Photo: BusinessInsider.com
It first started in 2008. During the aftermath surrounding the Northern Illinois University shootings, a small group from Lutheran Church Charities provided Golden Retrievers to help comfort the students through that difficult time. Sure enough, these dogs were so popular, Northern Illinois invited them back to help.
Fast forward to present day, where ten dogs came to aid children and adults alike from the Newtown Massacre. A total of ten dogs have been sent from Chicago alone. There are over 60 dogs in six different states. They have been specially trained to sit and be quiet. Many children will pet them and start smiling again. Others who have been more severely affected, will just sit there and pet them for a longer period of time. They remind children of a more innocent and whimsical time. They may brighten their holiday season as well.
Dogs can sense when a person needs some comfort and few do it better than these therapy dogs. The group plans on staying as long as they are needed. If you would like to learn more about this group, visit their Facebook page
No comments:
Post a Comment