Launched at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) in partnership with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs in 2019, the Wagging Tails Brigade (WTB) has brought tremendous “pawsitivity” to PHL’s travelers and airport staff.
“To see one of the dogs and their owner interacting with our guests makes me smile every time. The dogs wear branded vests that read, ‘Pet Me' and guests do a double take, followed by excitedly asking the owner, “I can pet the dog?”. In the airport environment, everyone expects to see a service dog and knows that petting is not permitted. It’s truly a gift every day when the Wagging Tails Brigade members are present,” said PHL Director of Guest Experience Leah Douglas.
In the past five years, the team has grown to 23 furry friends. You can find Allagash, Aruba, Atticus, Bella, Benny, Casey, Chi-Chi, Copper, Demi, Django, Endeavour, Enzo, Exon, Genova, Gladys, Hope, Koa, Lego, Memphis, Orson Welles, Rex, Sophie, and Tarik throughout the terminals daily, providing comfort to all who have the opportunity to pet them The handlers carry trading cards that feature photos of the dog along with information about them including hometown, year of birth, breed, favorite treat, and favorite past time that they distribute to passengers and employees.
“Children seem to enjoy our beloved pups, and the parents are delighted that their children are enjoying themselves,” said PHL Customer Care Manager Sharron Roantree. “Some of our guests strike up conversations with one another while petting the dogs and start sharing pictures of their animals. I like to think we create mini friendships for the moment. It's a rewarding experience for everyone involved - even the dogs.”
Chris Clark and his Golden Retriever, Casey, have been involved with the WTB since July 2019, when Clark stumbled upon an article from
the Alliance of Therapy Dogs about PHL’s program. “Casey always seems to have a positive impact on the travelers, as I’m sure all the dogs in the Wagging Tails Brigade do. Even if there is no direct contact between Casey and the traveler, we will get a comment or even just a smile from them,” said Clark. “I was looking for a change in our therapy routine. When I read about the PHL Wagging Tails Brigade, I knew it was something I wanted to do.”
“Most of the time we have a calming impact that leads to conversations about dogs, therapy dogs and the differences in service dogs, therapy dogs and emotional support animals,” said Harvey Finkel, who can be spotted with Labrador/Golden Retriever mix, Copper, on Mondays and Thursdays from 10 am-noon. The two have been a part of the WTB since October 2020 but didn’t officially begin until
COVID-19 restrictions eased in May 2021. “Copper and I go everywhere we can together. He is always ready to interact with people.”
So... what if you want to get involved?
Clark offered some words of advice to those interested. “I would say to give it a try. It’s a lot of fun and it’s a great experience. It’s very rewarding for all involved, both two- and four- legged.”
To find out more about Wagging Tails and how to get involved, visit phl.org/volunteers/wagging-tails-brigade. For information on the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, visit therapydogs.com.
