TRAVEL
Compassionate
Service
Southwest Airlines has always
been dedicated to going above
and beyond to make a difference
in the communities they serve. One way
they do that is by teaming up with Canine
Companions for Independence (CCI) to
these foster families are
able to meet their adopted
service pup and fly with
them as the dogs train
and familiarize themselves
with the process of flying.
That way, one day, they
will be able to accompany
their companion once
connect service dogs in training with their
foster families. This program allows these
service dogs to complete a vital step in
their training. CCI is a non-profit provider
of assistance dogs, including service dogs,
hearing dogs, facility dogs and skilled
companions, to individuals with disabilities.
Not only are they provided free of charge,
but they are recognized worldwide for the
exceptional training they
provide, including 40
commands, which allows
for the ideal human-canine
partnership and greater
independence. By flying
on Southwest Airlines,
they finish their training.
But it is not just the service animals who
grow through this partnership, Southwest
Airlines employees also have an opportunity
to learn. By working with the service dogs
during their flight, they learn how to interact
with them, which allows the flight attendants
to provide the best possible customer
service to future passengers—their number
one priority. apl
www.southwest.com
16 apetslifemagazine.com | SPRING 2020