HOPE Animal Assisted Crisis Response Dogs
Since 2001, HOPE AACR has been serving people affected by disasters and traumatic events, at no charge. This is a nation wide non-profit organization that is supported by donations and volunteer members. HOPE AACR dogs bring comfort to those affected by crisis or disaster all over the country.
They have responded to Hurricane Katrina, California wildfires, and other tragic events.
“The work that HOPE teams do in the field has real and tangible impact that goes beyond measure. Our animal-assisted response teams help people begin the process of coping and healing in the wake of tragic events.
“Both dogs were magnificent. We put them in a down-stay position and allowed the kids to say their enthusiastic hellos. The children were touching and pulling and petting and stroking. I counted seven hands on Brinkley at one instant in time.”
— Response, Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans, Louisiana
“This work is so rewarding….and our dogs can do so much to help folks on their way to healing and coping with a minimum of intervention…”
— Response, death of a firefighter, Independence, Oregon
“Our dogs act as a bridge, an ice-breaker, to allow people to talk about their personal tragedies in a safe environment, and thus begin the healing & recovery process…they gave the firefighters a comfortable way to relieve their stress and exhaustion…”
— Response, San Bernardino Wild Fires, California
“Every adult present, both before and after the dogs’ arrival, felt the dog teams were invaluable in diffusing the children’s high emotions. The dogs did a beautiful job and were very gentle with the children.”
— Response, accidental shooting of a student, Bozeman, Montana”
The mission of these dogs is to comfort first responders. They are specially trained for this job because it is an emotionally taxing effort. Their human partners are also trained, and, as a team their hope is to be a "force multiplier", letting first responders know how important they are to their community. This support helps build resiliency, which, in turn, gives the first responders the confidence to perform their duties to the best of their abilities.
HOPE AACR dogs also serve emotional relief organizations, hospitals, schools and chaplains.
The dogs and the handlers are trained and tested to deal with the stress of crisis response work.
Although this organization is nationwide, we have HOPE AACR dogs right here in the Pacific Northwest. Archer, Bungee, Pickles, Floyd and Casper have served as HOPE AACR dogs and they all love the work that they do.
HOPE AACR is looking for new volunteer members, and, you don't even need a dog to become involved. If you aren't interested in becoming a volunteer member, financial donations are always appreciated.
