Therapy Dogs International, Inc.

"Paws amidst Pain"
by Sarah Sypniewski

The hours upon hours you pad through these paths of pain,
are the hours you help us see the light through the pouring rain.
You never falter, never fail, and always call to mind,
the joy and inspiration that’s sometimes hard to find.
As we muddle through the wreckage that’s half hope and half despair,
You stand by like an anchor, tail wagging in the air.

With every touch you heal us, from fur to human heart,
solace in each stroke, you prevent our falling apart.
You never complain and though you cry, you do not show your tears,
you swallow them back, hold your post and calm so many fears.
Your spirit penetrates our beings right into our souls,
You let us touch and talk to you as we try to fill the holes.

There are times we want to just give up and head back to our homes,
and there you are with pricked up ears and then we’re not alone.
You sign, surrender, knowingly roll onto your back,
"Here’s my tummy - you can have it…just give me a snack."

You do so much for us we just can’t do ourselves,
you specialize in soul speak that never ceases to delve.
Straight into the place we do not talk about,
You let us cry and let us laugh and get all of it out.

So before I go, I want to say I hope you know the truth,
you saved me every single day, I survived because of you.

"Dedicated to the therapy dogs at Pier 94 in NYC who work so hard responding to the human mess of 9/11, particularly to my special friend, Wusel*. Thank you, dogs and humans for your undying love."

*"Wusel" is owned by Ursula A. Kempe, CEO of TDI, Inc.

Thank you Sarah, we love your beautiful poem, it was shared and read by our volunteers. Thank you for your work at Pier 94.

The taking of photographs at the FACs was not permitted out of respect for the grieving families.

Volunteers, the Spirit of America

The generosity of Americans is known throughout the world. The tradition of volunteering is one of the finest examples of the American spirit of giving. This volunteer spirit is clearly evident in times of disaster, as Americans from all walks of life and all parts of the country come together to help their neighbors in distress.

The Therapy Dogs International, Inc. (TDI) volunteer members exemplify the mission of TDI, to bring comfort and consolation to everyone and anyone, wherever it is needed. TDI DSR (Disaster Stress Relief) volunteers now courageously join disaster relief efforts all across the country.

TDI members and their Therapy Dogs responded to the call for help from Oklahoma City in the aftermath of the destruction of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. After September 11, 2001 (9/11), people who lost loved ones in the destruction of the World Trade Center (afterwards known as ground Zero) and a section of the Pentagon, as well as people who suffered injuries and loss of property, were directed to "Family Assistance Centers" (FACs). TDI members and their Therapy Dogs volunteered at FACs in New York City, New York, Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey, and in Washington, D. C.

…Dogs were hugged and petted by the families of the victims, displaced persons, members of the Red Cross and the Salvation Army, clergy, police officers, firefighters, U.S. Army Reserve troops and other relief workers.

This quote was taken from our special edition newsletter of Fall 1995, Heartache in the Heartlands. The words sounded all too familiar to volunteers working at the various disaster sites after September 11th.

From the experiences of TDI members at these disasters, the TDI DSR program was created. TDI DSR members volunteered their services in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to provide stress relief for refugees as well as the rescue workers coming to and from New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

TDI volunteers are the key that unlocks the door through which professionals can enter the world of people affected by disasters. Because people are drawn to dogs, people will talk to a TDI handler, or, often, a Therapy Dog, when they are still in shock; when they are unable to process the necessary information available from professional assistance.

TDI handlers perform a necessary triage service by assessing the needs of an individual and discreetly beckoning the appropriate health care worker to come to the aid of the individual, thus getting the right help to the right person at the right time.

The TDI Therapy Dogs also provide hugging time for the professionals (including police officers, firefighters, medical professionals and other relief workers and volunteers, as well as members of the clergy), who suffer their own emotional pain when dealing with the devastating pain of others.

In this section of our Web site, TDI pays tribute to all our 9/11 human and canine volunteers. At the FACs set up at Pier 94 in New York City, Liberty State Park, and near the Pentagon, more than 150 TDI members and Therapy Dog teams attended to the emotional needs of displaced persons, family members and relief workers.

The TDI Therapy Dogs who participated in the 9/11 relief efforts gave everyone unconditional love, a feat unmatched by fellow humans. The TDI volunteers and their Therapy Dogs covered various shifts for a period of three months at the FAC at Pier 94 in New York City, until the closing in December. In Washington, D. C., TDI members volunteered for one month at the Pentagon FAC. The TDI handlers received no monetary compensation for their extraordinary efforts in both New York and Washington, D. C., but earned the immeasurable reward of knowing they provided solace and a respite from the unrelenting chaos that a disaster leaves in its wake.

