Traveling is super thrilling, but it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. A recent study shows that over 90% of Americans feel anxious about it. Thankfully, the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Wag Brigade has come up with a brilliant solution by partnering with therapy animals. These animals not only help to alleviate stress but also bring joy to travelers’ faces. The newest addition to the team is a cat named Duke Ellington. Check out @sfowagbrigade for more information. San Francisco International Airport has brought in Duke Ellington the cat to provide comfort to nervous travelers.
Photo courtesy of sfowagbrigade
Photo courtesy of sfowagbrigade
“Meet Duke, the latest furry addition to the Wag Brigade team at SFO! This lovable cat is making history as the first feline member of this unique therapy animal group, which is mainly made up of dogs but also includes a rabbit and a pig.
Rescued from the streets of San Francisco in 2010, Duke was fortunate to find a loving family who saw his potential as a therapy animal. After forming a special bond with their young daughter, the family made the decision to have Duke certified by the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Since becoming a certified therapy cat, Duke has been using his special talents to help people of all ages cope with stress, illness, and difficult times. His presence brings smiles and comfort to those who need it most.
Whether he’s roaming the terminals in his colorful uniform or greeting passengers about to board their flights, Duke has quickly become a favorite among travelers. His playful and comforting nature has been proven to reduce stress and make people’s journeys more pleasant.
Having received his official certification as a therapy cat a decade ago, Duke continues to spread joy and comfort to all who cross his path.”
Photo courtesy of duke_therapy_cat
Photo courtesy of duke_therapy_cat.
Photo courtesy of duke_therapy_cat
Photo credit: duke_therapy_catThe potential of animal therapy has been recognized since the late 1800s, thanks to Florence Nightingale’s pioneering work in the field of modern nursing. Nightingale observed that small pets could help ease anxiety in both children and adults living in psychiatric institutions. In her book ‘Notes on Nursing,’ she noted that the presence of small animals aided in patients’ recovery.In the early 1930s, Sigmund Freud also acknowledged the benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) by incorporating his dog, Jofi, into his psychotherapy sessions. Freud believed that dogs possessed a keen sense of perception and could sense a patient’s level of tension. He observed that when Jofi stayed close to a patient, they were more relaxed, whereas if the dog remained distant, the patient was likely tense.Madalena Cortez, the owner of Boss Dog in Costa da Caparica, has experienced firsthand the transformative power of animal therapy. During an interview with Bored Panda, she shared how she discovered this potential while pursuing training courses for her own dog.“I realized that working with dogs and children simultaneously was a perfect fit for me,” Madalena recalled. “Dogs have a natural ability to uplift others without even trying. Their mere presence brings joy and comfort, especially to children with special needs.”Madalena witnessed the positive impact of these interactions, noting how children with significant mobility challenges would make an effort to reach out and connect with the therapy dog. When asked about the requirements for a therapy dog, she emphasized the importance of selecting the right handler and environment for the dog.“Therapy dogs need handlers who are sensitive and respectful of both the dog and the patient,” Madalena explained. “Proper training is essential to ensure that the dog and handler can effectively bond with the patients and adapt to unforeseen circumstances during therapy sessions.”
Credit for the image goes to @bossdogpt.
Credit for the image goes to @bossdogpt.
SFO introduced the “Wag Brigade” program in 2013, featuring specially chosen animals suited for the airport environment. The team has been making a great impact since then, spreading joy to travelers. One notable member is Duke Ellington, the cat in a cute pilot outfit. Make sure to say hello and snuggle with this furry professional next time you’re at SFO, ensuring your travel day is extra special and memorable.