Izzy's First Airport Visit
Izzy and I went on our first official therapy visit today! My last visit with Emmi was in July 2024 so it has been over 2 years. It was bittersweet going to the Airport. It was Emmi's favorite place to work and it really brought back memories pulling into the Airport. But while I missed Emmi, I was eager to see what Izzy thought about therapy work at the Airport and how she would do.
We met four other teams there. Izzy's friend, Maya, was one of the other dogs with us. I was proud of both of them. They did not try at all to play. I think the work we did practicing at Jerry's Home Improvement and Wilco really helped them to understand that when we had them on leash and going somewhere, we were working and it was not playtime. Izzy did so well with all of the other dogs. She also made no attempt to interact with a guide dog that passed closely to her or another dog who was traveling and came by us several times.
The Airport was busy! Izzy met so many people and was amazing. She met people of all ages and types. She met several really young children and was so patient and gentle. She leaned against many of the people. One man said he'd had a terrible past 24 hours and Izzy's leaning on him made it all better. Over and over again, we heard people say that the dogs made everything better. Some people were tired from traveling, others missed their own dogs, some just appreciated dogs to pet as they waited and some talked about dealing with difficult situations. I heard "best day ever", "this made my day", "her resting her head on me is therapy", "I feel so much better after petting these dogs" and "I'm having a hard time and this made it better". With so many people, it was really good we had 5 teams. That many people would have really worn one dog out!
Izzy approached everyone who wanted to see her but did not attempt to interact with people who just passed by. I got to see one of the airport employees who really liked Emmi and introduced her to Izzy which was really special. The most emotional interaction we had was just as we were leaving. There was a woman sitting just outside the terminal. I could tell Izzy was getting tired and it was time to leave. We had been there over an hour. When we saw the woman, Izzy approached her so I didn't stop her since it was her choice. We talked for a bit and she then shared that "this was just what she needed". She had been in Eugene the last week for her father's funeral. As we talked, Izzy just quietly rested her head in her lap. The woman said that meeting Izzy and one of the other dogs had really helped her.
Being a part of a therapy dog team is so rewarding. These dogs make such a difference for people and Izzy rocked it! It was hard to believe she is just over a year and a half. She was so calm while we worked and approached each person who wanted to see her. The Airport was so busy with so many people, noises, and activities and nothing phased her. I really think all the work we put in for socialization and exposure as a puppy made a huge difference.
When we got away from the people she did a shake off and started running and pulling me and was soon rolling in the grass. Her way of letting off steam. It's a lot of work to be on your best behavior and interact with all those people.
She has been napping since we got home. Being a therapy dog is a big job! I am so glad to be a part of this amazing work and great group of people. Looking forward to our next visit!
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