TDI Therapy Dogs and their handlers cannot heal someone's wounds, but they can make a difference in the emotional life and reclamation of a strong self, necessary for the ultimate cure of a victim of disaster. Therapy Dogs International, Inc. salutes the steadfastness and commitment of our volunteer members and their loyal Therapy Dogs for their dedication and resolve during the national crisis of September 11, 2001.

"Dogs comfort when humans cannot"

Firefighters came from their firehouses when the Therapy Dogs walked by near Ground Zero. People from foreign countries understood the language of a dog's unconditional love, as the dogs walked through the Family Assistance Centers. Counselors, Red Cross and Salvation Army personnel, and other relief workers were eager to pet the dogs …looking for just a moment of relief. Our Therapy Dogs provided an avenue to share pet experiences with family members. Subsequently, some families were able to talk about their loved ones while petting the dogs. People affected by the disaster in various ways were glad to pet the dogs to relieve some of their stress and anxiety. The memories for the more than 150 TDI handlers and their dogs that went to NYC/NJ and Washington will live on. We all feel thankful that we were able to share our dogs in a time of great need…. and continue to do so.

Fran Abramson, "Annie,"
Mixed Breed:
"After a while, some women who were petting Amie turned to me and said 'Thank you for coming. This is the first time I laughed since 9/11.'"

Cathi Allison, "Pumpkin,"
American Pitbull Terrier

Nancy Beaupre, "Marley,"
Shih Tzu

Sheila Beckwith, "Magnus,"
Mastiff

Heather Beebe, "Oreo,"
Mixed Breed:
"A little boy, whose father had died, played with and related very well to Oreo. Later, a lady who was crying uncontrollably hugged and kissed Oreo, and didn't want the dog to leave."

Amy Bennett, "Newman,"
Mixed Breed:
"We weren't brightening anyone's day at Pier 94. Instead, our objective was to help people to get through one of the darkest days of their lives."

John Bennett, "Taylor,"
Mixed Breed

Jan Biber, "Maggie,"
Golden Retriever

Charley Bird, "Harry,"
Mixed Breed:
"Harry was probably one of the best-known dogs at Pier 94.* Harry's kind heart was matched by his large size. People were just drawn to him, hugging him, leaning against him and just letting their grief flow into the dog."

*If we didn't have enough volunteers to cover a shift, we could always count on Charley and Harry to fill in.
-U.K.

Lisa Briles, "Holly,"
Siberian Husky:
"A chaplain told us that families were asked which of the two dozen support agencies were most helpful. The two mentioned the most were the chaplains and Therapy Dogs International."

Cassie Brill, "Taz,"
Bloodhound:
"Seeing smiles from the children and adults when they hugged or petted my big Bloodhound, Taz, was so rewarding."

Jo Brooks, "Hogan,"
Labrador Retriever

Sandra Brophy, "Ranger,"
German Shepherd Dog:
"A boy who lost his father reached out, touched Ranger, smiled and hugged him. Later the same boy spotted Ranger from across the room, ran to him and hugged him."

Ali Brown, "Montana,"
Mixed Breed:
"A woman came over, slumped on Montana, hugged her for about a minute, then walked away. No words necessary; a life's job completed."

Jeanne and Jessica Brummund, "Tara,"
Doberman Pinscher:
"Tara pulled me gently towards the people whom she felt needed her love, placing her head in a grieving woman's lap as they cried and hugged her."

Nina Brunell, "Wally,"
Maltese

Sta and Janet Budzynski, "Ember,"
Dalmatian:
"A young widow, carrying an urn with her husband's ashes and wearing his wedding ring around her neck, shared a story about her dogs and how they were still missing their master."

Kim Bulloss, "Sandi,"
Labrador Retriever:
"I see the sadness and confusion on people’s faces change to comfort and relief when they reach out to pet the dogs."

Kelly Buss, "Emme,"
Saint Bernard

Kathryn Carstensen, "Joey,"
Greyhound:
"I was so proud to be a volunteer for the United States and to allow those missing their family and their pets to share love with my dog."

Heather Casey, "Millie,"
Mixed Breed

Ellen Chaffin, "Jonah,"
Golden Retriever:
"While stroking Jonah, a little girl said they'd driven by the Pentagon the night before and it had scared her. She said, 'My uncle died there, and I'll never see him again.'"

