Gold goes to nerve-calming dogs

By John Howell
Posted 8/23/16

PVD Pups, the year-old organization that has dogs visit Green Airport to bring diversion and help calm the nerves of travelers, held its version of the canine Olympics at the south baggage claim Sunday to the wonderment of arriving

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Gold goes to nerve-calming dogs

Posted

PVD Pups, the year-old organization that has dogs visit Green Airport to bring diversion and help calm the nerves of travelers, held its version of the canine Olympics at the south baggage claim Sunday to the wonderment of arriving passengers and their families.

“Usually we work as a team, but we’re going to compete today,” said Sue Parker, founder of PVD Pups.

The organization has about 30 members who volunteer their time and that of their dogs. Before even being considered as a candidate, Parker said dogs must have the AKC K-9 Good Citizen title. The dogs then must pass eight weeks of training designed to acquaint them with the stimuli of an airport.

On Sunday, 16 dogs and their owners turned out for the organization’s first year anniversary and to compete for gold in the “Doggie Limbo,” pass the hot potato (only it wasn’t hot) and throw the discus among other games aimed at appraising a dog’s impulse control and ability to follow commands.

Parker, who had a handful of medals, thought the Olympics theme was appropriate, as Sunday was the last day of the games in Rio.

Among the early winners was Buddy, a gruff-looking boxer wearing a patriotic bandana. He posed for the camera and licked any hand in his direction.

“I love meeting the people and hearing the stories,” Cathy Theroux said of her visit to Green with Buddy. She has been doing it for the last six months, averaging about nine hours a week at the airport.

What’s the effect of Buddy on travelers?

“It absolutely calms them down; he preoccupies them,” Theroux said. She would recommend PVD Pups to other dog owners. “It’s wonderful for anyone who wants to share a good time with their dog and people at the same time.”

Theroux, who lives in Coventry, said the more Buddy visited the airport, the more acclimated he gets.

Harry Parker, Sue’s husband, said their pit bull Teddy shakes with excitement when he knows he’ll be visiting the airport. His tail wagging perpetually, Teddy greeted doggie contenders, their owners, and anyone else who came along Sunday.

Parker also used the one-year anniversary to recognize Bob Fontaine and his golden retriever, Cooper, for their dedication to the program. Bob and Cooper also regularly visit Kent Hospital to provide pet therapy to patients.

Bob and Cooper are early risers, often arriving at Green before 6 a.m. at what is one of the busier times at the airport.

Liberty Luciano, executive services administrator at the airport, said Cooper had adopted the airport and that when he walks into the terminal he looks like he owns the place. That’s all part of being a PVD Pup. They make travelers feel right at home.

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