Lilou, the airport therapy pig

At San Francisco airport she is the most beloved land travel assistant. LiLou, this is her name, is not a hostess, but a small pig. If you land after a long flight it is likely that you will find her there, at the arrivals, ready to rip you a smile. LiLou is part, along with some dogs, of the Wag Brigade, a group of animals that are used by the airport for pet therapy, in this case to relax and entertain passengers stressed by the journey. “The presence of members of the Wag Brigade, their unconditional and gide-free love reduces depression and anxiety,” explains Jennifer Henley of the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which activated the airport service in 2013. LiLou is the latest arrival. In addition to being present, she manages to amaze travelers by greeting them (with a grunt or by nodding her head), turning on herself, rising on two legs and even playing a keyboard, and then ending the performance with a bow ( and punctually gathering applause, caresses and sweets). “It is apparent that LiLou is happy when she shows her abilities and receives compliments,” says her owner, Tatyana Danilova. “It is exciting to be able to do something for the community and bring joy in such an original way.” The pig also has an Instagram page (lilou_sfpig) where it shows itself in all its glory. When she is not at the airport, LiLou visits patients in hospitals and nursing homes: confirmation that animals are more human than humans.