Travel anxiety is not taking off at Portland International Airport (PDX) as therapy llamas arrive on the scene. These adorable, cuddly, and putatively soothing animals, clad in their own “I heart PDX” neckerchiefs, are part of a larger effort to make this rather stressful airport feel less stressful for overwrought passengers. Llamas and Alpacas roam the terminal offering comfort, head scratches and an occasional cuddle or two.
The llamas are more than a fun addition- they’re part of a larger plan to create a calming environment at the airport. Features such as natural light, live trees and soothing design elements highlight PDX’s efforts to make passengers feel more at ease. Building on therapy dogs already active within the airport, PDX is launching its therapy llamas through their “just to make you smile” initiative to reduce stressors and enhance the travel experience.
Unlike service animals, which have training to perform specific tasks, therapy animals are designed to provide emotional support so the symptoms of anxiety and stress can be relieved. One can garner information from experts about how spending time with animals can help lower heart rates and make folks relax, even more if they are staying in stressful places like airports.
The llamas are a part of a not-for-profit organization that is run by Lori Gregory and her daughter, Shannon Joy. The owner selects very specific llamas for the task at hand so that they are well-suited to work amidst frantic airport activities. Not every llama is suited for the job-only about one in 15 has the right temperament for the job-they have a calm friendly personality to throng the public places.The llamas have become such a craze among the travelling public that they have caught the nation’s attention.
This new therapy program in Portland follows a growing trend of using animals to help ease travel stress. At San Francisco International Airport, a 14-year-old cat named Duke is part of the “Wag Brigade,” which helps calm passengers. He even goes around sporting tiny little pilot’s hats when he shows up. The visits of llamas at PDX are timed so that they keep fit and happy. They are not around the airport all of the time but pop up when it is best for them and the passengers. Whether it’s quick petting or moments of calm, the llamas are injecting some difference into the travel experience.
The airport has been blessed to have the llamas there. They are fluffy creatures with calm faces that serve as a source of bliss for people passing through this airport. Their presence provides a welcome dose of joy to the passengers before taking flight.
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