Flying is stressful. A man and his dog bring moments of calm to Phoenix airport travelers

From delayed or canceled flights to long lines at check-in and security to crowds moving in every direction, navigating airports can be stressful for even the most seasoned travelers.

Most people make it through without too much trouble. But for some passengers, getting around an airport creates extra levels of anxiety. 

Douglas Hudspeth and his dog, Bodie, are here to help. They provide friendly interactions and little moments of calm to help put frazzled travelers at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport at ease.

Once a week, Hudspeth and Bodie, a Labrador retriever and Australian shepherd mix, roam the terminals as volunteers for a program called the Navigator Buddies. This program provides free pet therapy service to people using the airport. 

“The airport can be loud, crowded, and there are lots of other moving parts,” said Rachel Brannan, volunteer coordinator for the Phoenix Aviation Department. “So we are always looking for ways to assist our passengers.” 

How Sky Harbor's Navigator Buddies works

The program began in 2017. It has 30 active teams of dogs and their owners who work two hours each over three shifts a day. Volunteers come from all walks of life. The owner must have prior experience in service or therapy training, and dogs have to be well adjusted. 

“We are looking for a dog that is comfortable in a busy environment but also a dog that gets joy when people interact with them,” Brannan said.

“Because even in a two-hour shift, these therapy dogs are going to have a lot of people interact with them. So we don't want a dog that is shy or timid or one that only interacts with their handler or a dog that gets freaked out by luggage carts or passengers moving around.” 

Hudspeth is 62 and lives in Tempe. He knows firsthand how difficult it can be to navigate crowded public spaces. He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis when he was 20. Over the past four decades, his condition has gotten progressively worse and he spends most of his time in a wheelchair. 

“It would be easier for me with my disability to stay home, but it gives my day framework, something to do, and Bodie, he has some regulars he meets at the airport,” Hudspeth said.

Easing the way: Phoenix airport makes travel easier for passengers with disabilities

'My dad raised me to go help people'

Bodie originally belonged to Hudspeth's parents. When his father passed away 10 years ago, his mother could no longer care for Bodie because she was battling cancer. Hudspeth drove from Phoenix to Montana where his mom lived and picked up Bodie. The two have been inseparable ever since.

“He is a special dog,” Hudspeth said. “Because I look at Bodie as my last link to my mother and father, even though I have two brothers and a sister.”

Born in Iowa and raised in Montana, Hudspeth learned the meaning of service and caring for others from his parents.  

“I've always had a soft spot for the underdog, for people that need help,” Hudspeth said. “My dad raised me to go help people and to always go help the neighbors. It’s just a part of my upbringing.”

Hudspeth was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1979 and was forced to leave the Army after just three years.

Despite his diagnosis, he pushed through the only way he knew. In the summers of 1992 and 1993, he volunteered as a park ranger with the Army Corps of Engineers at the Libby Dam project in Libby, Montana, working with school groups, tourists and programs.

He moved to the Valley in 1987 because he had relatives here and the cold weather in Montana bothered his health. 

For 15 years, he worked as a safety officer at Gililland Middle School in Tempe, patrolling the school and keeping the students and staff safe. He also worked as a substitute teacher and coach for special needs students. He also owned a dry cleaning business in the Valley for many years.

In addition to being Navigator Buddies, Hudspeth and Bodie also volunteer at Banner Desert Medical Center in Mesa every Sunday. 

Bodie is 'such a big-hearted dog' 

In 2017, Hudspeth saw an ad in The Arizona Republic for the American Service Animal Society, which trains veterans and their dogs in ways applicable to the owners' disabilities. Hudspeth needed a mobility assistance dog and Bodie was the perfect size.

“I knew that my progression was going to get worse and I was going to need help,” Hudspeth said. “I knew Bodie was too smart to stay at home and do nothing. So I said, 'Let's get into some service dog training. It would be good for you and good for me.'” 

The founders of the American Service Animal Society also have a program for dogs called Paws for Therapy, which Hudspeth applied to a year later.  

“In service dog training, they want you to kind of stand off,” Hudspeth said. “But Bodie has such a welcoming spirit that I've always let people come out and talk to him. I wanted him to do therapy training because he’s such a big-hearted dog and I like helping people and volunteering.” 

Getting help: Need assistance navigating Phoenix airport? Let staff, TSA know

'Petting Bodie really turned his mood around' 

Hudspeth and Bodie have had plenty of positive interactions in the airport. Some travelers pet Bodie to ease their nerves from flying. Other people pet Bodie because they miss their own dogs. Still others, Hudspeth says, feel a sense of connection to Bodie as they grieve the loss of their pet. 

One particular interaction stands out to Hudspeth. A young traveler with special needs was having a difficult time at the security checkpoint. While the Transportation Security Administration officer was being very professional, Hudspeth said, the overall process appeared to have distressed the traveler. After the screening, Hudspeth and Bodie went straight to the traveler to comfort him.

“He really appreciated having time with Bodie,” Hudspeth said. “It’s as if he had forgotten what had happened. Petting Bodie really turned his mood around.”

Brannan said the bond between Hudspeth and Bodie is evident and the two make a formidable team. 

“Doug has a very calm nature about him and puts people at ease with his comforting low voice and peacefulness,” Brannan said. “Bodie is completely devoted to Doug and anticipates Doug’s next move. Especially with Doug being in an electric scooter, Bodie is very attentive to the scooter movement and is always in the right spot for Doug to assist him.”

There to assist: How to get extra help at the airport through TSA Cares

'Drive on, troops, and complete the mission'

Hudspeth is receiving treatment for his MS at a local VA hospital. He said his status is secondary progressive, which in MS parlance means he does not get attacks or experience triggers. It’s more of a slow and steady progression of the disease. 

Hudspeth says he expects to have one to three years to live. But he has no plans to slow down. In fact, more than ever, he wants to do as much as he can. That includes being of service to others. 

“It makes me anxious, but it really makes me mad. I was mad that I couldn’t change my diagnosis,” Hudspeth says. “But I always tell my wife if I stop doing something, I might not be able to do it again. So I just continue on, figure something out and move on from there. It's that Army attitude. Drive on, troops, and complete the mission.” 

You can connect with Arizona Republic Culture and Outdoors Reporter Shanti Lerner through email at shanti.lerner@gannett.com or you can also follow her on Twitter. 

Support local journalism like this story by subscribing today.