An adorable golden retriever named Kerith loves to give therapy to courageous firefighters in California.
Kerith is a bonafide crisis response therapy pooch. She has been giving hugs to Northern California’s Marin County firefighters for over a year now.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CE7dUz7paEI/
Before the pandemic, her owner takes Kerith to every Marin County firehouse. Kerith would give unconditional affection to firefighters after their strenuous shifts.
Because of the pandemic, Kerith can’t visit the firehouses anymore. She reportedly missed being with her firefighter friends.
Yet after several months, they eventually permitted Kerith to come. She can now go to firefighters outdoors with social distancing precautions.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CGDDV7NpeTp/
Two months ago, in the middle of devastating wildfires, firefighters needed Kerith’s vital services. Marin County battalion chief permitted her to go to the Woodward staging place. She went there at the Bear Valley Visitors Center on August 21.
Kerith came with her owner Heidi Carmen. Then Kerith greeted every firefighter during their daily briefings. Carmen even-handed the firefighters Kerith’s trading cards to help them know Kerith is there for them.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CF-Ziispa0U/
Someone created a GoFundMe page to support Kerith in her mission. It will help her give invaluable services to at least 400 firefighters in Marin County.
The funds will help Kerith’s direct time with the firefighters. It would also cover transportation costs, which will allow Kerith to get to where they badly need her.
Kerith is also on call for critical accident stress debriefings. Aside from that, she will also go to wildfire basecamps to support crews.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CESkUsYJdjc/?utm_source=ig_embed
Keith’s GoFundMe page said therapy dogs help tackle mental health stigma for emergency responders. At the same time, they bring both physical and mental health benefits.
The GoFundMe page said that Kerith gives immediate stress relief to emergency responders. She forms a friendship with the firefighters by just being herself. The experience that she offers can be crucial to people who have PTSD.
Source: Images from kerith_the_golden_retriever via Instagram.
