Disaster Relief Dogs

Volunteers, The Spirit of America

America has many different assets and means different things to people throughout the world. Probably the greatest asset are its people and most particular the generosity of its people and its volunteers. The volunteers who are willing and ready to give in time of need, sometimes under the most adverse conditions. Putting personal business aside in order to assist and bring comfort to others in need.

The associate members of Therapy Dogs International, Inc. (TDI) with their canine companions are an integral part of the backbone of America. Our volunteers come from all walks of life, sharing their registered Therapy Dogs with others to bring joy. Dogs of all sizes and breeds from mixed (All American) to the breed and obedience champions. With our 8,400 plus volunteers with approximately 11,000 dogs registered we are by far the largest organization of its kind in the US.

It was only natural that after the bombing of the Murrah Federal building in Oklahoma City in 1995 that Therapy Dogs assisted with the families as well as with the relief workers. Working with the families and rescue workers in Oklahoma provided a solid foundation for TDI volunteers to handle the similar situations in Washington DC and NYC/NJ. More than 40 volunteers were visiting at the FAC Center for the Pentagon in Washington DC. To date, over 100 Therapy Dog handler teams have been visiting the various disaster relief sites in NYC/NJ. Now Therapy Dogs are a familiar site at the various centers.

TDI opened the door for Therapy Dogs in 1976. Through the effort and tireless work of our wonderful volunteers, we have visited and shared our dogs with literally hundreds of thousands. The American spirit, spirit of giving is alive and well as long as America has its wonderful people.

Thank you to all our volunteers who, at the very least, have traveled under their own speed, paid tolls, taken vacation to be able to bring comfort to others.

Ursula A. Kempe, CEO
Therapy Dogs International

Here are some photographs and thoughts on our experiences in Washington, DC.

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"…Dogs were hugged and petted by the families of the victims, displaced people, Red Cross, Salvation Army, Clergy, police, firefighters, US Army Reserve troops and other relief workers." This quote was taken from our Special Edition Newsletter of Fall 1995, "Heartache in the Heartlands." The words sounded all too familiar to volunteers working at the various disaster sites after September 11.

The Pentagon, Washington DC
"Words can never express the emotions; the soul-searing images; the indescribable, intangible aura surrounding this entire tragedy. The dedication, commitment, compassion and support offered by all Spiritkeepers (TDI chapter) and those individual TDI members who answered the call for help will forever remain in my memory."

Sue Peetoom,
TDI Evaluator and Director of Spiritkeepers Chapter, VA

Liberty State Park, NJ, Pier 94 (Family Assistance Center) and Ground Zero, NYC. (with some photographs)

"Animals comfort when humans cannot"
Firemen 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. Red Cross, Salvation Army, counselors 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 100 TDI handlers and their dogs that went to NYC/NJ will live on. We all feel thankful that were able to share our dogs in a time of great need…. and continue to do so.

"Professional Therapist Witnesses TDI Relief in NYC"
As a therapist, I have used dogs in my work for over 20 years. I firmly believe that animals have a profoundly positive impact on our physical and emotional health and well being. I watch as my dogs turn that belief into reality each and every day.

Following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, I received a call from TDI to volunteer at the Family Assistance Center on Pier 94 in NYC. Despite my many years of using my dogs to help soothe and calm others, this would be my biggest crisis intervention experience ever. It was an honor to able to help in this most magical and rewarding way.

A quote by Allen Schoen and Pam Proctor has been a guiding principle for me in my work. In their book entitled Love, Miracles, and Animal Healing, they state, " By their very presence in our midst, animals awaken in us the desire to respond and to love." The work that our Therapy Dogs accomplished in NYC really exemplified this and it brought to the forefront the profound and compelling bond between humans and animals. As our dogs were approached by each and every person, they instantly responded with compassion and love - no questions, no tough demands. Their touch brought warmth and comfort to many broken hearts. They helped people to relax- perhaps even to open up a bit and let the words - or the tears - begin. For others, the dogs brought a smile to their faces - a brief but important respite from the shocking pain and sorrow. For the children, they brought joy and comfort - a safe bridge between child and adult – a way to connect, a chance amidst the confusion and sadness to laugh and to play. For the other volunteers and relief workers, our dogs were invaluable in providing a break from the intensity of emotion. They brought a sense of normalcy to these abnormal times, a simplicity amidst the chaos, and they created a cozy sense of security and warmth throughout the Center.

In short, our dogs have played a valuable role in helping others to begin the healing process after the tragedy of September 11. They have also helped all of us to put things in perspective and to reconnect with life's simple and most important values. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly and effectively our dogs can touch others' hearts and help them to heal. Despite my years of training, experience, and education, I will always believe that sometimes the most effective kind of therapy begins with a cold, wet nose and ends with the wag of a tail. I know that in NYC, there are many that would agree.

Nanette Winter, M.A.
Director of Psychological Services, Northstar Industries, Saranac Lake, NY
TDI Evaluator

TDI has devised a new test for disaster relief dogs and will be offering it to qualified members across the country. All qualified dog/handler teams who so gallantly served during the disasters in Oklahoma City, and most recently in Washington and are still serving in NYC/NJ will be grandfathered as disaster relief teams.

A relief worker at Pier 94 wrote the following poem.

"Dedicated to the therapy dogs at Pier 94 in NYC who work so hard responding to the human mess of 9/11, particularly to my special friend, Wusel*. Thank you, dogs and humans for your undying love."

"Paws amidst Pain" by Sarah Sypniewski

The hours upon hours you pad through these paths of pain,
are the hours you help us see the light through the pouring rain.
You never falter, never fail, and always call to mind,
the joy and inspiration that’s sometimes hard to find.
As we muddle through the wreckage that’s half hope and half despair,
You stand by like an anchor, tail wagging in the air.

With every touch you heal us, from fur to human heart,
solace in each stroke, you prevent our falling apart.
You never complain and though you cry, you do not show your tears,
you swallow them back, hold your post and calm so many fears.
Your spirit penetrates our beings right into our souls,
You let us touch and talk to you as we try to fill the holes.

There are times we want to just give up and head back to our homes,
and there you are with pricked up ears and then we’re not alone.
You sign, surrender, knowingly roll onto your back,
"Here’s my tummy - you can have it…just give me a snack.

You do so much for us we just can’t do ourselves,
you specialize in soulspeak that never ceases to delve.
Straight into the place we do not talk about,
You let us cry and let us laugh and get all of it out.

So before I go, I want to say I hope you know the truth,
you saved me every single day, I survived because of you.

Thank you Sarah, we love your beautiful poem, it was shared and read by our volunteers. Thank you for your work at Pier 94. We will be proud to publish it in our Special Edition Newsletter "The Spirit of America".

*Wusel is owned by Ursula A. Kempe, CEO of TDI

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Wusel and the Statue of Liberty