October 27, 2025
Forrest Gump has been known to say, “Life is like a box of chocolates — you never know what you’re gonna get.” At Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), you might just get a moment of calm and a wagging tail from Tuck, a six-year-old Dalmatian and certified therapy dog, if you catch him at his normal station in the Central Terminal or roaming through the terminal with his handler Lynn Gonzalez.
Known by Gonzalez as “the Forrest Gump of dogs,” Tuck goes with the flow. He’s steady, friendly, and unflappable, and always ready to make someone’s day a little brighter. As part of the airport’s SEA Pups program, he’s one of nine certified therapy teams offering comfort to travelers and airport staff.
Here are some fun facts about SEA’s favorite spotted comfort companion.
Seeing black and white
One thing that sets Tuck apart from other therapy dogs is his unique coat and spots — he is a purebred Dalmatian. As the only Dalmatian in the SEA Pups program (Dalmatians aren’t common therapy dogs), Tuck’s appearance may catch people’s eye but his gentle, grounding presence draws them in. “He’s calm, steady, and genuinely loves everyone,” Gonzalez said. “That’s what makes him special.”
Fun fact: When Tuck earned his therapy certification, he was the first Dalmatian ever evaluated by his therapy organization!
All in the family
Tuck isn’t the first therapy dog in Gonzalez’ family. As he wanders through the terminal, adding sparkle to travelers’ days, he’s following in the pawprints of Gonzalez’ previous Dalmatian, a rescue, who she worked with as a therapy dog for five years.
“I knew that when I retired, my goal was to be able to do volunteer work, but I couldn’t see myself sitting behind a desk; I wanted to volunteer with my dog,” Gonzalez said. So she began the search for the right Dalmatian who could also make it through the therapy dog certification process. That’s when her journey with Dalmatians as therapy dogs began.
Ending up at SEA
Gonzalez first learned about the SEA Pups program through a dog therapy group in Pierce County. After six weeks of training and orientation at the airport, the two joined the SEA Pups crew and the rest is history. When he’s not at SEA, Tuck spreads joy to other groups of people through volunteering at hospitals, libraries, schools, and dementia care centers.
Calm, cool, and airport-ready
Tuck remains a calm, gentle force in the dynamic, stimulating airport environment. Each day is filled with different smells, sights, and sounds as a steady stream of people move through, many stopping by for a pet or to say hello. When Gonzalez and Tuck arrive at the airport parking garage in the morning to begin their shift, his enthusiasm is unmistakable. “He knows where we are and gets so excited. He’s ready to work.” After a two-hour shift, Tuck is ready for a nap, usually snoozing in the car on the way home.
Every day brings a new story
Gonzalez has been surprised with the personal stories travelers share while spending time with Tuck, showing how short interactions can be meaningful and bring comfort and connection.
“In just 30 seconds, you can learn something powerful,” she said. “One woman told me she was traveling with her autistic son and asked if we would come meet her son down at the A gates. Another traveler in a wheelchair told me she’d had to rehome her dogs due to terminal illness and asked if she could give Tuck a hug. Every day, there’s a story — and you never know who you’ll touch in a positive way.”
These moments are the reason Gonzalez volunteers. “Our goal is simple,” Gonzales said. “To help people smile and feel less stressed while they’re here. When you see someone’s face light up, you know you’ve done your job.”
Run Forrest run
When he’s not on airport duty, Tuck loves to run off-leash in safe, open spaces. Gonzalez makes sure Tuck can let loose at least once or twice a week, getting plenty of exercise and fresh air before his next round of hugs and handshakes.
Spreading smiles
With Tuck, a simple walk through the terminal turns into a parade of smiles. “It usually takes us 10 minutes just to get from the volunteer office (before security) to the concourse,” Gonzalez said. “We get stopped by TSA agents, flight attendants, travelers — you name it. Everyone wants to say hello.” Like many Dalmatians, Tuck loves being around everyone, as long as his favorite person (Gonzalez) is nearby.
Spot Tuck on your next visit
The next time you’re flying through SEA, keep an eye out for Tuck and the SEA Pup therapy dog teams. You’ll find them in the Central Terminal and around the concourses, bringing a little calm to the chaos of travel. And the SEA Pups teams each carry custom trading cards. Collect them all!
Did you know? Our SEA Pups team is growing! Learn more about joining the SEA Pup Animal Therapy team. All dogs must be accredited through Pet Partners.
Can’t get enough? Read the stories of other SEA Pups and track them down the next time you’re at SEA.
- SEA therapy dog brings comfort across state lines
- A little bit of grace at the airport
- Cheers for the SEA Pups
