By Kevin Smith
As summer travel heats up, many people find themselves grappling with the stress of airport journeys. That’s where the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Wag Brigade steps in to lend a paw—or rather, a friendly furry face.
The SFO Wag Brigade is a delightful team of therapy animals, originally made up of dogs, a rabbit, and a pig. Now, they’ve added a new member to their roster: a charming cat named Duke Ellington.
Duke was rescued from a feral cat colony in San Francisco, and from the moment he was adopted, it was clear he had a special gift for comforting others.
“It quickly became apparent to his new guardians that Duke was a unique cat,” the Wag Brigade shared on Instagram.
Certified as a therapy cat, Duke has spent the past decade helping people of all ages navigate stress, illness, and hardship with his calming presence and friendly demeanor.
Though he’s a new addition to the SFO Wag Brigade, Duke isn’t new to therapy work. At 14 years old, he’s been spreading cheer as a therapy animal for 10 years. He now makes regular appearances at SFO, visiting terminals to offer comfort to travelers preparing for their flights.
The arrangement is a win-win—Duke enjoys the petting and attention, while travelers benefit from his soothing presence.
When he’s not at the airport, Duke enjoys lounging in classic cat fashion, as seen on his personal Instagram page.
Next time you’re at SFO, keep an eye out for Duke sporting his pilot uniform. He’s sure to make your travel experience a bit brighter.
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