comfort dogs

After the most deadly mass shooting in US history which left 50 people dead and 53 injured in a single night of brutality, shock and grief has spread throughout Orlando.

In an effort to help ease the pain of survivors and family members of the victims, the Lutheran Church Charities sent 11 of their Comfort Dogs and 19 volunteers to the city in Florida.

The charity explained the function of Comfort Dogs on its official Facebook page:

“A dog is a friend who brings a calming influence, allowing people to open up their hearts and receive help for what is affecting them.

These are trained Comfort Dogs for Lutheran Church Charities. They interact with people at churches, schools, nursing homes, hospitals, events and in disaster situations”.

According to a study by Goldsmith’s University, not only are dogs naturally empathetic, but they are also one of few animals who are not xenophobic – they do not fear strangers.