‘Please pet me.’: Comfort dogs help heal survivors from the Florida shooting

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The Lutheran Church Charities K9 comfort dogs are currently visiting with the victims and survivors of the Parkland, Florida, shooting.

“When a disaster or crisis occurs, we deploy them out to bring comfort to people who are suffering. We only use AKC Golden Retrievers as they by nature are lovers and work good inside and outside,” said Tim Hetzner, President/CEO of the group.

golden retriever support dog sits while three teen girls crouch down to pet dogs head

https://twitter.com/LucasDaprile/status/964175301050818561

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golden retriever with head turned to side at forefront with a white post surrounded by candles and flowers in background
Lutheran Church Charities

When someone pets one of our LCC K9 Comfort Dogs it lowers their blood pressure and makes them relax.  When they relax, they can talk about what they have gone through which is an important part of the healing process.  Our LCC K9 Comfort Dogs are confidential, show unconditional love, are excellent listeners, and never judge those they serve.

golden retriever with blue vest on stands while teen girls gather around crouching to pet dog
Lutheran Church Charities

In a school we work as a tool for the counselors in helping students talk about the tragic event they have gone through.  We do wakes and funerals if invited to be with family and friends.  They are trained to sit and as well as to lie down and actually become comfort rugs with a heartbeat for people to lay down on.

support dog with vest that says, "Jacaob" lies on ground while young boy pets his back
Lutheran Church Charities

This story was submitted to Love What Matters by Lutheran Church Charities. 

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