Paws 4 Passengers is a non-profit organization that uses nationally registered therapy dogs to comfort the traveling public and employees at the Reno-Tahoe International Airport in Reno. They will be volunteering often during the busy holiday season as the airport will be packed with busy and anxious visitors.
"This program is important because it has a calming effect on people. The children are happy. They're not calm. They are excited when they see our dogs, but it has a calming effect on the general public and unfortunately, in today's world, people aren't calm when they come to the airports," said Debbie Harvey, the founder and board chairman for Paws 4 Passengers.
Our reporter, Alexis Harris, spend some time with four volunteer therapy dogs and their owners, while taking photos of them at work.
This is Happy, a male pug, with owner Debbie Harvey, the founder and board chairman of Paws 4 Passengers.
Credit Alexis Harris
Meet Flanigan, a giant standard poodle who was one of the dogs volunteering at the airport.
Credit Alexis Harris
Lastly, this is Kona, a chocolate Newfoundland, greeting visitors at the airport before they are off to their flight.
The volunteer therapy dogs provide a calming atmosphere to those visitors who may be anxious before a flight.
Credit Alexis Harris
Flanigan, with his owner, while looking up to a female visitor.
Credit Alexis Harris
Flanigan’s owner holds him close.
Credit Alexis Harris
Even airport employees visit the therapy dogs, as a flight attendant stops by before work.
Credit Alexis Harris
A visitor takes a snapshot of Flannigan, the poodle.
Credit Alexis Harris
While Debbie holds him, Happy receives attention as more people visit the airport.
Credit Alexis Harris
Kona, in holiday hat and scarf, rests while waiting for visitors.
Credit Alexis Harris
Kodi, the German shepherd, allows visitors to pet his head.
Credit Alexis Harris
Kona takes a little break from visiting the crowd and drinks some water.
Credit Alexis Harris
These were the volunteers. From left to right: Victoria with Kodi, Debbie with Happy, Bob with Flanigan and Lou with Kona.