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K-9 Parish Comfort Dogs lend a paw to grieving Newtown families [Photos]
The canine volunteers made an 800-mile journey from Chicago to Newtown, Conn., to comfort those affected by the Sandy Hook school shooting.
Tue, Dec 18 2012 at 1:34 PM
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Photo: K-9 Parish Comfort Dogs
Grief counseling on four legs
The nine golden retrievers sent by the Lutheran Church Charities made their first stop Sunday at Christ the King Lutheran Church, which held funerals this week for two children killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
The K-9 Parish Comfort Dog program began in 2008 at Northern Illinois University after a gunman killed five students. Today, the initiative has grown from just a few dogs in the Chicago area to 60 dogs in six states.
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Photo: K-9 Parish Comfort Dogs
Comfort dogs and their handlers
When the dogs aren’t lending a helping paw to those affected by tragedy, they visit people in hospitals and nursing homes. Each of the dogs carries a business card with its name, Facebook page, Twitter account and email so the people they comfort can keep in touch.
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Photo: K-9 Parish Comfort Dogs
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Photo: K-9 Parish Comfort Dogs
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Photo: K-9 Parish Comfort Dogs
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Photo: K-9 Parish Comfort Dogs
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Photo: K-9 Parish Comfort Dogs
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Photo: K-9 Parish Comfort Dogs
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Photo: K-9 Parish Comfort Dogs
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Photo: K-9 Parish Comfort Dogs
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Photo: K-9 Parish Comfort Dogs
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Photo: K-9 Parish Comfort Dogs
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Photo: K-9 Parish Comfort Dogs
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Photo: K-9 Parish Comfort Dogs
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My sons had the benefit of this group when they made their first journey to the campus of Northern Illinois University. I remember my sons mentioning the visit and I think it brought the campus much comfort to pet these dogs and have the opportunity to speak to the handler if they felt like they wanted to talk. Great organization!
oops, sorry, people. I meant Connecticut, not NH.
This made me cry. How Lucky we all are that Dogs Exist, and that there are humans who understand Dogs' Value and who share that 'Generosity of Spirit' to go so far out of their way to comfort those who desperately need it!
The Golden are the best with people but they look very tired of the trip, I live in CT and I know there's the same Golden Retrivier Supourt groups local, there's no need to come that far. The local people should have done that. The dogs loves kids and people but their looking very tired. How come the local people did not do that? Anyways it was nice to have then but we have to considerate the dogs well being also.
I have a golden who has comforted me ever since my son died; he is the most loving dog I have ever known and I am so pleased that these beautiful comfort dogs are with the people of Newtown, CT. If anyone can bring them comfort, they can!
wHAT A GREAT COMFORT; I WOULD LIKE TO SAY A BIG THANK YOU TO THOSE DOGS AND THEIR HANDLERS. WHAT A WONDERFUL GIFT TO GIVE TO OTHERS IN NEED (COMFORT)
So heartening to hear of these kind folks driving these dogs all the way from Chicago...this is truly a trip of love.
I have Golden who is young but very sensitive.....she comforts me
every day.....thank these people for doing this....how wonderful
What wonderful souls-the Dogs and the People who got them there. Susan,OKC
The dogs will know who and how much they are needed by each child they come in contact with, then they will give all the love they have to let that child know, they will be ok.
Best therapy..... A dog senses our pain and grief. Quite the consoles they are. My goldens Mick and Flotus guarded me, carefully. Slept on my bed comforting my broken soul.
Animals are great therapists. They understand more then we give them credit for.
These dogs are exactly what that town needs right now.
Animals are wonderful, especially humans best friend.