HOPE Animal Assisted Crisis Response is the only "comfort dog" organization recognized by our local Emergency Management structure. They are professional, kind, caring, organized and invaluable!
HOPE has enabled me to combine my love for helping people and my passion for working with dogs. Having something to offer - total non-judgmental love and acceptance - when words are not enough can come only from our wonderful dogs. Working with my dog shows me a goal to work toward. Each time we go out I am more impressed with just how much good a dog can do in a single interaction with a hurting person.
HOPE dogs heal the hurt. In the aftermath of a mass shooting, I've seen first hand the pain and anguish of the survivors. I've also seen that pain and anguish moderate as one victim quietly sat on the floor and stroked the head of my golden retriever. This is just one example of the work of HOPE. There are thousands and thousands more. These dogs bring comfort to victims of crises and disasters. They also provide comfort to the first responders as well. And, all at not cost to those they help.
The dedication and professionalism of this group is amazing!
Not only do they deploy their teams as quickly as possible to areas of need (natural disasters, aftermath of shootings, etc.), but during their 'down-time' they constantly recruit and train their members in all aspects of the process. In this way they have professional communication and work in tandem with the emergency crews on-site as opposed to getting in the way and delaying the urgent need at hand.
Even working on a shoe string budget this group continues to roll out top-notch people with extremely well trained dogs who work in such a professional manner in the midst of such turmoil.
God bless these people!
I am a new member of Hope Animal-Assisted Crisis Response. I am being deployed for the first time to the Washington Navy Shipyard 1 year anniversary next week 9/10/14. The efficiency and organization of furnishing us with the necessary information is outstanding. They have a team leader without a dog that is assigned to teams with dogs. Extra eyes and hands is awesome. I am looking forward to participating with Hope for the first time even though i have to drive in Washington, D.C. and not use to big city traffic.
As the human half of a team for HOPE AACR I have had the privilege of witnessing these dogs work their magic in many varied location, from natural disasters to school campuses. I have been so impressed by the organizations dedication to professionalism and well trained teams. HOPE AACR never self deploys, therefore we don't create more confusion for first responders or become victims ourselves. Each volunteer pays their own expenses. I am so proud to be a part of this organization and have met and worked with the most amazingpeople and dogs.