What started as a sad day for six-year-old Owen turned into a dream that he never expected. Just like Calvin in Bill Watterson's classic comic books, he lost his stuffed animal friend, Hobbes, when they took off from Tampa International Airport, on the way Houston. His loving mother called the airport to see if they could help. Not only was Hobbes found, he was having a blast.
Airport Operations Center manager Tony D'Aiuto and his staff took the stuffed tiger on an “airport adventure,” snapping cute photos and creating a clever narrative along the way. The boy was thrilled when he was reunited with his good friend, and they now have an amazing story to tell.
Above: “Checking out the FAA Air Traffic Control Tower. Looks like a storm's rolling in!”
“Mmmm … gelato at Carrabba's. Blood orange sounds pretty good.”
“Just helping this guy deliver some luggage at the Marriott. Don't mind me.”
“Broken toilet at Airside E? We're on it!”
“Hope my fur is non-flammable! Guess we'll find out.”
“How do they keep these planes so shiny and clean?”
“At last, Owen returns for me and I get to show him what I've been up to for the last five days. I had so much fun at TPA. Can't wait to come back!”
