In the wake of the deadliest shooting in U.S. history, 12 comfort dogs were rushed to Orlando to help the survivors and families who lost their loved ones heal.

“We were invited by a church in Orlando, near where the attack took place,” Lutheran Church Charities (LLC) president Tim Hetzner told The Dodo. “On Sunday, we put a dispatch out to our dogs across the country to see who could come out, and after making flight reservations, here we are. We try to always respond in 24 hours after being invited.

“Everyone down here has been affected by this,” said Hetzner. “Everyone wants to pet the dogs. Some people just want to lay on the ground with them and talk. The dogs are like a bridge for people to talk about what’s bothering them. The dogs are confidential, they’re good listeners and they’re nonjudgmental. And talking about things is one of the most important ways to heal.” The dogs have already visited more than 300 people on their first day and are planning to stay for the whole week.

More info: lutheranchurchcharities.org (h/t: thedodo)

12 comfort dogs were rushed to Orlando to help the survivors and families who lost their loved ones heal

Image credits: Ruthie Comfort Dog

“We were invited by a church in Orlando, near where the attack took place”

Image credits: Gracie Comfort Dog

“On Sunday, we put a dispatch out to our dogs across the country to see who could come out, and after making flight reservations, here we are”

Image credits: Pax Comfort Dog

“Everyone wants to pet the dogs”

Image credits: Katie Comfort Dog

“Some people just want to lay on the ground with them and talk”

Image credits: Katie Comfort Dog

“The dogs are like a bridge for people to talk about what’s bothering them”

Image credits: Sasha Comfort Dog

“The dogs are confidential, they’re good listeners and they’re nonjudgmental”

Image credits: Kye Comfort Dog

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