ALBANY, N.Y., Dec. 14 (UPI) -- Albany International Airport reached out to a local celebrity pig to help visitors feel more comfortable about traveling.
Bacon Bits the pig received credentials after being accepted into the airport's "canine ambassador" program.
The 101-pound pot-bellied pig was welcomed into the program to help reduce stress for airport travelers in November after his owner Terry Hutchinson reached out to program director Helen Chadderon.
"I couldn't believe how lovable and friendly he was. He was in my office and wagging his tail and I thought, 'Oh my god, this is great.' The interview went wonderful, Terry was wonderful, Bacon Bits was wonderful, so here we are today," Chadderon told News 10 of Bacon Bits' first visit.
When Bacon Bits officially begins his work he will roam the airport terminal to entertain and relax guests.
The nearly 2-year-old pig has previously spent time serving a similar role visiting children's hospitals and nursing homes in the area.
