Whatever retirement party you’ve attended, Gema the K-9 airport dog had a better one on Thursday.
For her five years of loyal — even dogged —service sniffing travelers’ bags at the Orlando International Airport, Gema was rewarded with the a party of a lifetime, filled with treats, presents, and all of her friends, human and canine.
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 International Airport (@MCO) June 8, 2017
Our awesome MCO doggo Gema is headed to retirement. Catch the #HappyRetirementGema party on our Instagram story. 🐶
📸: flymco pic.twitter.com/iwyxLUfP2T
— Orlando International Airport (@MCO) June 8, 2017
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 International Airport (@MCO) June 8, 2017
Gema is going to spend her golden years of retirement from duty with her handler Eddie, according to the airport’s Twitter account, which documented the whole party for our delight.
“In darkness, she is my eyes. She’s my sister, my protection. When lonely, she lets me know I’m not,” Eddie said.
She didn’t only get compliments from her two-legged supervisors, she also got treats!
The sweet rewards of retirement. #HappyRetirementGema pic.twitter.com/OoJydnYWaV
— Orlando International Airport (@MCO) June 8, 2017
In her sendoff, she was treated like the queen she is.
Yep, she's got a retirement crown. 👑 #HappyRetirementGema pic.twitter.com/ZN5J7VPLZY
— Orlando International Airport (@MCO) June 8, 2017
Help, I can’t stop smiling! I’m getting emotional looking at a dog wearing a pink plastic tiara! What a good doggo. Here’s to you, Gema. May we all one day get the retirement party as lovely and as well-attended as yours.
