Travellers to Edmonton were met by some new four-legged friends on Wednesday. The Dog Days of Summer event at the Edmonton International Airport (YEG) featured a pet adoption event in celebration of International Dog Day. Three puppies and three kittens were brought to the arrivals area by the Greater Edmonton Animal Rescue Society (GEARS). “Everyone coming off of the plane sees the puppies, sees the kitties, and they get so excited. They’re all stopping to pet them,” Karla Elcock, GEARS president, said. “So many people say it’s made their day as they’re just getting off their long flight, so it’s a win-win, I think, for the puppies and for the passengers.” Corporate communications manager Erin Isfeld said 12 dogs have been adopted through the event since the first one two years ago. “That’s not to mention the amount of volunteers and the donations that have been able to happen because we’ve had this connection with GEARS,” she added. “We do see some really incredible response.” In addition to bi-annual adoption events, Isfeld said YEG supports people and their pets with multiple “pet relief” areas, including two indoor areas past security. She said YEG was also the first Canadian airport to introduce a pet therapy program, made up of 12 pups who help out nervous flyers. “People almost melt when they see a little puppy, or if they’re a bit stressed while they’re travelling, it really does take a little bit of that away,” Isfeld said. Another adoption event is planned for Christmastime.
