Therapy dogs help Florida massacre survivors cope after return to school

Survivors of the Florida school massacre returned to class on Wednesday for the first time since the shooting — and were welcomed with open paws.

“Today our therapy dogs welcomed the students back to school,” tweeted the Humane Society of Broward County, along with photos of the stress-relieving pups inside Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

“They participated in classes all day, made lots of new friends and provided unconditional love and comfort,” the agency said, using the hashtag #MSDStrong.

“It’s an honor to be part of the comfort and healing process at MSD with their amazing students, principal and faculty.”

Everyone seemed to be big fans of the therapy dog program, with many posting pictures of the pooches on social media.

“My first period class with our borrowed therapy dog, Woody,” tweeted student Sarah Lerner.

According to the Humane Society, therapy dogs “work with a handler to provide affection and comfort to members of the public.” This includes spending time with kids at libraries or schools and visiting people in hospitals and nursing homes.

“The attention and affection of an animal is often a source of relief during difficult times like these,” said Marni Bellavia, manager of the Animal Assisted Therapy Program at the Humane Society.

“Please know that the Humane Society of Broward County is here to help in the best way we can — through the comfort of our animals.”

Local school board member Dr. Rosalind Osgood told Local 10 News that the dogs will remain on campus for the foreseeable future.

“One mom said, ‘You know, everybody is here today, but how long will [the therapy dog program] take place?’ And I said, ‘As long as we need it to,'” explained Osgood.

“Me and my colleagues, as board members, we’ve been interacting with students, so we’re kind of going by the pulse of the students,” she said. “Like today, there is nothing academic taking place. It’s all about love, support, dialogue, counseling, encouragement, support dogs, support people — whatever the staff and the students need.”