Turn on the news, and often times, the broadcasted events tend to be discouraging. From natural disasters and man-made conflicts endangering the lives of innocent individuals, the toll of these tragedies has impacted countless beings. While communities have united in a gesture to support those in unimaginable physical and emotional states, many have used the method of “dog therapy” to illuminate the lives of those who have become disheartened amidst the chaos of current occurrences.

 Following one of the deadliest mass shootings recorded in American history in Las Vegas, Nevada, a nonprofit organization known as the Lutheran Church Charity travelled to Las Vegas along with nineteen “comfort dogs” — golden retrievers — as an act to relieve those dealing with trauma and sorrow.

   In recent news, much closer to home, myriad lighthearted stories have emerged in spite of overwhelming accounts of dismayed reports on the recent Northern California Fires. Including an uplifting report on eager individuals from Santa Rosa, searching for their sweet, loving, Bernese Mountain Dog — Izzy. Having been evacuated on such short notice, heartbreak and devastation overcame them as they fled their home without their furry family member. With such despair, a determined Jack Weaver walked a three-mile path to his home in Santa Rosa. With relief and exhilaration, the scary feeling of the unknown soon vanished as he came face to face with a tail wagging Izzy on the steps of their family home’s front porch.

   As many individuals are found to be discouraged by recent news and the weight of life itself on one’s shoulders, dogs have been a vital factor in the process of healing the hearts of those who feel defeated.