Longtime Airport Service Dog Retires

PHOTO: The Main Terminal at Orlando International Airport. (photo via Flickr/Christian Lambert) A service dog who worked at Orlando International Airport for almost five years was treated to a retirement party last week.According to ABCNews.com, the service dog named Gema was honored by employees of the Orlando airport for her service to the facility, and organizers invited other service animals to join in the festivities.The official Twitter account of Orlando International Airport documented the celebration.We're celebrating the retirement of one of our most loyal and dedicated employees - & we're sending her off in style. #HappyRetirementGemapic.twitter.com/EejsGJ6D1B— Orlando Intl Airport (@MCO) June 8, 2017There she is! K-9 Gema is ready to party. She's retiring after almost 5 years at MCO with handler Eddie. #HappyRetirementGemapic.twitter.com/4PUsHP4rmX— Orlando Intl Airport (@MCO) June 8, 2017Surprise! We brought Gema's besties to help send her off - fellow MCO K-9s Grand, Fina and Liza. #HappyRetirementGemapic.twitter.com/LKY8KdMqz8— Orlando Intl Airport (@MCO) June 8, 2017Happiness level:  #HappyRetirementGemapic.twitter.com/WvVVhboyG6— Orlando Intl Airport (@MCO) June 8, 2017The sweet rewards of retirement. #HappyRetirementGemapic.twitter.com/OoJydnYWaV— Orlando Intl Airport (@MCO) June 8, 2017“In darkness, she is my eyes. She's my sister, my protection. When lonely, she lets me know I'm not,” Gema’s handler, Eddie, said about the retiring airport employee.READ MORE: How Hotels Are Going the Extra Mile to Accommodate DogsAs part of the celebration, Gema wore a sparkly pink tiara, which officials at the airport called her retirement crown. Gema received an oversized bone with a bow on it for her hard work over the last five years.Now she can happily live out the rest of her days in peace after a prestigious career serving the passengers and employees of Orlando International Airport.Follow @Donald_Wood