Orlando has been faced with some incredible hardships this past week.
However, a squad of “comfort dogs” are doing all they can to bring relief to those affected by tragedy.
A total of 12 dogs and 20 volunteers from Lutheran Church Charities Comfort Dogs arrived in Orlando to work with hospitals, victims and first responders.
“They help people relax and calm down,” Tim Hetzner, president of the LCC Comfort Dogs, told ABC News.
“Your blood pressure goes down when you pet a dog, you feel more comfortable, and people end up talking.”
“They’re good listeners, they’re non-judgmental, they’re confidential.”
The program, which began in 2008 with just four dogs, has now grown to more than 100 dogs across 23 US states.
Travel for the dogs and volunteers is completely crowd-funded through the Lutheran Church Charities website.
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