A wholesome video went viral among many internet users and that does not involve pilots, air traffic controllers, and even the airport workers. It is all about the heroic work of two dogs who help maintain the safety of air travel.The video presents Hercules and Ned, two wildlife dogs who work at West Virginia International Yeager Airport, being the main helpers in avoiding hazardous bird strikes.
“The hardest-working staff”
The video features the following sweet message: “The hardest-working staff at the airport? These two good boys.” It describes their task of chasing birds away from the airport territory.Collisions involving wild animals, especially birds, have emerged as an issue that concerns airports across the globe. Presence of any kind of birds in the vicinity of runways can pose considerable danger to flights when taking off and landing, which may cause damage to the aircrafts and put lives at risk. According to the information provided in the video, wildlife strikes at the airport have been greatly reduced since the introduction of dogs, with their number falling by more than 70 percent.As can be seen from the description provided by The Washington Post, it gives additional insight on the life of those dogs. Five times a week and sometimes on weekends, the two dogs go out and chase away any birds that appear close to the runways.Their working day starts after breakfast and it is not an easy one. Energetic border collies reportedly cover distances of five to six miles each day chasing away such birds as crows, hawks, turkeys and others. Even during their breaks, the dogs continue being energetic running about and playing in the grass.https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZxSF3yjhJu/?igsh=YTQzcjM2ODA5em9rChris Keyser, the handler of the dogs said that the dogs are very different personalities despite having the same duty. “Heracles is a working dog and a loving dog,” Keyser continued. “While Ned is a worker dog, he enjoys playing ball.” This difference in their personality has actually brought them closer to everyone who uses their services and those that work at the airport. Although they are dedicated dogs, the animals have become some sort of celebrities in the airport.As per the report, Hercules and Ned are so popular that they have their own merchandise in the gift shop at the airport, including clothing and souvenirs associated with them.Not only this, the job of these animals includes more than bird chasing. On days where they are not busy chasing birds away, they also meet the passengers that come to visit them while waiting at the airport waiting rooms. Passengers love taking photographs with them and giving them a little kiss.
Reactions on social media
This video has managed to connect with its audience due to the presence of a unique yet very effective safety precaution, along with the cuteness and dedication of the two border collies. The age of high-end technologies in the airports has been put into perspective by these two dogs, who demonstrate just how simple the solution can be, on four legs. As this video gains more popularity on the internet, people are celebrating not only the endearing nature of the dogs, but also the hardworking job that they do each day. To many people, Hercules and Ned are living proof that the best workers at the airports don’t always wear uniforms; they wear fur.