I wasn't quite sure how to do it, being on my own...in the end I just parked my car and we walked up to the memorial site near the river, and later to the memorial site at the entrance of the school road. It is difficult to describe what is was like. We were needed...Tess went up to people on her own, nuzzling their hands, staying at their side, looking up to them with her big brown eyes...she just did everything on her own, even went up to the State troopers.
There were more Goldens, I saw a few of the Chicago dogs, huge Berners, tiny pugs, and all of them doing a great job. In the end you don't even notice the camera's anymore, it's just the people and your dog. It is so impressive to be there, I can't even describe it. We will go back tomorrow, and certainly on Friday, when it is a week ago this horrible thing happened.
What a wonderful thing you are doing. I can't imagine how hard that is. I tear up just thinking about it. Someday I would love to get Tayla into a therapy dog program. She is not a supper enthusiastic people dog, but likes to be close and be petted. I thought she would be good since she doesn't have the normal Golden "I'm going to jump on everyone I see and make friends with them" attitude. She is more quiet around people but likes them. I thought she would be a good dog for just that kind of thing.
Inge, thanks for sharing. I've emailed the Newtown Family services saying Zoe was available but haven't heard back from them. I've been reluctant to just go there because it seems like such a flood of media and strangers into the town. It sounds like just showing up is ok?
I felt the same as you do. My coordinator at Yale New Haven Hospital emailed that two teams had gone during the weekend and that more people were needed. I just went up. I will definitely go there tomorrow and Friday. If you like we can meet up.
We will go to the same places again, the two memorial sites with all the Christmas trees. We will be there in the morning, about ten. I have a green coat and Tess wears her red YNNH vest, you can't miss us. The first site is in the centre of Sandy Hook, near the river. The other site is up the hill, you will see a fenced off walking area for pedestrians. I start downhill, then go up, and end downhill again.
What a wonderful act from you and your dog, I'm sure you helped comfort many people and will continue to with every visit. I can't wait for my pups to mature and be able to help those in need, goldens are such wonderful amazing creatures.
We'll look for you. I'll probably be wearing a red quilted coat. Zoe doesn't wear a vest but I may put a bandana on her. She looks pretty much like her picture below.
Thank you for taking Tess I am sure she was a huge comfort. I had people asking me to take Mikado my pit bull to the red lake school after the shooting there but in the end teh requested that after the healing song pow-wow they didnt want reminders of it by people coming in. You have to respect each persons views.
Inge, thank you for choosing to step forward and help. As someone mentioned, I can imagine it must have been difficult to maintain composure. I'm proud of both you and Tess for your efforts. There is no one better at offering comfort than a golden. I hope you will follow up here later this week and let us know how you two are doing. Bless you.
Kristy
Yes, I know what you mean...but the moment I heard about these people driving for hours from out of state with their therapy dogs to help, I thought: we have therapy dogs here, too. The biggest hurdle was the feeling that you don't want to be in the way, you don't want to impose on people. But people react so 'pure' (if that is a correct word in this context); the atmosphere is so impressive, the touch of a dog makes people smile, or cry, or talk, or just kneel down and hug her. She doesn't want anything, just gives...we could only stay for 2 1/2 hours, she was drained by then...
And really, what a way to comfort those of us on this site who are sitting at home so sad, and wishing we had the power to reach out but are too far away in miles or don't have a dog like Tess. Knowing that you are there with Tess being such a wonderful representative of the breed makes me very proud of both her and you. You are our connection.
Some Pets on Wheels volunteers want to do something.
We are thinking about bringing a group of therapy dogs on Friday.
If you were there, do you think there is a need?
That is a beautiful thing you and Tess are doing. If I didn't have only one car that my boyfriend uses to get to work everyday I would go as well to pay respect. Connecticut is not far at all from me.
Bless you and Tess for your wonderful act of kindness. I know it was a hard thing to do. Seeing the aftermath of such a tragic event has to be extremely difficult. Thank goodness such kindness and graciousness in people still exists.
This...... and all of you going to help is why I love the Golden Retriever community. God bless you all.
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