Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport has introduced a new therapy dog program, bringing dogs to the aid of stressed passengers in busy terminals.
The airport launched the Animal Ambassador Program over the past year, providing a special interaction for travelers. Patti Anderson said she and her dog, Ballad, aim to help people who are stressed.
"It’s very solid research that petting, not only a dog, but warm-blooded fur-coated animals reduces stress and lowers blood pressure," said Anderson.
Anderson said on her first day at the airport, she saw a woman moved to tears by Ballad.
"One of our first customers stayed for about 15 minutes, sobbing, crying. She had just buried somebody, an immediate family member. Her knees had gotten weak, she didn’t think she could make it across the airport. She saw my dog and just hugged him and sobbed and cried," said Anderson.
Anderson and Ballad also volunteer at veterans’ hospitals.
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