London Stansted welcomed some very special ‘paw-sengers’ this week when seven guide dog puppies toured the terminal to gain experience as part of their training.
The 6–12-month-old pups, along with their handlers, successfully navigated all aspects of the busy airport, from check-in to security and boarding.
The trip was organised by volunteer puppy raisers from Guide Dogs UK, the Thomas Pocklington Trust and the airport’s accessibility team.
Stephanie Putt, Stansted Airport’s Accessibility Manager, said:
“It was a pleasure to welcome Oake, Dove, Whitney, Bill, Hero, Rye and Quincey and arrange their very special visit to the airport. Their presence certainly caught the eye of many passengers travelling through the terminal. The tour allowed the puppies to become familiar with all aspects of the airport, such as security, the departure lounge, and the boarding gates. Our partnership with Guide Dogs UK will hopefully allow us to provide even better services and facilities to passengers with reduced mobility and hidden disabilities.”
Volunteer puppy raiser Lesley Rideout, who accompanied Rye for the tour, said:
“Airports have a variety of distractions, including unfamiliar noises and lots of people so visits like this are extremely worthwhile. These puppies are on their path to becoming guide dogs who will one day help blind or visually impaired passengers travel through airports like Stansted.”
The visit coincided with International Guide Dog Day, which took place today, April 26, a day to honour the work that guide dogs do for people with disabilities.
