Oklahoma City Heartache in the Heartland Approximately 20 Therapy Dogs International volunteers and their dogs responded after the bombing of the Murrah Federal building in Oklahoma City in 1995. This was our first experience in working with people affected by a terrorist attack. The emotional impact of the attack affected most people in the United States. To remember the victims and the helpers at the Oklahoma City bombing, we created a special newsletter in the fall of 1995 Heartache in the Heartland. Here is a quote from this newsletter, a quote that can be applied to any disaster where we have responded. "...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." After the experience gained in Oklahoma City we realized how important the use of Therapy Dogs are in working with people affected by a disaster.

To request the volunteer services of Therapy Dogs International Disaster Stress Relief dog teams, we need the following: An official invitation through a recognized agency such as: Federal Agencies State Agencies Municipal Agencies School Boards Disaster Stress Relief agencies Or other agencies in need of our service Therapy Dogs International, Inc. 88 Bartley Road Flanders, NJ 07836 Tel: (973) 252-9800 Fax: (973) 252-7171 Email: tdi@gti.net