For many people, nothing quite compares to the comfort of petting and cuddling a friendly dog. That’s why Melanie Dunbar and Gus are such a great duo—they’re a certified dog-and-handler team trained to respond to natural disasters and human-caused crises. Two weeks after an elementary school shooting, the pair visited classrooms to help reestablish a sense of safety and security. And while the students loved Gus, what Melanie remembers is a teacher who sat down on the floor with him between classes. She was finally able to express all the emotions she had controlled while trying to be a source of strength for her students.
Interview with Melanie
Safety and security are so important to the healing process.
If you are experiencing emotional distress or other mental health concerns after a disaster, the Disaster Distress Helpline is here for you 24/7/365:
1-800-985-5990Or, text 1-800-985-5990.
For TTY Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-985-5990