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In The NEWS

A Few of our favorites

During times of stress, traumas, crises and fear, it's always wonderful to "PAWS" and read stories, hear interviews, and see videos about hope, love and support.

In the news

First Responder Therapy Dogs offer stress relief to “help the helpers.”

Tate - utah's first certified therapy dog for first responders - makes grand debut

How "100 pounds of pure love" is bringing comfort to Maine's first responders

The dispatcher at a 911 call center was too busy to notice that a yellow Lab named Makana had pulled her handler across the room to lie down near him. But between calls, he could sense someone was standing behind him and glanced over his shoulder at the woman silently holding the end of her dog’s leash.

Rocket with a couple of firefighter 

The dispatcher at a 911 call center was too busy to notice that a yellow Lab named Makana had pulled her handler across the room to lie down near him. But between calls, he could sense someone was standing behind him and glanced over his shoulder at the woman silently holding the end of her dog’s leash.

Rocket with a couple of firefighter friends. (Photo courtesy of Emily Janowsky)


-JUST LABS PUBLICATION - May 2025

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How "100 pounds of pure love" is bringing comfort to Maine's first responders

Tate - utah's first certified therapy dog for first responders - makes grand debut

How "100 pounds of pure love" is bringing comfort to Maine's first responders

 

When thousands gathered in Lewiston to honor the 18 people killed during a mass shooting in 2023, Willie and Dawn Grondin were there. 


When firefighters from Bangor found themselves in mourning over the suicide of a colleague, Willie and Dawn came to cheer them up and to talk things over. 


SUN JOURNAL - March 2025

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Therapy dog makes visit to those working on Gray Fire in Medical Lake

Tate - utah's first certified therapy dog for first responders - makes grand debut

Tate - utah's first certified therapy dog for first responders - makes grand debut

 While firefighters work to put out the Gray Fire in Medical Lake, one furry friend made a special visit to those working to keep us safe.

Pierce, a mini golden doodle therapy dog, made a visit to the incident command post at Cheney Middle School to say hi!

Pierce then met with firefighters working on the Gray Fire.


KXLY SPOKANE NEWS - August 22, 2023

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Tate - utah's first certified therapy dog for first responders - makes grand debut

Tate - utah's first certified therapy dog for first responders - makes grand debut

Tate - utah's first certified therapy dog for first responders - makes grand debut

 First responders spend their careers on the forefront of innumerable emergencies or disasters to ensure the safety and well-being of the public, but their commitment exacts a price and often wreaks havoc on their mental health.

A recently launched program may offer some help — the furry four-legged kind of help.


ST. GEORGE NEWS - April 20, 2023

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'They just brighten up your day': Therapy dogs visit local first responding agencies

Sparkie, a 2-year-old East Bridgewater labradoodle, provides therapy to first responders

Sparkie, a 2-year-old East Bridgewater labradoodle, provides therapy to first responders

 Oakland, a 3-year-old golden retriever, bounded over to Port Huron firefighter Cody Gordon at Central Station Thursday, his leather leash held in his mouth. Smiling, Gordon reached out down to pet the dog's long, soft fur.


Ferris, a 6-year-old golden retriever, went from firefighter to firefighter, a red vest strapped to his back...


TIMES HERALD - October 9, 2022 

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Sparkie, a 2-year-old East Bridgewater labradoodle, provides therapy to first responders

Sparkie, a 2-year-old East Bridgewater labradoodle, provides therapy to first responders

Sparkie, a 2-year-old East Bridgewater labradoodle, provides therapy to first responders

 "First responders are brave and confident while being regularly exposed to traumatic events and death, which over time, leads to depression, PTSD, anxiety and more mental health issues," Carman said. "The effect on personnel from even just playing with dogs for a few minutes has a palpable effect. Laughter and smiles filled the air, and 

 "First responders are brave and confident while being regularly exposed to traumatic events and death, which over time, leads to depression, PTSD, anxiety and more mental health issues," Carman said. "The effect on personnel from even just playing with dogs for a few minutes has a palpable effect. Laughter and smiles filled the air, and for the moment, all was well." 


THE ENTERPRISE - May 8, 2022


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In the news

Meet Kerith, The Golden Retriever who Comforts Fire Fighters

Meet Kerith, The Golden Retriever who Comforts Fire Fighters

Meet Kerith, The Golden Retriever who Comforts Fire Fighters

The firefighters at the base camp in northern California have been braving wildfires for the last week, as the Golden State continues to see acres of land burn following a heat wave and lightning strikes...


