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San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) was the first airport in the United States to introduce therapy animals in the terminals, shortly after 9/11. It all started with a rescue Boxer/Great Dane mix named Orion and his owner, Kathryn Liebschutz, a volunteer interfaith chaplain at SJC. Kathryn had the idea to bring Orion to the Airport to help ease the anxieties of travelers. Orion quickly became a beloved figure among both passengers and staff, spreading joy and comfort with every wag of his tail.
But SJC wasn't done making history. In March 2017, we introduced Mokey, the first-ever therapy cat to volunteer at an airport. Alongside his owner, Patricia Guthrie, Mokey embarked on a mission to bring smiles and calm to SJC's passengers.
After seven remarkable years of service, Mokey has hung up his badge and retired to Florida. He made one final appearance at SJC, in this year’s Valentine's Day SJC Happy Tails parade.
Mokey has been a pioneering service cat, and we’re thankful to him and his owner for all the time they volunteered at our airport. Together, all these Happy Tails furry volunteers embody the spirit of love and support that help make SJC a special place for travelers.