It all started with an article about Oregon’s newly-renovated Portland International Airport terminal building, with its dozens of trees, thousands of other plants, natural light, unique ceiling constructed of locally-sourced wood, and its therapy llamas and alpacas.

The $2.15 billion renovation . . .

Whoa! Wait just a minute! Hold it right there! Did they say “therapy llamas and alpacas”??!!!

That can’t be right. But it is. You see, the new terminal wasn’t designed solely for improved efficiency of operation. It’s also about making this phase of the passengers’ travels more pleasant and less stressful. Thus the emphasis on greenery and such. According to a Port of Portland news release:

“The new terminal also uses biophilic design — bringing in the natural world — to harness its benefits like lowering travelers’ stress, blood pressure, and heart rate and make it feel like a stroll through a Pacific Northwest forest.” [Forrest Brown, CNN, August 14, 2024.]

Come to think of it, I noticed something similar — also on a distinctly Pacific Northwest theme — a number of years ago on arrival at the Vancouver, B.C. airport. And I’ve never forgotten how lovely it was, or how welcome it made me feel; so there must be something to this de-stressing idea.

But back to Portland . . .

Of course, the amenities haven’t been overlooked, either, such as the restaurants and shops placed ahead of the security areas, so that even non-traveling visitors might enjoy them.

And the llamas and alpacas? Oh, yes . . . they’re there, from time to time, as a special treat. And all thanks to Lori Gregory and Shannon Joy of Mountain Peaks Therapy Llamas and Alpacas Farm of Ridgefield, Washington.

In 2007, this mother-daughter team found their mission in life in providing animal-assisted therapy to senior communities, special-needs groups, and schools for therapeutic and educational interactions. Within a few years, they found they were receiving inquiries for private parties, and even weddings. [classycamelids.com].

I can see it now, at the wedding reception: “I’d like you to meet my best man, Larry Llama.” Okay, a little strange . . . but somehow endearing.

We all know how amazing therapy dogs are, not just with their individual owners, but with hospitalized children, the elderly, and others in need of comfort. And my own granddaughter was the beneficiary of the love of a therapy horse when she was quite young. So, why not a sweet-faced, fuzzy, half of a Pushme-Pullyu, a la Dr. Dolittle? I, for one, would love it.

And if one day I were walking through an airport, and happened upon one of these beautiful beasts of burden and incredibly soft hair, I know I’d be thinking more about how wonderful my day had just become . . . and less about the possibility of my plane losing a wing.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
8/15/24