Uplifting1 min(s) read
Published 16:45 21 Sep 2020 GMT
As California's wildfires continue, firefighters are having to contend with the mental and physical exhaustion that comes with battling such devastating natural disasters.
Fortunately, one lovable Golden Retriever has been helping firefighters across California and providing them with emotional support during this tough time.
Her name is Kerith and she is a two-year-old therapy dog who revels in the company of humans - and the feeling is definitely mutual!
Related - This beautiful dog somehow made a 57-mile journey back to her old home:
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Speaking with POPSUGAR Kerith's owner, Heidi Carman explained that the pooch had initially been trained to be a guide dog for the visually impaired, but her excitable and affectionate personality was more suited to that of a therapy dog.
"Kerith loves people more than other dogs or anything else," Heidi said. "It was clear to me from an early age that she would be an excellent therapy dog because of her love and devotion to people."
Following her training at Pet Partners, Kerith began her work as a therapy dog for hospital patients, staff, paramedics, and family members.
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It was during this time that firefighters fell in love with Kerith and began requesting that she visit their stations. "It was love at first sight," Heidi said.
"Kerith matches people's energy," Heidi added. "If a firefighter is super excited and lays on the ground so Kerith can roll around and play with them, then Kerith will be higher energy and silly with them. If a firefighter is calm, stressed, and withdrawn, Kerith will be calm as well. She'll sit closely to the individual, sometimes sit on their feet and lean into their body in a way that says, 'I am here for you as long as you need me.'"
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While firefighters are forced to spend time away from home, Kerith is a real silver lining. "Not only does Kerith bring big smiles and much-needed happiness to first responders, but she is also a link to home for them," Heidi said.
In order to help her afford traveling to different fire stations in California, Heidi has set up a GoFundMe page, which you can donate to here.
