In what is likely the realization of many a childhood nightmare, six-year-old Owen Lake left his traveling companion behind. The stuffed tiger, Hobbes, was stranded at Tampa International Airport while making the journey to Houston.

Luckily for Hobbes and Owen, the stuffed companion was picked up by airport personnel. While he didn’t get to go to Houston, Hobbes did have a great adventure at the airport, learning the ins and outs of Tampa International, like the VIP he is.

Hobbes checks the weather over the FAA control tower.

Instagram / flyTPA

He also went on a luggage delivery run to the nearby Marriott hotel…

Instagram / flyTPA

…and stopped for some gelato.

Instagram / flyTPA

He got to see some behind-the-scenes action, as well, like how everything is kept in order in the busy airport…

Instagram / flyTPA

…and how the planes are kept clean and shiny.

Instagram / flyTPA

He even went into some pretty restricted areas!

Instagram / flyTPA

But after a week, it was time to go home.

Instagram / flyTPA

Owen and his family returned to the airport after their trip, where he was reunited with Hobbes. Owen was also given a photo album of Hobbes’ adventures in the airport, so he and Hobbes could compare journeys. Owen’s mom was overjoyed at the airport’s kindness. “It was very, very sweet,” she said. “We already told him over and over that Hobbes was on an adventure, so it was nice to get back and show him that Hobbes really had been on an adventure.”

(via Tampa International Airport, BoredPanda)

Now that Hobbes and Owen are both experienced travelers, perhaps we’ll see more of their adventures — hopefully together this time! And Tampa International Airport wasn’t the only group to welcome Hobbes. On their Twitter, you can see the rest of the people who chipped in to give Hobbes the time of his stuffed life. See more great shots and airplane fun on their Instagram and Facebook.