Furry Ben loves his airport job

I cannot speak for all of the dogs we might encounter in our travels, but I can say with absolute certainty that my dog doesn’t need me to “allow” people to pet him — he loves it. Being in the YUL Pet Squad is, in many ways, similar to taking my dog for a two-hour walk around the neighbourhood and letting him have all the human encounters he desires. He is absolutely thrilled to walk around, meeting new people and receiving affection from them. Every time I arrive at the airport parking lot and let Ben out of the car, he’s a 30-pound ball of happiness and excitement — he knows he’s going on a fun adventure, just like when he goes to the dog park or when he has a play date with one of his human or canine friends. When he’s tired, or not enjoying himself, I simply give him a short break to cool off or just head home. My furry companion thrives when he has something to do, somewhere to be, or someone to play with. He’s far too intelligent to leave alone all day without any mental stimulation — dogs were bred to have jobs. I wouldn’t suppose to know what is best for the dogs in Catherine Kierans’s life, nor should she presume to know what is best for those in mine. If you’re ever at the airport while I’m volunteering, please say hello; if Ben walks up to you with a smile, that’s an invitation to pet him. But don’t feel pressured to — it’s your choice. (He really likes scratches behind his ears.) Adam Szporer, Dollard-des-Ormeaux