From Feral Colony to Airport Celebrity

Duke Ellington Morris is making history as the first feline member of San Francisco International Airport's WAG Brigade. This 14-year-old therapy cat now spends his days bringing comfort to stressed travelers with his calm, friendly demeanor.

A Rough Start to a Royal Life

Despite his jazz legend namesake and fancy purple collar, Duke's story began in harsh conditions. Back in 2010, he was discovered starving in a feral cat colony and brought to animal care and control. Staff quickly noticed something special about him - he wasn't actually feral at all.

When Jen Morris and her daughter visited the shelter looking for a pet, Duke made his choice clear. He repeatedly pawed at Jen's daughter through his crate, seeming to select his new family himself. Once home, he settled in right away, showing no adjustment period and immediately welcoming visitors.

Finding His Calling as a Therapy Cat

Duke's natural comfort with people and new situations suggested he might have a gift for therapy work. This hunch proved correct when he passed the SPCA animal therapy program's temperament test with exceptional marks.

For over a decade since then, Duke has been brightening lives as a therapy cat. His regular schedule has included weekly visits to patients at UCSF Health and special appearances each semester at San Francisco State University, where students get much-needed pet therapy during stressful exam periods.

Making History at SFO

Now Duke has added another impressive achievement to his resume - becoming the first cat ever hired by San Francisco International Airport's WAG Brigade. The program, which traditionally featured only dogs, brings trained therapy animals to terminals to help ease travel anxiety.

Duke has proven to be a natural at his new job, quickly becoming popular with passengers of all ages who delight in meeting this unusual airport employee.

A Message of Hope

Through Duke's remarkable journey, Jen hopes to send an important message to potential pet adopters: adult rescue animals have incredible potential and often make wonderful companions. She also encourages pet owners to consider whether their animals might have aptitude for therapy work, which can bring joy to so many people in need of comfort.

Duke continues to inspire both at the airport and online, where fans can follow his ongoing adventures as San Francisco's most distinguished therapy cat.