Wednesday night at Will Rogers!
Taking Holly to the airport to visit the travelers was a special experience filled with excitement and purpose. As we arrived, Holly’s tail wagged with anticipation, and her gentle presence immediately brought smiles to the faces of people passing by. Watching her interact with travelers, offering comfort and companionship during what can often be a stressful time, was truly heartwarming. Whether greeting families heading on vacation, individuals traveling alone, or those facing long journeys, Holly’s calm and loving nature helped brighten their day. Seeing the joy and relief she brought to so many people reminded me of the powerful impact a simple act of kindness and a comforting furry friend can have.
A Little Paw-Mail from Holly!
Hi friends! It’s me, Holly, and today I got to go on one of my favorite adventures… the airport!
The moment I walked through the airport doors, I put my nose to work looking for all my favorite humans. Sure enough, there was Aaron at TSA, busy keeping everyone safe and making sure nobody was smuggling squeaky toys through security. Next, I spotted Daisey over at CLEAR helping travelers zoom through the airport, and a little farther down the terminal was Michelle, spreading smiles and helping passengers like the airport superhero she is.
And then I found Reza! Of course, I walked right over because Reza always gives the best ear scratches. He told my human that he wasn’t feeling very well today, which made me a little sad. I leaned in extra close for some comfort cuddles and hope he’s feeling much better soon.
Aaron in security found out that next week is my birthday, he immediately promised to bring me seven chicken strips because I’ll be turning seven years old. Finally, someone who understands proper birthday math! One year equals one chicken strip. It only makes sense. I made a mental note to remind him if necessary. With all my favorite people accounted for and a future order of seven chicken strips secured, I knew it was going to be a very good day. 🐾🍗🎂✈️
After saying hello to my airport friends, we headed over to visit my favorite guys in blue at the Military Welcome Center. The place was buzzing because they were getting ready for a late-night arrival of recruits heading to Fort Sill. While everyone else was focused on important military business, I spotted a young man who looked like he needed to witness greatness. Naturally, I volunteered. I marched right up and decided it was time to demonstrate my impressive skill set.
First came the paw shake. Then the treat-catching performance. Then a few bonus tricks because the crowd clearly wanted an encore. By the time I was done, I was pretty sure I was one successful trick away from being promoted to Sergeant Holly. 🐾🇺🇸🍖
After that, I escorted him to what is arguably the most important location in the entire Military Welcome Center… the cookie stash. National security, military schedules, incoming recruits… all important. But cookies? Critical. We conducted a highly scientific taste-test investigation and carefully inspected every option. There were debates, opinions, and several moments where I volunteered for additional sampling in the interest of accuracy
After a thorough review worthy of a Nobel Prize in Snack Sciences, we unanimously declared the snickerdoodles the champions. I would have accepted the award myself, but my mouth was full of cookies. 🐾🍪🏆
Eventually it was time to continue my journey, so I said goodbye and headed toward the concourse gates.
Before I could even start my airport visits, my VIP service kicked in. My friend Vega had already DoorDashed my pup cup and placed it safely inside her store refrigerator, which she proudly refers to as “Holly’s Fridge.” Now, I haven’t seen any official ownership paperwork, but considering there’s usually a Holly-approved snack waiting inside, I’m willing to accept the title. Honestly, at this point I feel like I should be collecting rent.
After enjoying my frozen treat and conducting a thorough quality-control inspection (several licks were required for scientific accuracy), I was fully fueled, properly spoiled, and ready to begin my rounds of greeting travelers like the airport celebrity I am. 🐾🥤👑✈️
As we walked through the terminal, I met a young lady who stopped and showed me a picture on her phone.
“Look!” she said. “My dog looks just like you!”
What?!
That’s impossible.
Can I have a twin?
To prove it, she pulled out her phone and used something called FaceTime to call her grandmother. A few moments later, Grandma appeared on the tiny screen, disappeared, and then came back carrying the other dog. Suddenly, there she was… my supposed twin! Now, I’m still trying to understand how humans manage to stuff full-sized grandmas and dogs inside those little handheld rectangles, but there they were, staring right back at me. I pressed my nose closer to investigate because this was clearly a matter of great importance. The more I looked, the more confused I became. Same fluffy face.
Same sweet eyes. Same “I probably get extra treats when nobody’s looking” expression. It was honestly a little unsettling. Had I discovered a long-lost sister? Was I secretly famous? Was someone cloning airport therapy dogs? I may never know, but I can confirm this: if that dog is my twin, she is extremely good-looking. 🐾📱😂💕
A little later, we spotted a gentleman standing by one of the gates wearing a jacket with MY sticker on it which immediately caught my attenti. “My name is Holly!” I wanted to bark.
Excuse me, is that authorized Holly merchandise? As it turns out, he was telling his traveling companion that he’d met me a few days earlier while I was conducting important employee morale inspections at the Boeing site.
Imagine my surprise. I leave the airport for a few days and suddenly I’m being recognized in public! I’m excited about that!
He gives excellent head rubs. My human reminded him that I’ll be back at Boeing on November 19, and he promised to come see me again. That’s great news because he gives top-tier head rubs and has already earned a five-paw review. Honestly, between airport fans, stickers, and public appearances, I’m starting to think I need my own security team. 🐾⭐✈️😂
We continued all the way down toward the American Airlines gates and asked around about the schedule for Snowball Express with the Gary Sinise Foundation. Nobody had the official dates yet, so I think they’re still working on the plans. Hopefully I’ll hear something soon.
I really hope I get to go again.
Last year I met more than 900 families of fallen military members and fallen first responders families. They came through Oklahoma City before heading on to Disney World. It was such an honor to spend time with those families and share some smiles, tail wags, and comfort along the way.
But after a long day of visiting travelers, making new friends, and collecting ear scratches, it was finally time to head home. A princess like me needs her beauty rest.
The best part is that I get to see my kids again on Friday, and I can’t wait.
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See you on the next adventure!
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