At the San Francisco International Airport, there is a cat therapist (10 photos)
Traveling can be a lot of fun, but it’s not for everyone. The thought of flying can cause anxiety and even panic attacks for some people. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) officials seem to have found a great solution to this problem. Therapy animals have come to the rescue of those with a fear of flying.
Meet Duke Ellington, the Therapy Cat at San Francisco International Airport 
Four-legged specialists help relieve stress and bring smiles to travelers, and a cat named Duke Ellington has recently joined the team. 
"Duke is the first cat to be invited to join the Wag Brigade! We are thrilled to welcome Duke to our diverse and unique team of therapy animals!" the Wag Brigade said in a social media post.
The furry specialists include several dogs, a rabbit, a pig, and a cat. 
Duke was found starving on the streets of San Francisco in 2010. Luckily, he was adopted by a kind family, where he befriended a 5-year-old girl who convinced her parents that the cat was special. The pet even received a certificate as a therapy animal. 
"Since then, Duke has been helping people of all ages cope with stress, illness, and difficulties. He gives smiles when they need it most," the airport explained. 
10 years ago, a cat received a therapy animal certificate 
It's hard not to notice Duke Ellington, because he's dressed in a pilot's uniform. The cat always comes into the terminals to say hello to passengers. Judging by their reactions, the furry doctor really does lift their spirits. 
The therapeutic potential of animals was recognized in the late 1800s, when nurse Florence Nightingale made remarkable discoveries. She noticed that pets were helping patients in mental hospitals, and wrote in her book, Notes on Nursing, that companionship with pets was conducive to recovery. 
In the early 1930s, Sigmund Freud also noticed the beneficial effects of animals when he began taking his beloved dog Jofi to psychotherapy sessions. 
Madalena Cortes, owner of the Boss Dog kennel in Costa da Caparica, shared her experience.
"I already had my first dog and I thought it would be perfect for therapy. I was even happier when I realized I could work with dogs and children at the same time," said the Portuguese resident. "I worked with children with special needs and what struck me most was that dogs didn't have to do anything to make someone feel better. As soon as they entered the room, their presence gave the children everything they needed." 
"I saw children with severe motor disabilities who struggled to make even the slightest movement to touch a dog or give it food."
