Photo: Methodist Healthcare System
The Methodist Healthcare System of San Antonio has sent two of their emergency services facility dogs to El Paso, Texas, to comfort the victims and first responders of thedevastating mass shootingthat took place on Saturday.
Therapy dogs Rudy and Chanel arrived in El Paso on Sunday morning, according to the hospital, to provide “unconditional love and support” to those coping with the horrific events that unfolded.
“Chanel and Rudy our facility dogs made it to El Paso this morning. They are already providing their unconditional love and support to first responders helping them cope through this traumatic time,” the facilityshared on Facebook.
Methodist Healthcare System
“Thanks to Southwest Airlines safely and swiftly getting them down there. We will continue to send prayers to El Paso as well as to Dayton OH,” they added.
According to the hospital, the dogs are specifically trained in crisis management, meaning they are able to identify individuals in crisis situations. They typically visit Methodist Healthcare hospitals daily to provide comfort and support to patients.
Over the next several days, the dogs will visit first responder stations and hospitals throughout El Paso.
On Saturday, 20 people were killed and 26 were injuredin a mass shooting inside a Walmartin the Texas city — before the shooter surrendered to police. Since Saturday, the death toll has risen to 22, according to theAssociated Press.
The shooting is being investigated as a hate crime because of an apparent manifesto with white nationalist themes the suspect is believed to have written, authorities said.
Less than 24 hours later,another mass shooting took place in Dayton, Ohio,killing nine and leaving another 27 injured.
source: people.com
