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.
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
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
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
"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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Get to know our group as we are highlighted at the Canton, MA Fire Department Open House 2024.
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
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
We have had the opportunity to share what we do on Podcasts, Webinars and the radio, take a listen!
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.
Sign up to stay connected via our periodic e-newsletter - "Tails with Kerith"
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.
Copyright © 2022 - All Rights Reserved.
Now through Giving Tuesday, you have the unique opportunity to make your donation go twice as far! We are thrilled to announce that a generous supporter will match your donation, dollar-for-dollar, up to $15,000.
This means your contribution will have double the impact, helping us expand our reach and provide essential emotional support to even more first responders across the country.
Join us in filling our boot and making a difference in the lives of those who serve and protect us every day.