It’s no secret that a short hug or cuddle with a dog has amazing healing powers, and no one is more in need of that comfort right now than the people of Orlando. That’s why an organization that provides just that — canine love and comfort — headed there almost as soon as they heard the news.
In the days following the mass shooting, comfort dogs from all over the country, including those from The Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dogs, flew to the distressed city to give a little love to survivors and others affected.
These trained dogs bring a calming influence in the middle of chaos, and sometimes just sitting down and petting one has an amazing ability to clear the mind and calm the soul. It’s a small start on the road to recovery, but it’s a big deal to those aching for comfort during what might be the hardest time in their lives.
During their time in Orlando, the dogs will mostly visit hospitals and churches, doing what they can to bring much-needed smiles to those hurt and in mourning. According to their website, they are working through Trinity Lutheran Church in downtown Orlando. The church has a ministry of outreach to the LGBT community in the Orlando area, which means they have ties to some of those with the biggest need right now.
This isn’t the first time these dogs have been sent to circumstances such as this. This same organization was deployed to help out after the tragedy at Sandy Hook in 2012, the Oregon college shooting in 2015, the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013 and many other tragedies and natural disasters.
Leaving on a jet plane
It takes a lot of coordination to get this many dogs — and their handlers — into the air.
On their way
Seven comfort dogs from the Chicago area get ready to board their flight to Orlando.
Making friends
They were making friends before they even left the airport.
At the airport
Never off duty, the dogs even comforted passengers before and after flights while waiting for their own.
Safely landed
Comfort dogs Gracie and Katie take a small break after a long flight from Iowa to Orlando.
Sasha
Sasha journeyed to Orlando by car from South Carolina. Imagine all the hugs she saved up along the way!
Giving comfort
Two comfort dogs do what they do best while in Orlando.
Fighting back tears
One Orlando woman fights back tears as a group of dogs surround her with love.
Hugs
One furry hug goes a long, long way.
Morning cuddles
This big crew of pups started their morning with extra snuggles at the hotel before heading off to their work day.
Welcome to Orlando
Pastor Bill, of Orlando, welcomes the dogs to his community.
Ruthie the dog
A comfort dog named Ruthie comforts Pastor Bill, of Orlando.
Smiles through tears
Barnabas, a Comfort Dog from Indiana, brings a smile to a teary face in Orlando.
Greeting Orlando officers
Comfort Dogs greet police officers working at the local senior center, where familes of victims are recieving counseling services.
Visiting fire fighters
The dogs know that local first responders need a lot of comfort too.
Downtime
Mahlah the dog takes a much needed nap between shifts.
Cooling down
It’s hot in Orlando, especially under all that fur. Thankfully, the people of Orlando are sharing the love too in the form of ice.
Big smiles
It’s almost impossible not to smile when a dog like this wants to be on your lap.
Gracie
Gracie is just one of the many Comfort Dogs who made the journey to Orlando.
Ruthie gets ready
Ruthie is another dog who made the trip.
Phoebe
Phoebe got a late start due to weather, but she’s ready to join her team in Orlando.
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