Remembering the Hero Dogs of 9/11

When the World Trade Center collapsed on September 11, 2001, nearly 10,000 emergency rescue workers joined in the efforts to help. More than 300 of those heroes were dogs.

We remember and honor the Hero Dogs of 9/11 along with the countless people who had their lives irrevocably changed by man’s best friend. From search and rescue dogs to comfort dogs to bomb detection dogs, these canines’ stories of courage and healing are a long-lasting legacy that must never be forgotten.

Always remember.

To read more on this story, click here: Remembering the Hero Dogs of 9/11

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Pittsburgh Police Has a New Comfort Dog for the Bureau and of Course There Are Adorable Photos of Him

The newest member of the Pittsburgh police bureau is a very good boy.

He is not an officer but maybe an arf-icer, and, yes, that will be the last bad pun you’ll have to read here.

Meet Zane, who the bureau said is its first “comfort dog for peer support, critical incidents and community outreach.”

Pittsburgh police Officer Victoria Butch showed off the pup Thursday on the North Shore, posing next to the Police Memorial on North Shore Drive near Heinz Field. The statue, dedicated in 2015, honors fallen K-9 officers.

To read more on this story, click here: Pittsburgh Police Has a New Comfort Dog for the Bureau and of Course There Are Adorable Photos of Him


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East Tennessee Children's Hospital Has a New Employee: A Comfort Dog Named, Farley

Knoxville, TN  - One of the newest employees at East Tennessee Children's Hospital is a four-legged friend whose job is to brighten the days of folks around the facility.

Farley, a golden retriever puppy born in October 2016, is the hospital's first-ever full-time facility support animal.

The lovable canine will take on her new job in memory of a former patient.

The idea for ETCH to get a facility dog came from 16-year-old oncology patient Kristyn Farley, explained  Sue Wilburn, who is the V.P. of Human Resources and Farley's caretaker and handler.

Kristyn died last year but she had a passion for dogs and greater access to them while in ETCH's care, explained Wilburn.

A grant from PetSmart Charities helped the hospital get the facility dog and hospital volunteers set up a fund to cover daily expenses.

Christina Ryskamp, store leader at PetSmart Knoxville located at West Town Mall, nominated the hospital to receive the grant.

“For years, our team has worked with East Tennessee Children’s Hospital to collect and donate plush toys to bring a smile to the faces of its pediatric patients during the holiday season. Seeing the reaction of those children inspired us to want to do more,” said Ryskamp.

It'll still be a bit of time before Farley moves into her full-time position. For now, she's working in the Human Resources department and will soon begin a 6-week puppy training program.

Before interacting with patients Farley must complete a comprehensive training program, undergo temperament evaluations and be at least a year old. She'll primarily be a staff dog but will be available to visit with patients, when a volunteer therapy dog isn't available.

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