QUEENS, N.Y. -  Once a month, Donna Austin and her rescued greyhound Kiowa trade in a long walk outside for a stroll through LaGuardia Airport.

"He knows when I put his vest on, it’s time to go to work," Austin said.

Austin is a volunteer with Bideawee, a non-profit animal welfare agency and Kiowa is her five-year-old certified therapy dog. 

Together, they bring joy to anxious or frustrated flyers in LaGuardia’s Terminal B. 

"I often hear people say, 'Oh this is the best thing to happen to me in an airport!' And all they did was spend maybe a minute petting the dog, but it was very meaningful to them," Austin said.

Austin started volunteering with Bideawee almost 10 years ago as a way to keep herself busy during retirement. 

Always an animal lover, she eventually wanted to find a way to donate her time with her dog by her side.

That’s when she found Bideawee’s pet therapy program. She enrolled Kiowa, and after a year of training, Kiowa was also ready to give back. 

Now, Austin and her four-legged friend travel to nursing homes, schools and the airport to help those in need. 

"Coming to an airport is so stressful, everyone is rushing to get through security, they don’t want to miss their flight, everything is so hectic. And just taking a moment to relax and connect with a dog is awesome," said Wesley Mann, a traveler.

Austin agrees. She says it’s a simple way to brighten someone's day. 

"Dogs are magic, they’re just magic. It’s just the best volunteer work in the world, you bring comfort and smiles to people," Austin added.

So, for bringing comfort to travelers and others during what could be turbulent times, Donna Austin and Kiowa are our New Yorkers of the Week.