On June 13, 2016, the worst shooting in Orlando's history occurred in the United States. While many people tried to stay far away from the incident location, a special team set off. More than a dozen golden retriever comfort dogs from across the US gathered in Orlando; they would enter major hospitals, churches, open-air vigils commemorating the victims, and people’s homes to provide emotional support.

Comfort Dogs

       “Everyone who sees the dogs wants to hug them; some even lie down on the ground with them and talk from their hearts. People tell them about their sadness and sorrow, which is also an important form of healing.” The dogs are bringing warmth and healing to this world full of pain in their own way.

Comfort Dogs

　　Comfort dogs are a new type of working dog in the United States, specially trained to soothe people's emotions through physical contact, helping them get through some difficult times. The American Dog Doctor Certification Organization says comfort dogs must be healthy and stable in temperament, enjoy being close to people, and do not have to be of a specific breed. Many dog breeds can become comfort dogs after training. The comfort dogs at Los Angeles Airport cover at least seven breeds.
　　They first appeared in American courtrooms. Rosy, an 11-year-old golden retriever, was the first dog in New York allowed to provide comfort services during trials. When a 15-year-old girl testified against her biological father’s accusation of rape, Rosy quietly stayed by the traumatized girl’s side, giving her comfort and support. Because the girl was severely harmed by the case, her defendant father Victor Sam frequently intimidated her in court. So, when the girl felt hesitant or scared in court, Rosy would stand up and gently nudge her with her nose. This gave her greater courage to identify the suspect’s crimes.

Comfort Dogs at the Airport

　　After 9/11, San Jose International Airport in California first deployed dog doctors. At that time, the airport chapel’s pastor brought his dog to work. Following the terrorist attack, many flights were canceled, and crowds of passengers were stranded at the airport. The air was filled with anxiety. The pastor’s dog walked through the terminals, available for people to pet and shake hands with, soothing many fearful hearts. Tense faces softened into smiles, and strangers who didn’t know each other began talking, all because of the dogs. Now, many US airports have formally incorporated comfort dogs into their staff. San Jose Airport currently has 9 dogs, Miami has 1, and Los Angeles International Airport has 30.
　　After this, comfort dogs have entered the lives of more American citizens. Prospect High School in Chicago introduced comfort dogs to provide psychological counseling to students. On December 14, 2012, a gunman stormed Sandy Hook Elementary School, killing 26 teachers and students, including 20 children. The tragedy shocked the world. Maili, a first-grade student in Newtown, was provided with this service. The golden retriever comfort dog Sara, who went to Orlando, has already participated in four volunteer comfort dog missions, including the Oregon school shooting incident.

Comfort Dogs

       Every hug, every accompaniment, every listening moment, comfort dogs are using their own strength to soothe the pain the world brings to people.