“We started this organization in 2001 because we saw a need for it after the search and rescue dogs and therapy dogs helped in 9/11,” said Valerie Wolford, Southeast Co-Regional Manager for HOPE AACR.
The HOPE AACR website explains the assisted intervention as unique: “Teams are screened and trained to respond in more intense emotional and environmental situations…HOPE AACR certified teams are required to go through specialized training such as: crisis intervention skills (emotional first aid), animal behavior and stress management, critical incident stress management, incident command system training, first aid and CPR, and pet first aid, to name a few.”
HOPE AACR dogs and handlers visited Red Cross workers as well as residents in multiple shelters in Eastern Kentucky. Dae Grodin, a volunteer with HOPE AACR, and her dog Tovah have been together for 14 years. They have been a HOPE AACR team for 8 years deploying in crisis response to disasters like recent flooding in Eastern Kentucky. This was a special visit for Dae and Tovah, as Dae rescued Tovah in Pike County located in Eastern Kentucky. “I’m always happy to work with Red Cross,” commented Dae.
Tovah is a 14-year-old German Shepherd mix who is described as very relaxed and loves being around people. The team were able to provide comfort, support, and encouragement across Eastern Kentucky.
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| Red Cross public affairs team member Marita with Tovah |
HOPE AACR dogs and handlers visited Red Cross workers as well as residents in multiple shelters in Eastern Kentucky. Dae Grodin, a volunteer with HOPE AACR, and her dog Tovah have been together for 14 years. They have been a HOPE AACR team for 8 years deploying in crisis response to disasters like recent flooding in Eastern Kentucky. This was a special visit for Dae and Tovah, as Dae rescued Tovah in Pike County located in Eastern Kentucky. “I’m always happy to work with Red Cross,” commented Dae.
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| Dae and Tovah |
Tovah is a 14-year-old German Shepherd mix who is described as very relaxed and loves being around people. The team were able to provide comfort, support, and encouragement across Eastern Kentucky.
“Tovah came and laid right next to me on the floor. She brought peace, love, and kisses! They brightened our day,” said Brandy Graham,ed Cross worker.
Jennifer Jett-Prezkopp is a Red Cross worker who says Dae and Tovah’s visit came at the perfect time. “As an animal lover, I was so excited to see Tovah the Disaster K-9. I have pets at home I miss, and it warmed my heart to be able to pet and love on an animal for a few minutes in my busy day. Tovah’s presence was very calm and comforting for me…There is something soothing about an animal’s unconditional love, and I’m so glad these pups were made available to the people hurting in Kentucky. I know they put smiles on the faces of a lot of tired people.”
Red Cross partners with many organizations to make our work possible. HOPE AACR is deeply appreciated for the services they provide to the people of Kentucky. To learn more about HOPE AACR, visit https://www.hopeaacr.org/
Jennifer Jett-Prezkopp is a Red Cross worker who says Dae and Tovah’s visit came at the perfect time. “As an animal lover, I was so excited to see Tovah the Disaster K-9. I have pets at home I miss, and it warmed my heart to be able to pet and love on an animal for a few minutes in my busy day. Tovah’s presence was very calm and comforting for me…There is something soothing about an animal’s unconditional love, and I’m so glad these pups were made available to the people hurting in Kentucky. I know they put smiles on the faces of a lot of tired people.”
Red Cross partners with many organizations to make our work possible. HOPE AACR is deeply appreciated for the services they provide to the people of Kentucky. To learn more about HOPE AACR, visit https://www.hopeaacr.org/
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