The WAG Brigade is a group of certified therapy dogs that the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals take to the San Francisco airport to greet passengers. They provide comfort, entertainment, and smiles to weary and stressed travelers. Most of the dogs also have duties at hospitals, nursing homes, and other facilities that could use a friendly, people-oriented pet. The newest member of the WAG Brigade is different. She's a pig, named LiLou, who is a certified Animal Assisted Therapist (AAT) and loves to interact with people. LiLou also has an extensive repertoire of tricks she performs for appreciative audiences.
According to the SFSPCA, "At a minimum, AAT pets must be solicitous and fully comfortable with handling. In other words, pets must be interested in and eager to approach people and accept handling, regardless of the person’s age, gender, race, size, mobility equipment usage, and apparel." LiLou nailed her training and is now dispatched to the airport once a month.
Read more about LiLou at SFGate. And see more of her at Instagram.