Nearly 3 million people pass through American airports every single day. Some spend long layovers, and others dash in and out as fast as they can. While flying is a fast and often convenient way to travel, it’s also expensive and, for some, quite anxiety-inducing. For years, travelers passing through San Francisco International Airport might get a special treat. LiLou, the world’s first certified airport therapy pig, often paraded around the terminals offering a bit of cheer to passengers. With her fancy costumes and perfectly manicured toes, LiLou always made people smile.
Videos by InspireMore
LiLou Had Very Special Training to Become an Airport Therapy Pig
“My Mom and I enjoy our daily walks around the city, meeting people from around the world. Everyone we meet leaves with a smile, and every day we hear that we have made someone’s day. Travelers say we add a cherry on top for their trip to San Francisco! My Mom noticed that our interactions with people also brought a lot of joy to me. We decided to bring this joy further into our community,” LiLou’s website explains.
“As a result, we completed the training, and I became the 1st certified Therapy Pig in the Animal Assisted Therapy Program with San Francisco’s Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SF SPCA) in January 2016. A few months later, I made my first visit to San Francisco Airport (SFO) and became the World’s 1st Airport Therapy Pig.”
LiLou has not posted on social media since New Year’s Day 2025. It’s unclear exactly where she is now, but many believe she passed away. While her time on this earth may have been short, she made a huge impact.
“Miss you Lilou!! My mom wants to know what nail polish you use because my pigtastic friend Buttercup needs a hooficure,” a fan shared.
This story’s featured image can be found here.
Want to be happier in just 5 minutes a day? Sign up for Morning Smile and join over 455,000+ people who start each day with good news.
