July 10, 2025
She may not have a boarding pass, but Keena clocks more airport hours than many frequent fliers. With one paw in Colorado and another in Washington state, this red-coated field golden retriever brings comfort and chases smiles wherever she lands.
Keena, a certified therapy dog, and her owner Valarie Weickmann divide their time between Fort Collins, Colorado and the Pacific Northwest. Weickmann, who has lived in Seattle for over 30 years, is originally from Colorado — along with her husband and much of her family. After semi-retiring she and her husband began spending half the year back in Colorado to be closer to loved ones.
From November through April, they call Colorado home. Then May through October they spend their time in Washington state. During their stays, they volunteer at Denver International Airport (DEN), and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) as part of each airport’s animal therapy program.
A perfect fit
Unlike the traditional golden retriever, Keena has a red, less dense coat and is often mistaken for an Irish Setter. Weickmann specifically chose Keena from a breeder after searching for a puppy with the right temperament to become a therapy dog. Her original plan was to bring Keena to Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital in Tacoma, where she worked in therapy services.
Keena became a registered therapy dog in 2022 and began volunteering at DEN at the end of 2023 through its CATS (Canine Airport Therapy Squad) program. By the summer of 2024, she was also a regular face at SEA.
“Keena loves people and that has increased as we continue to volunteer in these settings,” Weickmann said. “When we pull her little (therapy dog) vest out, she knows what she’s about to do and gets pretty animated and excited.”
No matter where she goes, Keena brings joy and comfort to those around her and is a pro at adapting to her surroundings. “When she volunteers at the library, she’s quiet and goes to sleep, but at the airport she’s a lot more animated. The environment is a lot more stimulating, and it wears her out at the end of the day. She loves interacting with travelers.”
Comfort in every terminal
Sometimes, that energy brings comfort to those who need it most. Weickmann recalls a woman who rushed up to them and said, “I’ve got to pet your dog. I’m so nervous about getting on the plane.” Although the woman ultimately chose not to board the plane, sitting with Keena brought her a sense of calm.
“A lot of people tell us they miss their pets,” Weickmann said. “They may have been away from them for a while, and it’s nice for them to have an opportunity for them to sit with Keena.”
Weickmann and Keena’s introduction to airport therapy work came through HOPE Animal-Assisted Crisis Response, a national organization where Keena is also certified. As part of their training, they practiced navigating busy spaces, including airports, which helped Keena acclimate to noise and crowds. Soon after, they joined DEN’s CATS Program.
Unique experiences
Both DEN and SEA offer a unique experience for travelers through their animal therapy programs. DEN hosts more than 120 therapy teams, while SEA operates with just 10 for now. At DEN, Keena and Weickmann enter via the employee lot, pass through security, and take a bus directly to the concourse. There, they can either roam or settle in one location. SEA assigns teams to a specific area, reflecting the airport’s smaller footprint and heavier foot traffic.
“I always liked going to the airport,” Weickmann said. “There are a lot of interesting people and it’s a fun environment watching planes take off and land.”
Tail wags for every traveler
Keena has her own routine at the airport. She scans the terminal waiting for someone to make eye contact — her cue to approach people to say hi. Once she gets the ok, she is all in for pets, belly rubs, and sometimes even a handshake. For families traveling with young children or people coping with delays, her presence can be a welcome distraction from a ruff day.
Weickmann remembers a 10- or 11-year-old girl who had been stuck at the airport for hours after a canceled flight. She spent time with Keena and later told Weickmann how grateful she was for the experience. A young boy in a wheelchair once said Keena reminded him of his own dog. His family was in the process of training a service dog for him.
Beyond the airport
But airports aren’t Keena’s only stop. On Sundays in Fort Collins, she visits libraries, where children read aloud to her. These sessions help children build confidence and emotional regulation, while also teaching them basic dog training skills. She also supports hospitals, participates in stress-relief events at community colleges, and serves as a crisis response dog for first responders and victims .
Meet the SEA Pups in person
Want some quality time with Keena or the SEA Pups team? The next time you're at SEA check the Central Terminal to catch SEA Pups in action. And the SEA Pups teams each carry custom trading cards. Collect them all!
Did you know? Our SEA Pups team is growing! Learn more about joining the SEA Pup Animal Therapy team. All dogs must be accredited through Pet Partners.
Meet the SEA volunteers making the airport more welcoming and low stress:
- Meet the volunteer keeping SEA’s Little Free Libraries going
- SEA and USO volunteers serve travelers with dedication
- Volunteers make SEA Airport more welcoming
- Volunteer at SEA
- A little bit of grace at the airport
- SEA volunteer goes from moving planes to people
- SEA volunteer shows lost passenger the way