Eileen Chiachetti, "Molly,"
Mixed Breed:
"The the officer who searched my car as I entered the parking lot, the children in the child care center, the staffers who adopted her as their mascot, and the firefighters, police officers, mental health workers, and spiritual advisers with whom she shared her time and love, Molly gave her everything."

John Cigavic, Jr., "Daisy,"
Mixed Breed:
"A lady at the Pentagon site memorial knelt down by Daisy, buried her face, and cried. After a few minutes, she walked away, never having noticed me or anyone else."

Tony Cimo, "Oreo,"
Labrador Retriever

Ruth Ellen Coffey, "Ivy,"
Labrador Retriever:
"Grief is such a personal thing, but these folks embraced us with open arms and welcomed us into their hearts and lives."

Laurie Collins, "Irish,"
Golden Retriever:
"Seeing someone with sad eyes crack a smile, hearing people laugh when tossing Irish a toy, watching a child happily walk him around, that’s what it’s really all about!"

Eileen Cosentino, "Pork Chop,"
Mixed Breed:
"The dogs were like a sigh of relief in the midst of great pain. Although everyone was in shock, the dogs helped them to show happiness for at least a short time."

Karen Coulter, "Tiffany,"
Golden Retriever:
"Tiffany was hugged, petted and kissed. One family member was hugging Tiffany and I said, 'She likes you, she is giving you her paw.' He said, 'At least someone does.'"

Linda Curtiss, "Wolfgang,"
German Shepherd Dog

Linda Damiano, "Meisje," English Pointer and "Keelan," Yorkshire Terrier:
"A woman locked herself in a stall in the ladies room. As Keelan walked under the stall door, the woman turned from sobbing to, 'Oh my gosh! Look at you!'"

Carol Dancheck, "Alexi"
Samoyed:
"A family which spoke no English visited with Alexi. She snuggled with them and understood how very much she was needed."

Barbara Delafield, "Maggie,"
English Cocker Spaniel:
"I left feeling that we had at least contributed a few smiles to some of the victims of an unspeakable tragedy."

Nancy Di Dio, "Lacey,"
Golden Retriever:
"Lacey helped workers in need of comfort laugh a bit. Everyone couldn't seem to get enough lovin' from Lacey!"

Peggy Dobbins, "Jazzy,"
Golden Retriever:
"A young teenager sat down by the dogs, and without saying a word he began to pet them. Later, he asked if he could share his cookie with Jazzy, and then he started to talk to me."

Joseph Drust, "Thor-Bear,"
Golden Retriever

Kara Embick, "Duke,"
Flat-Coated Retriever:
"There were lots of tears and emotion, yet each of our dogs did a beautiful job handling the situations presented to them."

Susan Fisher, "Bear,"
Mixed Breed

Gail Fox, "Tara,"
Mixed Breed:
"Every staffer we passed, be it in the hall or in their area, took a moment with Tara. Our visit was so meaningful and interactive. The experience made me so proud to be an American and a member of TDI."

Andy Fraser, "Howe,"
Greyhound

Jane Gable, "Eiko,"
German Shepherd Dog:
"I was very grateful to share my Eiko's love and joy with all of the people going through such grief."

Sandra Greenman, "Shiva,"
Keeshond:
"When we got on the bus to go out to the site of the Pentagon, there were few seats left. Shiva and I sat beside a woman who was afraid of dogs. On the way, she atarted petting Shiva. We saw her every day and she always came over to see Shiva and told me that she received more comfort from her than anything else."

Philip Greis, "Saffron,"
Golden Retriever:
"Saffron visited in a children's center, where parents were happy to see the dogs providing a distraction from grief for their children."

Betty Ann Grund, "Sebastiao,"
Portuguese Water Dog:
"A couple whose daughter died came with their son-in-law. When they saw Sebastiao, they cried, hugged and told a story about how their daughter's dog was a big part of her life."

Melissa Hacker, "Vida,"
Mixed Breed

Sherry Hanley, "Eli,"
Belgian Sheepdog

Sylvette Hartroth, "Ryker,"
Shetland Sheepdog:
"A couple of kids at the day care who didn't want to be alone played with the dogs, threw the balls, interacted with the dogs, and wanted them to stay."

Peter and Mollie Heide, "Gaby,"
Flat-Coated Retriever:
"We found that we were really there for the staff. The people who were helping at the pier were exhausted. We loved being there for them."

