{"id":5995,"date":"2022-10-09T16:07:00","date_gmt":"2022-10-09T16:07:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/100.28.115.227\/?p=5995"},"modified":"2024-12-10T16:08:31","modified_gmt":"2024-12-10T16:08:31","slug":"canines-4-christ-therapy-dogs-bring-emotional-support-to-hurricane-ian-survivors-and-disaster-workers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/salarmyeds.org\/index.php\/2022\/10\/09\/canines-4-christ-therapy-dogs-bring-emotional-support-to-hurricane-ian-survivors-and-disaster-workers\/","title":{"rendered":"Canines 4 Christ Therapy Dogs\u00a0Bring Emotional Support to Hurricane Ian Survivors and Disaster Workers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Fort Myers, FL <\/strong>\u2013 One nonprofit is partnering with The Salvation Army and using the power of puppy love to bring emotional relief to survivors of Hurricane Ian. On Saturday, a Golden Labrador Retriever named Dunkin toured around homes near Fort Myers Beach where survivors were cleaning out the first floor of condos that were inundated by 3 to 4 feet of storm surge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tina Reeder, Dunkin\u2019s handler, and an ordained chaplain with Canines 4 Christ, says the adorable Golden Lab went through extensive training to be certified as a crisis response therapy dog through the American Kennel Club. \u201cThe mission of Canines 4 Christ is to share the love of Jesus Christ in times of despair through the dog. People stop and pet the dog, and it gives us an opportunity to talk and pray with them,\u201d said Reeder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The impact of Dunkin\u2019s presence was immediately apparent in his interactions with approximately 40 hurricane survivors at a condo complex in Fort Myers. One after another, those working on salvaging belongings in flooded-out homes flocked to Dunkin, asking to pet him, and letting Dunkin give them some love during their time of need. Several became emotional after their interaction with Dunkin, including Edith Mitchell, who with her husband had traveled down from Wisconsin to check on their condo. \u201cHe reminds me of my dog who passed some time ago, and I just want to keep petting him,\u201d said Mitchell as she lovingly stroked the Labrador.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Later in the day, Dunkin made his way back to The Salvation Army\u2019s command post in downtown Fort Myers. Disaster workers who had just returned from a long day of serving others from mobile kitchens were able to spend some time with Dunkin, and the reactions were like those of the survivors. \u201cHe\u2019s just precious,\u201d volunteer Michaele Gulledge from Dekalb, Alabama said, \u201cHe refreshed my spirit, lifted my spirits. He\u2019s a puppy and he just loved on me after a long day!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When asked why The Salvation Army partnered with Canines 4 Christ on this hurricane response, Bobby Martin, the Emotional and Spiritual Care Officer for The Salvation Army\u2019s Emergency Disaster Team in Fort Myers said, \u201cAnimals are accepting of everyone, and dogs typically remind people of a better time in their lives. The focus of the person is instantly moved to the dog and no longer on their current circumstances.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to being a crisis response therapy dog, Dunkin is also a social media star, and his fans can follow him on Instagram at @dunkinlovin. For more information on Canines 4 Christ, please visit their website at https:\/\/k9forchrist.org\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since October 1, The Salvation Army response team in the Fort Myers area has served the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n