Pets

Adorable Guide Dogs In Training Visit Airport

These dogs now know how to negotiate a TSA screening. Alaska Airlines hosted the event at Oakland International Airport.

Safe in the boarding area.
Safe in the boarding area. (Port of Oakland)

OAKLAND, CA — It's often a hassle even for the fully sighted to negotiate an airport. But for visually impaired travelers, it can be a nightmare.

On Saturday, some 70 puppies came to Oakland International Airport for training in leading blind or visually impaired travelers through the airport.

The airport sessions were hosted by Alaska Airlines for several Bay Area Guide Dogs for the Blind clubs, which raise and train puppies to be guide dogs.

Find out what's happening in Alamedawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Airports present their own set of challenges for the vision-impaired. Among the tasks for which the pups got training Saturday were going through ticketing and TSA security, simulating gate check-in, boarding and leaving a plane safely, exploring the plane and claiming baggage.

"We are grateful to Alaska Airlines and Oakland International Airport for yet another wonderful opportunity to help our guide dog puppies prepare for their very important role as guides," said Christine Benninger, president and CEO of Guide Dogs for the Blind. "We are proud to continue our work together to improve travel for people of all abilities."

Find out what's happening in Alamedawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

— Bay City News

Also See

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here