Dear Southwest, My name is Banjo. I am a service dog trained to assist my partner Blake who is disabled due to an accident many years ago that caused a spinal injury. I am trained to pull his wheelchair, help him off the floor by balancing him, pick up anything he drops, and much more. I am a very mature three-year-old golden retriever. The photo above was taken on Flight #150 from Albany, New York, to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on November 30. Your Crew is always concerned about my safety, and they tell Blake they will take care of us in the event of any trouble. The Flight Attendant even mentioned something about a water landing. Hey, I like to swim! They even let me board the flight first to get the very, very, best seat in the house. If it is not a full flight, they keep the seats next to me open so I can stretch out a bit. But I don’t mind curling up at Blake’s feet, either.
This photo was taken a few years ago before Blake met me. He had a service dog named Bridgette. They were the best of friends and flew together many times. Once, they landed in Denver about 30 minutes early. When they realized they were going to have a lengthy layover, Blake knew he’d have to take her outside for a walk so she could do her business. Much to their delight, a Southwest Gate Agent offered to take Bridgette for a walk himself, so they did not have to exit and re-enter security. Blake said Southwest always treated him and Bridgette extra special, and I’m lucky to get the same treatment when I fly.
If someone insists on sitting next to us, I always hope for a girl, as I usually get a three-hour belly rub when she takes off her shoes (with Blake's permission of course). Be sure to give the Crew on this flight a nice big milk bone bonus for me, as they made me feel very special.
I look forward to my next planned flight with Southwest in April, and to the Midwest next summer to meet another service dog friend.
Sincerely,
Blake & Banjo
TOP DOG team #125