For almost 5 years, pup Gema has been a hard-working service dog at Orlando National Airport (MCO).
So when it came time for her retirement, her colleagues couldn’t help but throw her a celebration!
“There she is! K-9 Gema is ready to party. She’s retiring after almost 5 years at MCO with handler Eddie,” MCO wrote on Twitter.
There she is! K-9 Gema is ready to party. She’s retiring after almost 5 years at MCO with handler Eddie. #HappyRetirementGema pic.twitter.com/4PUsHP4rmX
— Orlando Intl Airport (@MCO) June 8, 2017
“We’re celebrating the retirement of one of our most loyal and dedicated employees – & we’re sending her off in style.”
We’re celebrating the retirement of one of our most loyal and dedicated employees – & we’re sending her off in style. #HappyRetirementGema pic.twitter.com/EejsGJ6D1B
— Orlando Intl Airport (@MCO) June 8, 2017
The pooch’s handler, named Eddie, was proudly by her side during the party. According to a tweet from @MCO, Gema is much more than a pet to her human. He said:
“In darkness, she is my eyes. She’s my sister, my protection. When lonely, she lets me know I’m not.”
“In darkness, she is my eyes. She’s my sister, my protection. When lonely, she lets me know I’m not.”- Handler Eddie N.#HappyRetirementGema pic.twitter.com/N3YRJhCkxk
— Orlando Intl Airport (@MCO) June 8, 2017
Some surprise guests stopped in to enjoy the festivities. Fellow MCO service dogs (and Gema’s “besties”) Grand, Fina, and Liza came to share their congratulations!
Surprise! We brought Gema’s besties to help send her off – fellow MCO K-9s Grand, Fina and Liza. 🐶#HappyRetirementGema pic.twitter.com/LKY8KdMqz8
— Orlando Intl Airport (@MCO) June 8, 2017
This deserving dog got treated to a giant, meaty bone…
The sweet rewards of retirement. #HappyRetirementGema pic.twitter.com/OoJydnYWaV
— Orlando Intl Airport (@MCO) June 8, 2017
…and she donned a pink “retirement crown” to show off her inner princess.
Yep, she’s got a retirement crown. 👑 #HappyRetirementGema pic.twitter.com/ZN5J7VPLZY
— Orlando Intl Airport (@MCO) June 8, 2017
We’re so glad that this sweetheart got recognition for a job well done! We hope you enjoy your retirement, Gema!
