London Southend Airport welcomes AirPaws back to the terminal to support mental health and anxiety
London Southend Airport today announces that the AirPaws team will return to the terminal from tomorrow offering a calming moment for passengers (and staff).
Canine Concern is a charity which provides care dog visits to those who may benefit from the service, such as those suffering from anxiety or mental health difficulties.
The medical profession endorses findings that dogs can bring comfort to those vulnerable to mental health and anxiety. Therapy dogs can help even the most nervous of fliers regain their confidence and the airports four-legged friends will soon roam the terminal once more to offer a friendly stroke or a furry cuddle.
All therapy dogs are trained by Canine Concern to bring comfort and reduce anxiety – particularly around nervous people, or those experiencing stress. The AirPaws Crew and their accompanying handlers are a great addition to their airport customer service team, bringing a PAWfect experience to London Southend Airport.
Glyn Jones, CEO of London Southend Airport, “Following a temporary hold on visits from the airport AirPaws team of therapy dogs and their handlers due to COVID-19, we are pleased to confirm that they are returning to the terminal on selected dates from 3rd September.
The team offer support to anxious passengers and were recently on hand during our terminal tours which offered a trial run to individuals who wanted to experience the new safety measures or who suffer from mental health or anxiety.”
Tina Jullings. Essex Area Coordinator and Trustee for Canine Concern, “It was great to be back in the terminal for the recent tours and we are pleased to support further dates and passenger flights in the coming months. Mental health is more important than ever and the AirPaws dogs enjoy visiting the airport to offer their calming services”.
Further details are available on the London Southend Airport website at https://southendairport.com/corporate-and-community/therapy-dogs
Forthcoming dates:
Monday – Veronica with Merlin & Jazzy
Wednesday – Tina & Oscar / Barbara & Harley (Alternating weeks)
Friday – Veronica with Merlin & Jazzy
Saturday – Tina & Oscar / Debbie & Ellie
Meet the team:
Merlin – Merlin is a 9-year-old Eurasier. Veronica, his owner, has had him since he was 7 weeks old. He has a lovely nature, although very stubborn, he has passed the Kennel Club’s Good Citizens Gold Standard. He also goes to a local school every Friday afternoon which he loves, as he gets cuddles and treats for doing absolutely nothing.
Jazzy – Jazz is a Papillon Phalene, which means “night-moth” in French due to his ears dropping instead of the stand-up ears of the Papillion. He is 8 years old and is a rehome, his owner Veronica has had him for 6 years. He loves his ball and agility, which he goes to every week. He also lives with Merlin and four cats who are all bigger than him.
Oscar – Oscar is a 4-year-old Spanish Water Dog – often confused with a Labradoodle. He has a cheeky nature but loves lots of fuss! People love stroking him because the texture of his fur is like a ‘fluffy blanket’. Oscar often visits a sheltered housing complex for adults with disabilities and Chelmsford County Court to help calm people and bring a smile to their face.
Harley – Harley is a 4 year old Rottweiler. He has a fantastic temperament and loves everybody! – dog or human. Harley lives with his furry pal Lola the French Bulldog, and although he’s bigger, his little sister is the boss of the household! He has done agility, obedience and trick training previously and this will be his 1st placement as a Therapy dog.
Ellie – Ellie is a sweet-natured Labrador, who didn’t pass all of her guide dog exams. She now enjoys a good game of chase with her doggie friends, relocating shoes & socks around the house and shredding stolen toilet rolls. She also likes to sit on people’s feet, gradually sliding into the tummy tickle position.