Cunning Cat Infiltrates Airport’s Canine Therapy Program [Video]
Denver International Airport has a Canine Airport Therapy Squad (CATS) to offer travelers some stress relief as they journey through. Officials at the airport recognize that sometimes traveling can mean anxiety and stress for passengers, and their CATS program offers travelers some interaction with therapy dogs to help make the travel just a little bit more calm and enjoyable.
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The dogs are all registered Therapy dogs, and enjoy having their pictures taken as they are hugged and pet by weary travelers. They even have “Pet Me!” vests that encourage passengers to enjoy their company. Yes, people love the dogs being there and the dogs love being with the people!
So imagine the surprise people might have when they meet Xeli, the 12-pound domestic short-hair kitteh who happens to be the first actual CAT to join the CATS team! Xeli met her public Friday in a meet-and-greet in the airport’s Jeppesen Terminal building, and she joins 75 doggos who already volunteer their therapy services.
Xeli is also a trained and certified therapy cat, and she, along with her canine comrades, will work in two-hour shifts at the airport giving snuggles, love and overall adorableness to all passengers she sees.
Related: Is There Such a Thing as Therapy Cats?
Airport spokesperson Daria Serna said they know that many people love cats as much as they love dogs (dogs everywhere are saying, “As if!”) and they are excited to have the ever-cheerful kitty cat there to meet lots of people and make them smile.
Hmmmmm… a cat that loves people and wants to make them smile? Sounds like the airport may be changing the name of their program very soon!
More by Lori Ennis