The first responders in Surfside condo collapse are getting support from these smart furry colleagues. Namely, nine comfort dogs from several states were brought to South Florida to help with the condo rescuers’ mental health.
These golden retrievers have an important job: to assist rescuers to cope with the immense emotional toll from the collapse.
According to Bonnie Fear from the Lutheran Church Charities K9 Comfort Dog Ministry, these dogs are there for the rescuers. The sweet pups are there to offer support to everyone who’s been impacted by the tragedy.
Sloppy Kisses, Knowing Eyes & Tear-Catching Fur
The latest team that went to Miami to help in the aftermath of the Surfside condo collapse consists of four-legged friends.
These trained golden retrievers serve the first responders who’re working day and night in the search and rescue (and recovery) of the 62 people who are still unaccounted for.
These amazing dogs will help the rescuers release stress. They will come up to the rescuers, fall to their knees and the rescuers will start to cry or smile. Fear says these dogs are the bridge from the people who want to grieve the loss.
Wonderful Working Animals that Help Suffering People
The LCC K9 comfort dogs are working dogs trained to provide comfort to suffering people of different ages. In fact, they were sent to Connecticut after the tragedy which happened at the Sandy Hook Elementary School and at Parklands’ Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
According to the president of LCC K9, Tim Hetzner, this organization brings peace and comfort in the form of furry golden retrievers.
Hetzner explains that in a lot of traumatizing situations, these dogs are essential for healing. For example in Sandy Hook, some of the kids didn’t talk for days until they petted some of their comfort dogs and then told them what happened because they felt safe around them.
The organization can receive donations that will be used to cover their travel expenses, but they never charge those who they serve.
Aren’t they lovely?
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