JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As Buffalo Bills fans descend on Jacksonville for Sunday’s playoff showdown, they’re receiving an unexpectedly warm welcome from some four-legged ambassadors at Jacksonville International Airport.
Instead of encountering trash talk or rivalry signs, visiting fans are being greeted by therapy dogs from the JAX Paws program – including one appropriately named Duval, alongside companions Bernice and Queen.
“That was the best welcome we’ve ever had. That was amazing – a little dog named Duval. Are you kidding me? Duuuval!” Bills fan Alex Valentine said. We did reminder her that she was on camera when she said that.
“It’s the dogs,” she replied. “Go Bills.”
The creative welcome initiative comes from JAX Paws, a therapy dog program at Jacksonville International Airport designed to make travelers feel more comfortable. Kelly Reed, a JAX Paws volunteer, planned the welcoming sessions around Bills fans’ arrival flights.
“We had a great idea to be here when the Buffalo Bills fans land,” Reed explained. “We’re here waiting to greet them hello – and hopefully send them home on Monday morning after a loss,” she added.
For visiting fans like Valentine, who has traveled to many Bills playoff games across the country with her friends, the unique welcome left a lasting impression.
“Everyone’s been so nice. It’s like a really cool place to watch a football game. We’re happy to be out of the cold northeast,” she shared.
The impact of dogs extends beyond just Bills fans. Several visitors took the time to get on the ground and cuddle these canine ambassadors. According to Reed, the program regularly helps anxious travelers.
“Sometimes you meet somebody that says, ‘I’m afraid of dogs, but your dogs are so well behaved, and they make me feel so good,’” Reed said. “It just makes you feel good.”
Kickoff for Sunday’s playoff matchup is set for 1 p.m.