NEWARK, N.J. (1010 WINS) — Dozens of dogs trained to be guide animals for visually impaired people at Newark Liberty International Airport last week.
About 200 volunteers worked with 170 German shepherds, golden retrievers and Labrador retrievers in Terminal C to prepare the puppies for guiding people through airports — a particularly challenging environment for guide dogs.
The annual event is a partnership between guide dog training non-profit The Seeing Eye and the Port Authority, TSA and United Airlines.
The puppies take their place on the plane.Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
The airport has been hosting the organization for training sessions for more than a quarter century.
This year, the training took place in two sessions on May 6 and May 13. The dogs were led through Terminal C's baggage areas, checkpoints and gates, AirTrain, a United Airlines plane and the airfield.
The puppies make their way to their seats.Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
"These outings provide important exposure and prepare each puppy for their future as a Seeing Eye dog," said Peggi Howard, president and CEO of The Seeing Eye. "The puppy raisers look forward to our visits to Newark Liberty International Airport, and we are so grateful to the Port Authority, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration and United Airlines for continuing to welcome our volunteers and puppies."
The puppies parade out and made their way to the baggage claim.Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
A future guide dog onboard the plane.Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
The pups wait to board the AirTrain.The Seeing Eye
The pups and the volunteers get treated to a demonstration by Port Authority Police and Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting.The Seeing Eye
