The generosity of Americans is known throughout the world. The tradition of volunteering is one of the finest examples of the American spirit of giving. This volunteer spirit is clearly evident in times of disaster, as Americans from all walks of life and all parts of the country come together to help their neighbors in distress.

The Therapy Dogs International (TDI^®) volunteer members exemplify the mission of TDI, to bring comfort and consolation to everyone and anyone, wherever it is needed. TDI DSR (Disaster Stress Relief) volunteers now courageously join disaster relief efforts all across the country.

TDI members and their Therapy Dogs responded to the call for help from Oklahoma City in the aftermath of the destruction of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. After September 11, 2001 (9/11), people who lost loved ones in the destruction of the World Trade Center (afterwards known as ground Zero) and a section of the Pentagon, as well as people who suffered injuries and loss of property, were directed to "Family Assistance Centers" (FACs). TDI members and their Therapy Dogs volunteered at FACs in New York City, New York, Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey, and in Washington, D.C.

…Dogs were hugged and petted by the families of the victims, displaced persons, members of the Red Cross and the Salvation Army, clergy, police officers, firefighters, U.S. Army Reserve troops and other relief workers.

This quote was taken from our special edition newsletter of Fall 1995, Heartache in the Heartland. The words sounded all too familiar to volunteers working at the various disaster sites after September 11th.

From the experiences of TDI members at these disasters, the TDI DSR program was created. TDI DSR members volunteered their services in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to provide stress relief for refugees as well as the rescue workers coming to and from New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

TDI volunteers are the key that unlocks the door through which professionals can enter the world of people affected by disasters. Because people are drawn to dogs, people will talk to a TDI handler, or, often, a Therapy Dog, when they are still in shock; when they are unable to process the necessary information available from professional assistance.

TDI handlers perform a necessary triage service by assessing the needs of an individual and discreetly beckoning the appropriate health care worker to come to the aid of the individual, thus getting the right help to the right person at the right time.

The TDI Therapy Dogs also provide hugging time for the professionals (including police officers, firefighters, medical professionals and other relief workers and volunteers, as well as members of the clergy), who suffer their own emotional pain when dealing with the devastating pain of others.

In this section of our Web site, TDI pays tribute to all our 9/11 human and canine volunteers. At the FACs set up at Pier 94 in New York City, Liberty State Park, and near the Pentagon, more than 150 TDI members and Therapy Dog teams attended to the emotional needs of displaced persons, family members and relief workers.

The TDI Therapy Dogs who participated in the 9/11 relief efforts gave everyone unconditional love, a feat unmatched by fellow humans. The TDI volunteers and their Therapy Dogs covered various shifts for a period of three months at the FAC at Pier 94 in New York City, until the closing in December. In Washington, D. C., TDI members volunteered for one month at the Pentagon FAC. The TDI handlers received no monetary compensation for their extraordinary efforts in both New York and Washington, D. C., but earned the immeasurable reward of knowing they provided solace and a respite from the unrelenting chaos that a disaster leaves in its wake.

TDI Therapy Dogs and their handlers cannot heal someone's wounds, but they can make a difference in the emotional life and reclamation of a strong self, necessary for the ultimate cure of a victim of disaster. Therapy Dogs International, Inc. salutes the steadfastness and commitment of our volunteer members and their loyal Therapy Dogs for their dedication and resolve during the national crisis of September 11, 2001.

"Dogs comfort when humans cannot"

Firefighters came from their firehouses when the Therapy Dogs walked by near Ground Zero. People from foreign countries understood the language of a dog's unconditional love, as the dogs walked through the Family Assistance Centers. Counselors, Red Cross and Salvation Army personnel, and other relief workers were eager to pet the dogs …looking for just a moment of relief. Our Therapy Dogs provided an avenue to share pet experiences with family members. Subsequently, some families were able to talk about their loved ones while petting the dogs. People affected by the disaster in various ways were glad to pet the dogs to relieve some of their stress and anxiety. The memories for the more than 150 TDI handlers and their dogs that went to NYC/NJ and Washington will live on. We all feel thankful that we were able to share our dogs in a time of great need…. and continue to do so.

"One particular person that we saw every day in one of the centers we visited was a beautiful eighty-seven year old lady. She had the spirit and movement of a thirty year old. 'I see God in the eyes of this dog,' were the comments to each of us. 'The world needs ninety-nine Therapy Dogs and one human.'"