Chicago Dispatches 'Comfort Dogs' In Oklahoma's Time Of Need

Howie's trainer says dogs like Howie become instant "best friends," soothing victims' frayed nerves.

Wednesday, May 22nd 2013, 11:57 pm

By: News On 6


Resources from around the country are pouring into Oklahoma. That includes 9-year-old Howie, from Chicago.

He's one of four "comfort dogs" being sent to the tornado zone.

Howie's trainer says dogs like Howie become instant "best friends," soothing victims' frayed nerves.

"What is rewarding is helping people. I always say, people pet the dog and they start smiling, then I start crying," said Tim Hetzner, with Lutheran Church Charities.

The "comfort dogs" have been called into service after the Connecticut school shooting, the Boston Marathon Bombing, and the killer tornado in Joplin.

Complete Coverage: May 2013 Tornado Outbreak

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