Golden Retriever Therapy Dogs at Boston Marathon

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golden retriever therapy dogs

The golden retriever therapy dogs during the 2013 Boston Marathon. (Courtesy Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dogs)

Marathoners & Viewers Lined Up to See the Golden Retriever Therapy Dogs

The Boston Marathon was held this past weekend with some very special guests – four golden retriever therapy dogs from the Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dog Ministries. Last year, the comfort dogs arrived in Boston a day after the tragedy, visiting hospitals and comforting victims, first responders, families and residents in the aftermath of the bombings.

This year, Ruthie, Hannah, Luther and Rufus made the trip to Boston from Illinois to offer support and lots of opportunities for petting and loving. Just a few blocks from the Boston Marathon finish line, people were lined up to see the quartet.

 

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“The foursome is part of a corps of therapy dogs with an amazing ability to calm and comfort

golden retriever therapy dogs

A comfort dog gets some love during a return visit by the canine corps to Boston. (Credit: Stacey Leasca/Los Angeles Times)

people deeply shaken by violence or disaster just by being themselves — dogs… the dogs are well accustomed to this level of attention, love and affection. They are also well versed in disaster relief. Comfort dogs visited Joplin, Mo., after the deadly tornado of 2011, the Northeast after Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and Oklahoma after the tornadoes of May 2013. Luther and Ruthie spent five weeks in Connecticut following the December 2012 shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary. And comfort dogs were on hand after the April 15, 2013, Boston Marathon bombings.

Dutzmann said the dogs added another dimension to the help he could offer the people who turned to the church following the bombings: “Yes we’re open, yes we have bathrooms and coffee, yes of course I will pray with you, but what happens is, the dogs quiet people down.” “Everybody’s on edge,” he said, and people come over to the dogs “with tears in their eyes,” thankful that they are there.

The dogs spent hours comforting anyone looking for a furry hug, a kiss or just looking to spend quiet time together.”

Click here to read the full story on LATimes.com.

 

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