CNN - August 26, 2020

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GOLDEN RETRIEVER THERAPY DOG OFFERS HUGS TO FIREFIGHTERS

Meet Kerith, The Golden Retriever who Comforts Fire Fighters

Meet Kerith, The Golden Retriever who Comforts Fire Fighters

As fires continue to blaze in California, Kerith the golden retriever is doing her part by visiting and comforting the firefighters battling the natural disaster. Kerith is a licensed therapy dog, and has been providing comfort to firefighters in Northern California’s Marin County for just over a year...


PEOPLE.COM - August 24, 2020

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A FIREFIGHTER'S BEST FRIEND PROVIDES THERAPY

Meet Kerith, The Golden Retriever who Comforts Fire Fighters

SWEET THERAPY DOG OFFERS MUCH-NEEDED RELIEF TO FIREFIGHTERS

For Kerith, supporting her firefighter friends was the least she could do as they battle the Woodward Fire. On Friday morning, Kerith traveled to West Marin to join dozens of Marin County firefighters at the staging area for the Woodward Fire. She was greeted with hugs and smiles as she made the rounds ...


SFGATE - August 26, 2020

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SWEET THERAPY DOG OFFERS MUCH-NEEDED RELIEF TO FIREFIGHTERS

Meet Kerith, The Golden Retriever who Comforts Fire Fighters

SWEET THERAPY DOG OFFERS MUCH-NEEDED RELIEF TO FIREFIGHTERS

With the wildfires raging along the West Coast, and firefighters working long, difficult shifts, the emotional toll can be devastating. Some of the Marin County, California firefighters are getting some relief by way of a golden retriever named Kerith. Her job: To wiggle her butt, let the firefighters pet and ...


THE DOG PEOPLE - September 30, 2020


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In the news

MEET KERITH, THE 2-YEAR-OLD GOLDEN RETRIEVER

THIS AFFECTIONATE DOG IS BRINGING SO MUCH JOY TO FIREFIGHTERs

MY HEART NOW BELONGS TO THIS GOLDEN RETRIEVER

The firefighters at the base camp in northern California have been braving wildfires for the last week, as the Golden State continues to see acres of land burn following a heat wave and lightning strikes. They wear helmets and goggles that are streaked with ash, and their faces often remain stoic as they work ...


FOX 5 SAN DIEGO - August 25, 2020

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MY HEART NOW BELONGS TO THIS GOLDEN RETRIEVER

THIS AFFECTIONATE DOG IS BRINGING SO MUCH JOY TO FIREFIGHTERs

MY HEART NOW BELONGS TO THIS GOLDEN RETRIEVER

As wildfires continue to spread across California, there's one bright spot amid the devastating destruction: Kerith the golden retriever. A 2-year-old therapy dog, Kerith has been diligently visiting firefighters across the state to provide much-needed emotional support and stress relief on the job...


POPSUGAR - September 23, 2020

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THIS AFFECTIONATE DOG IS BRINGING SO MUCH JOY TO FIREFIGHTERs

THIS AFFECTIONATE DOG IS BRINGING SO MUCH JOY TO FIREFIGHTERs

THIS AFFECTIONATE DOG IS BRINGING SO MUCH JOY TO FIREFIGHTERs

Meet Kerith, the two-year-old dog who loves trail running, beach exploring, and helping firefighters feel better. This sweet-natured golden retriever has one very important job. As a certified crisis response therapy dog, she’s tasked with helping exhausted firefighters get the kind of comfort ...


GOODNEWS NETWORK - August 28, 2020

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GOLDEN RETRIEVER BOOSTS MORALE FOR FIRST RESPONDERS

THIS AFFECTIONATE DOG IS BRINGING SO MUCH JOY TO FIREFIGHTERs

THIS AFFECTIONATE DOG IS BRINGING SO MUCH JOY TO FIREFIGHTERs

Firefighters may be tough, but they need emotional support, too. That’s why the first responders battling California’s wildfires count on Kerith, a 2-year-old golden retriever and therapy animal. Kerith’s Instagram profile, which boasts over 12,000 fans, describes the compassionate pooch as one who loves typical ...


