“Therapy dogs are used to bring smiles to people of all ages,” Arneson said. “They are just friendly and outgoing dogs.”
Officials at Dayton International Airport decided to allow Kida and Arneson to volunteer to help travelers cope with anxiety-related travel issues such as canceled flights and long waits, said Linda Hughes, Dayton International Airport Spokeswoman.
Kida was born and raised at 4 Paws for Ability in Xenia, a non-profit organization that trains service dogs for children with disabilities. She has lived with Arneson since she was 14 weeks old and was trained at Best Friends Pet Assisted Therapy in Springfield. Arneson and Kida were certified in October.
“Kida had to show that she could be trusted to work as a therapy dog,” Arneson said. “She had to prove she was comfortable around people and would not react violently to other animals.”
Wright State University and the University of Dayton use therapy dogs during examine periods.
“The Miami Valley Pet Therapy Association brings their dogs to visit with the students while they are studying in the library,” said University of Dayton Communication and Outreach Librarian Katey Kelly.
Arneson said she decided to volunteer with Kida at the airport because they live nearby. She said the days she brings Kida to the airport depends on her children’s schedule.
In between volunteering at the airport, Kida will also be a breeder, with plans for her puppies to become future service dogs, Arneson said.
Other airports around the country, including those in San Jose, Miami, San Antonio, Oklahoma City and Los Angeles, also bring in service dogs for their passengers, according to a release from the Dayton airport.
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