanted to share him with the world and bring a smile or two to people’s faces.” Monica Huisman and her golden retriever, the lovely
Lola, are on the same page. “Lola has a face and energy that kids and adults are attracted by. She knows how to gauge her energy based on who she’s with,” says Monica. “Even after six years of being a therapy dog in retirement homes and elementary schools, she loves it when I put her
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