TIA's Welcome Waggin' therapy dog program celebrates Christmas in July

TULSA, Okla. — The Welcome Waggin' therapy dog program at the Tulsa International Airport celebrated Christmas in July on Thursday.

FOX23 spoke with Alan Napoli with the Welcome Waggin' Program.

He's had Watson, a certified therapy dog, for about 10 years.

Watson has been a therapy dog with the Tulsa International Airport for about five years.

In 2022, Watson received the Above and Beyond Award of Tulsa International Airport for Outstanding Employee.

Napoli said Christmas in July brings people joy.

"It makes them happy," he said. "It takes a little bit of stress out of their lives."

Napoli said having therapy dogs at the airport is important because it has a positive impact on the whole environment.

"For travelers going somewhere, God forbid for a funeral or something, I've seen Watson bring a little bit of joy to their face," he said.

He said they've had amazing experiences with the Welcome Waggin' Program.

"The experiences that we've had working the Welcome Waggin' therapy dog program have been amazing and life changing," Napoli said.

Napoli said he always tells people that Watson's job is to make them happy.

"If Christmas in July makes people happy, and Watson makes people happy, I would say that's mission accomplished," he said.