EAST MOUNTAIN, N.S. — It was out of character for Willow.
Though new to her role, the golden retriever was showing she had the makings of a disciplined and effective therapy dog.
Yet there was something distracting her, it appeared, and Willow was intent on following it up.
“When I first started going to the airport with Willow, I was talking to some people when she started tugging at the leash, wanting to go to a man on a bench,” recalled Bob Hawkley. “When we went over I found out he had PTSD and he really appreciated a visit from Willow.
“She would often do things like that, going to people who needed her.”
Willow retired last year. At age 13, she's earned it.
The torch, so to speak, has now been passed to Daisy.
At the airport, Daisy looks like she’s just out for a casual stroll, but make no mistake – she's on the job..
Daisy is certified with St. John Ambulance as a therapy dog who, accompanied by her handler, Hawkley, makes regular visits to Halifax Stanfield International Airport.
“We walk around and visit with people, often reducing stress,” said Hawkley. “We visit with staff and meet airline crews, too. It makes your day when you see people happy because of the dog.”
Hawkley was living in Tatamagouche when he first became involved in the therapy dog program. He had adopted a rescued golden retriever and took him for visits at Willow Lodge Home for Special Care.
“It was amazing what the presence of the dog did for people there,” he said. “When I heard about St. John Ambulance, I called them and got the dog tested, and he was certified.”
After the dog’s death, he bought a golden retriever from a breeder. That would be Willow. When she was old enough, he had her certified as a therapy dog.
With Willow taking it easy now, Daisy, who is three, accompanies Hawkley to the airport, usually once a week.
“It’s often stressful at airports, with lines and security, and the dogs reduce stress,” said Robert Howlett, manager of community services with St. John Ambulance. “When there are extra long delays or flights are diverted there are sometimes requests for the dogs to come.
“There are 12 active teams at the Halifax airport, and other teams doing this all across the country.”
Hawkley remembers one woman who was very nervous about flying spending time with the dog. She told him that thinking about the dog would help her during her entire flight.
“When you see how much everyone enjoys the dog’s visits, it makes you want to go more,” he said. “I enjoy it immensely. People tell me I have the best job in the world, and I think so, too.”
St. John Ambulance will be holding therapy dog evaluations in Truro during the winter or spring.
Anyone interested in learning more about the program can visit the website at https://www.sja.ca/English/Community-Services/Pages/Community-services-home.aspx or call 800-565-5056.
