When firefighters rage through California, numerous firemen risk their lives to attempt to control them and limit the devastation they cause.
It’s a tough, risky, and terrifying job, yet these courageous women and men workers around the world try to keep everyone else safe.
Kerith, a 2-year-old rescue dog, has been giving her skills as a trained crisis response puppy to help people.
The persistent and empathetic golden retriever has been making rehabilitation visits to two fire stations in particularly hard-hit areas: the Woodward Fire base camp in Marin County and the Creek Fire base camp in Fresno County.
Kerith, whose warm demeanor and love of humans designated her as a future service dog from a young age, enjoys making people happy and is overjoyed to be able to cozy up to so many firemen and make them smile.
She and her owner, Heidi, have started showing up to the firehouses at six o’clock in the morning to bring some comfort and support to those preparing for their 24-hour jobs, as well as those coming back from completing their hours.
Kerith is performing a vital function. The firemen are now under great stress, and research has shown that assistance dogs may aid humans by enhancing both their emotional and physical health.
Kerith is performing a vital function. The firemen are now under great stress, and research has shown that assistance dogs may aid humans by enhancing both their emotional and physical health.
Reduced anxiety, decreased blood pressure, and a positive impact on mood are all possible advantages. First-responders, such as firemen, are prone to PTSD, anxiety, and depression due to the nature of their occupations.
Kerith is attempting to alleviate the stress of the work by serving as a source of peace and enjoyment.
With the flames raging across the state, pure joy and warmth are more crucial than ever.
Kerith was born with the intention of becoming a guide dog, but as a small pup, she shown such a natural gift for calming people that Heidi immediately recognized Kerith could do even more great as a service dog.
And she was correct.
Kerith has done exceptionally well as a therapy dog, and she always seems to know precisely what someone requires.
She can tell when someone wants her to sit silently and enjoy a tranquil and reflective time, and when they need her to be enthusiastic and playful and give a pleasant diversion.
Many firemen haven’t seen their families in weeks due to the current crisis.
Keith can’t alter it, but she can offer much comfort and support.