Bringing Comfort to Military Personnel and Students

Pease Greeters are a dedicated team of volunteers who welcome all military in-bound and out-bound flights passing through Pease AFB, offering a welcome respite with refreshments, companionship, and conversation during layovers. Although Tucker and I cannot attend every flight , we greet as many as possible *(sometimes upwards of 300+ soldiers, officers, and crew). Tucker is definitely one of the favorite therapy pets as he is alert & smiling, affectionate, and performs ‘tricks’ for the soldiers. Many express interest in learning more about labrador retrievers, Pet Partners, therapy service, and obedience training after interacting with Tucker. Often, time with Tucker prompts them to share personal stories and photos of their own pets– the very thing they are looking forward to the most in returning home on leave. Bonding time with Tucker opens up conversations that would never occur if Tucker was not present. Some just sit quietly on the floor holding Tucker or stroking his fur for comfort. I never rush these moments as I recognize how important and meaningful that touch therapy is during stressful times. One young soldier once told me, ‘All I need to be happy is a truck, a fishing rod, and a good dog like Tucker!’

Tucker is also a ‘Campus Buddy’ at the University of New Hampshire Dimond library. The library staff host therapy dogs for stress relief during finals weeks. Tucker is one of the campus favorites and students are always asking for more ‘Tucker time’! Some students schedule their time at the library when they know that Tucker will be there.