The Saint John Airport (YSJ) has added a furry friend to help comfort staff, passengers and visitors.
Aerial is a specially-trained Bernedoodle provided by Canine Therapy for First Responders (CTFFR).
The eight-month-old is the first official Facility K9 to work full-time at a Canadian international airport.
Lori Carle is the manager of marketing and public & corporation relations at the airport — and Aerial’s handler.
“Aerial’s presence brings a sense of comfort to all who meet her; our staff and tenants have quickly taken to her,” said Carle.
While Aerial is still in the midst of her 18 to 24 months of training, Carle said she is already prepared for the dynamic environment of an airport.
She has undergone rigorous public access testing and has been exposed to a wide range of situations, from parades and livestock to sirens, fireworks, drones and helicopters.
CTFFR’s Facility K9s receive enhanced training, including elements of service dog testing, according to a news release from the airport.
In the case of Aerial, for example, she is learning tasking skills like interrupting someone feeling anxious or offering a calm presence to someone upset.
YSJ said Aerial will be a key part of their efforts to support the well-being of their entire airport community through a positive mental health program.