NEW YORK POST - September 28, 2020


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ON TV

From ABC to CBS to NBC and all the other call letters in between, First Responder Therapy Dogs hugs and kisses have hit the national and international airwaves. We even got to share top billing with Baby Yoda which was just as cool as meeting Laura on Good Morning America.

About First Responder Therapy Dogs

First Responder Therapy Dogs at Canton Fire Department Open House

First Responder Therapy Dogs at Canton Fire Department Open House

First Responder Therapy Dogs at Canton Fire Department Open House

Get to know our group as we are highlighted at the Canton, MA Fire Department Open House 2024.



Watch Video

Lake Fire First Responder Therapy Dogs

First Responder Therapy Dogs at Canton Fire Department Open House

First Responder Therapy Dogs at Canton Fire Department Open House

Watch as our teams support the hard working crews at Lake Fire, CA.  Follow Ash and his handler as they support those who need it most.  




Watch Video

Marin therapy dog group for first responders expands nationwide

First Responder Therapy Dogs at Canton Fire Department Open House

Marin therapy dog group for first responders expands nationwide

A Marin County woman who provides four-legged emotional support for first responders has expanded her nonprofit across the country. 


By Sharon Chin

Updated on: July 18, 2024  CBS San Francisco


Watch Interview

CANINE COMFORT FOR FIRST RESPONDERS

First Responder Therapy Dogs at Canton Fire Department Open House

Marin therapy dog group for first responders expands nationwide

Tracy Ryan and Sparkie share the mission of First Responder Therapy Dogs and how they are helping First Responders across the country.  


THE RHODE SHOW - March 20, 2022

Watch Interview

‘Genuine love’: Therapy dog helps Mass. first responders

Marin County woman and therapy dog offer comfort to stressed first responders

Marin County woman and therapy dog offer comfort to stressed first responders

 Tracy Ryan said her dog Sparkie has been certified by the California-based First Responder Therapy Dogs to make visits to firehouses and police stations. Her husband is a paramedic firefighter in Canton and said it’s easy to see how first responders benefit from Sparkie’s attention. 

Watch Video

Marin County woman and therapy dog offer comfort to stressed first responders

Marin County woman and therapy dog offer comfort to stressed first responders

Marin County woman and therapy dog offer comfort to stressed first responders

A North Bay woman and her dog travel around the state to bring comfort to first responders on the job. 


June 9, 2021 / 5:00 PM PDT / CBS San Francisco 

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GOLDEN RETRIEVER HELPS COMFORT BRAVE FIREFIGHTERS

Marin County woman and therapy dog offer comfort to stressed first responders

FIREFIGHTERS BATTLING CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES VISITED BY KERITH

Our Pet of the Week is Kerith, a certified crisis response therapy dog providing comfort and support to firefighters in California....


GOOD MORNING AMERICA - August 28, 2020

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FIREFIGHTERS BATTLING CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES VISITED BY KERITH

Marin County woman and therapy dog offer comfort to stressed first responders

FIREFIGHTERS BATTLING CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES VISITED BY KERITH

WOODACRE, Calif. (KGO) -- Battling wildfires can take an emotional and physical toll on firefighters, but a two-year-old golden retriever has come to rescue...


ABC 7 NEWS, SAN FRANCISCO - October 26, 2020

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Podcasts, Webinars & Radio

We have had the opportunity to share what we do on Podcasts, Webinars and the radio, take a listen!

"When A Therapist Is a Dog" - The Thin Line Show

Dog Works Radio Podcast

WEBINAR: FIRST RESPONDER THERAPY DOGS - ANIMAL ASSISTED HEALING

 Hosted by the International Association of Firefighters, Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Treatment and Recovery, Molly Jones, LSW and Tracy Ryan of First Responder Therapy Dogs discuss the utilization of therapy dogs, their vital roles in promoting mental health, and how they can help support fire fighters.  

Listen to Webinar

Treatments That Work with Sparkie and Tracy

Why It's Important To Have Therapy Dogs- Lena Strickling

Subscribe

Sign up to stay connected via our periodic e-newsletter - "Tails with Kerith"

Follow Our Hugs

For general information | Info@firstrespondertherapydogs.org  415-250-8107  


First Responder Therapy Dogs, INC 2100 4th Street #C153, San Rafael, CA 94901  


First Responder Therapy Dogs, INC is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit. Tax ID #88-1386472.

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