Saint John, NB—[August 30, 2024] We’re excited to introduce the newest member of our Saint John Airport team—”Aim High” Aerial, a specially trained Canine Therapy for First Responders (CTFFR) Facility K9! Aerial will be a key part of our efforts to support the well-being of our entire airport community through a positive mental health program.
Aerial’s arrival at the Saint John Airport underscores our commitment to creating a supportive and positive environment for everyone—employees, passengers, and visitors alike. Facility K9s like Aerial are trained to provide essential mental health support in various settings, including police and fire departments, schools, and the Department of Justice and Public Safety.
Aerial is an adorable 8-month-old Bernedoodle provided by Canine Therapy for First Responders. Although she’s still in training, she’s already prepared for the dynamic environment of an airport. Aerial has undergone rigorous public access testing and has been exposed to a wide range of situations, from parades and livestock to sirens, fireworks, drones, and helicopters. This extensive preparation ensures she’s ready to handle anything that comes her way at the airport.
CTFFR’s Facility K9s receive enhanced training, including elements of Service Dog testing. Aerial, for example, is learning tasking skills like interrupting someone feeling anxious or offering a calm presence to someone upset. Each Facility K9’s training is tailored to the specific needs of the workplace, ensuring they’re equipped to offer the best support.
“We are excited to welcome K9 Aerial to our team,” said Lori Carle, Manager of Marketing and Public & Corporate Relations at Saint John Airport (and Aerial’s handler). “Aerial’s presence brings a sense of comfort to all who meet her; our staff and tenants have quickly taken to her.”
While there are several Airport facilities within Canada offering comfort dog programs, K9 Aerial is the first official Facility K9 to work full time at a Canadian International Airport. She will undergo 18-24 months of training before undertaking her testing for Certifications.
K9 Aerial will be available to provide support and comfort to airport staff, passengers, and visitors, contributing to a positive and stress-free environment. This initiative aligns with our ongoing efforts to prioritize mental health and well-being at the Saint John Airport.
Follow Aerial on Instagram and Facebook at YSJAerial
For more information:
Lori Carle Manager, Marketing and Public & Corporate Relations, Saint John Airport
lcarle@ysjsaintjohn.ca
506-647-8898
CTFFR contact: contactus@ctffr.ca
About the Saint John Airport Saint John Airport Inc. is a community-based, not-for-profit corporation serving the air travel needs of residents of southwestern New Brunswick. The airport (YSJ) is a key element in the social development of the Greater Saint John region and a vital gateway to economic growth in New Brunswick. The Saint John Airport reinvests all profits back into the airport and local communities.
About Canine Therapy for First Responders (CTFFR)
Canine Therapy for First Responders is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free mental health supportive services and canine programs for first responders across all industries, including Canadian Armed Forces active and retired members in New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nova Scotia.
Canine Therapy for First Responders (CTFFR Atlantic) mission is to provide certified Service and Facility dogs to the First Responder/Veteran community with the resources and support they need to cope with the struggles of their occupational illness. They offer specially trained Service/Facility dogs