If you’ve ever wandered through Orlando Airport, it’s not unusual to see somebody from home. But what about a large Newfoundland dog?
Back in July, the Orlando International Airport Authority began a Paw Pilot Program, and Fitzroy—the 150-pound Newfoundland dog—is the star of the show.
(Photo courtesy Orlando International Airport.)
Jodi Zadow is the Assistant Manager of Customer Relations at the airport. She says the program has really taken off.
“It has been an absolute success. We love it, the passengers love it,” she says. “People’s demeanor changes when they see the dogs, especially Fitzroy.”
“Fitzroy is a bit of a rockstar” she told VOCM. “I’ve seen people scream and drop to their knees to greet him.”
(Photo courtesy Orlando International Airport.)
Even though the terminal has air conditioning, Fitzroy loves to sprawl out on the cold tiles. “He’s like a big teddy bear—but he’s very calming.” She says it’s not uncommon to seen upwards of 20 people standing around him taking pictures.
Zadow says a total of nine dogs and their handlers roam the airport calming frazzled passengers. “It makes people think about their own pets” she says, and helps to de-stress weary passengers.
Therapy dog programs at airports are not uncommon. Zabow says about 60 in the United States and another 13 in Canada have already started similar initiatives, but Zabow says there is only one Fitzroy.
(Photo courtesy Orlando International Airport.)
