Traveling is an adventure that can be thrilling for some, but not everyone finds it enjoyable. A recent study revealed that over 90% of Americans feel anxious about traveling.
In response to this, the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Wag Brigade has come up with a clever solution by partnering with therapy animals. These furry companions not only help to reduce stress levels but also bring joy to passengers, with the newest addition to the team being a cat named Duke Ellington.
For more updates on Duke and the rest of the Wag Brigade, check out their social media page @sfowagbrigade.
Credit for the image goes to sfowagbrigade.
Photo courtesy of sfowagbrigade
The first cat to join the Wag Brigade at SFO is Duke! The airport proudly introduced Duke as the newest member of their team of therapy animals, which mainly consists of dogs but also includes a rabbit and a pig.
Duke’s journey began when he was rescued from the streets of San Francisco in 2010. He was adopted by a caring family, and quickly formed a special bond with their young daughter. Recognizing Duke’s unique qualities, the girl persuaded her family to have him certified as a therapy animal through the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Since becoming a certified therapy animal, Duke has been working his magic, providing comfort and support to people of all ages dealing with stress, illness, and hardships. His presence brings smiles to their faces when they need it most.
Through heartwarming photos and videos on SFO’s Instagram, Duke can be seen in his colorful therapy uniform, greeting passengers in the terminals and spreading joy to those getting ready to board their flights. The reactions captured in these moments clearly show that Duke is making a positive impact, making travel less stressful and more enjoyable for everyone he meets.
It has been a decade since Duke officially became a therapy cat, and his presence at SFO continues to bring comfort and happiness to all who encounter him.
Photo courtesy of duke_therapy_cat
Photo courtesy of duke_therapy_cat
Photo courtesy of duke_therapy_cat
Credit for the image goes to duke_therapy_cat, showcasing the therapeutic potential of animals that dates back to the late 1800s. Florence Nightingale, known as the founder of modern nursing, discovered the benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) by observing how small pets helped anxious children and adults in psychiatric institutions. In the 1930s, Sigmund Freud also recognized the impact of AAT by using his dog, Jofi, in psychotherapy sessions to help patients manage their tension levels.
Madalena Cortez, the owner of Boss Dog in Costa da Caparica, also acknowledges the power of animal therapy. She stumbled upon this concept while looking for training courses for her dog, which eventually led her to work with dogs and children simultaneously. Madalena witnessed firsthand the positive effects of dogs on children with special needs, noting how the presence of a dog alone could bring joy and comfort to the kids.
She emphasized the importance of sensitivity and respect in working with therapy dogs, highlighting the need for both the handler and the dog to be trained for such interactions. Understanding the bond between the dog and the patient is crucial in achieving the intended therapeutic outcomes, as it allows for adaptability in unexpected situations during therapy sessions.
Photo credits: @bossdogpt
Credit for the image goes to @bossdogpt.
Photo courtesy of @bossdogpt
The San Francisco International Airport (SFO) rolled out their “Wag Brigade” initiative in 2013, featuring specially chosen animals with the right personality and comfort for airport duties. The team has been spreading positivity ever since.
You can easily spot Duke Ellington in his charming pilot outfit. If you happen to be at SFO, make sure to pet and show some love to this furry staff member who works hard to ensure every traveler has a memorable and joyful experience.