Peter and Mollie Heide, "Hoot,"
Flat-Coated Retriever:
"The biggest reaction we got was from the New York Police Department. They'd all come over and greet Hoot."

Maria Henley, "Ranger,"
Golden Retriever:
"Red Cross volunteers needed the Therapy Dogs as much as anybody else, because they had to deal with so many different stressors and emotions."

Sandi Herman, "Jetta,"
Miniature Schnauzer:
"To be there with Jetta and to see what a few minutes of happiness can bring to someone who has lost a family member or misses their pet back home, made me feel that being a volunteer does make a difference."

Linda Herold, "Kelli," Collie, "Roenick," Collie, and "Misty," Collie:
"Roenick has never been petted, hugged and cried on more than he was that day. A chaplain was amazed at the change in people just by having the dog there."

Karen Hertzog, "Zipper,"
Irish Setter:
"A man came running up and asked us to come with him to his wife, who had obviously been crying a lot. Just for a while, as she hugged and pet Zipper, she was able to smile."

June Hixson, "Toby,"
Labrador Retriever:
"A Red Cross volunteer dropped to her knees and hugged Toby. She said, 'Thanks, I have one at home and haven’t been able to hug him for 28 days.'"

Adele Hood, "Sunshine," Greyhound:
"I was amazed when a New York City cop, very large and tough looking, dissolved into tears when holding and hugging Sunshine."

Terry Hooretz, "Mickey,"
Shetland Sheepdog

Peggy Hooven, "Marco,"
Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Robin Jacoby, "Nikita,"
Siberian Husky

Jill Kalatucka, "Macy,"
Labrador Retriever

Jennifer Kavanaugh,
"Elsa Rose," German Shepherd Dog and "Maggie Mae,"
Labrador Retriever:
"The normalcy of dogs in this environment, where so much sadness and tragedy were so fresh, really helped everyone continue with the work they needed to do."

Ursula Kempe, "Mr. Woo Wusel," Mixed Breed:
"The grief and sorrow of the families of the victims were most felt when we went on a ferryboat with the families to Ground Zero. There was an opportunity to put down some flowers or Teddy Bears at a temporary memorial site. Wusel at that time stood very still outside the memorial hanging his head and grieving with the families.

My way to and fro Pier 94 was the West Side Highway. In the Median of the Highway at Christopher Street (Greenwich Village) there was at all times a neighborhood watch holding up encouraging signs. The people were waving and thanking all who passed by. The kindness of a neighborhood organizing this made such a difference for me. Thank you All, you made me cry and helped me deal with the sorrow and stress I felt while volunteering with my dog Mr. Woo Wusel on Pier 94!"

Deborah Kennedy, "Jennie,"
Mixed Breed:
"I will always remember a young boy who lost his father at the World Trade Center. As he sat on the boat staring off into space, I watched as Jennie gently nudged his arm. The boy slowly smiled, and we began to talk."

Barbara Klees, "Bailey,"
Golden Retriever:
"A psychiatrist came up to us and said, 'I can see you are doing more for these people than I can do.'"

Burton Klinger, "Molly,"
Labrador Retriever:
"I was struck by the degree to which the workers responded to the dog as a respite from their arduous activities."

Connie Krawz, "Killian,"
Labrador Retriever:
"We went in again at the holiday event. Kids would just come up and hug Killian. Quite emotional; very powerful for both the dog and myself."

Doris Kunkle and Frank Kunkle, "Oliver,"
Giant Schnauzer

Carol Lafleur, "Grace,"
Labrador Retriever

Pat LaManna, "Memphis," Greyhound and "Pharaoh," Greyhound:
"One evening an elderly man beckoned me over. As he petted Pharaoh, he began to tell me his sad story. After just a few sentences, he leaned over, took Pharaoh’s head into his hands, bent down, and cried."

Al Langer, "Elsa,"
Mixed Breed

Rose Mary Laubach, "Annie,"
Golden Retriever and "Megan," Golden Retriever:
"We arrived at the FAC within days of the attack. We were among the first people to bring our TDI dogs to offer comfort. Family members were dazed and appeared unaware of their surroundings - until Annie or Megan approached them, so unobtrusively. A hand would slide down to pet, then hug, then cry into the embrace of the dog. No words of thanks were needed - this is what it is all about."

Maeleine Loos, "Chloe,"
Collie:
"I have a Collie, Chloe, and everyone responded to her as though she were Lassie. The love and admiration for Lassie was universal, and the outpouring was overwhelming."

Kern Loughran, "Beetris,"
Mixed Breed