Hold onto your whiskers, because San Francisco Airport has just upped its game in the cuddle department.
The northern California airport has welcomed a charming feline named Duke Ellington Morris, affectionally known as "Duke," to join their prestigious "Wag Brigade," reports the Independent. Yes, that's right—a cat has officially become an airport employee.
SFO made the grand announcement on their Twitter account, showing off Duke in all his glory. Picture this: a dashing 14-year-old black and white cat, rocking a pilot's hat and a shirt collar. Talk about the purrfect fashion statement!
Purrlease welcome our newest Wag Brigade member, Duke Ellington Morris! ???? pic.twitter.com/FDSw1a55Ef
— San Francisco International Airport (SFO) ✈️ (@flySFO) June 8, 2023
But what exactly is the Wag Brigade?
The program was first launched by the California airport in 2013, with the genius idea of using animals to help sooth anxious travellers. At first, they stuck with the seemingly obviously choice, dogs. But over time, they expanded their four-legged therapy team to include cats, rabbits, and even the world's first therapy pig, LilLou. Clearly, they're not horsing around when it comes to passenger comfort.
Speaking of horses, SFO isn't the only place that knows the secret to happier travels.
In 2017, Cincinnati/Northern Ohio Airport decided to take things to the next level by introducing miniature therapy horses to their stress-busting squad. Twice a month, these pint-sized horses trot through the check-in area, providing comfort to passengers with their adorable presence. With a team of 34 strong provided by Seven Oaks Farm in Ohio, these horses receive special training to handle the airport's hustle and bustle. And guess what? It's working like a charm. One airport worker, Wendi Orlando, spilled the beans, saying, "It's just to ease anxiety levels, put smiles on faces. Clearly that's working."
Before his airport gig, Duke had a humble beginning. He was rescued by the SPCA from a feral cat colony in 2010, back when he was just a fluffy little kitten. He was adopted by a five-year-old girl and her mother, who saw Duke's true potential and got him certified as a therapy animal. It's like a heartwarming rags-to-riches story, but with fur.
Of course, Duke didn't land this pawsome gig just because he was cute. All of the airport's Wag Brigade have to pass a temperament test and complete the Animal Assisted Therapy (ATT) program from San Francisco's SPCA. Talk about working your tail off!
To celebrate Duke's new title, his devoted owners run an Instagram account in his honour. They couldn't contain their excitement, posting, "Happy is not the word... elated!"
Oh, Duke, the world can't get enough of your whiskered charm.
So, next time you're feeling a case of pre-flight jitters, keep an eye out for Duke and his Wag Brigade pals, or maybe even some therapy horses prancing through the terminal. They're here to make your travel experience less ruff and more delightful.
After all, who needs a first-class ticket when you can have a first-class snuggle session?
