Nebraska tornadoes: Therapy dogs help lift spirits of survivors and volunteers
ELKHORN, Neb. (WOWT) - Even though he’s a University of Iowa fan named after the mascot, Herky doesn’t see team colors.
Instead, he welcomes anyone, even the UNO athletes dressed in black and red who were volunteering in the recovery efforts for tornado survivors.
“Hi Herky!,” they said while petting his soft fur.
Herky’s owners brought him last Thursday to lift the spirits of both survivors and volunteers.
“Herky has a great disposition. He is always happy, very excited to see the people,” said Teri Clapper, Herky’s owner. “He provides a lot of comfort without even realizing it.”
That comfort is much needed when surrounded by constant reminders of things lost, said volunteer Becky Sullivan.
“It’s overwhelming right now to see all of this and to realize that I have a bed to go to tonight. It’s really overwhelming. Sad,” said Sullivan.
Herky had some furry friends join him, like Gracie. The two are affiliated with different organizations. Herky is with Paws for Friendship and Gracie with Pups With a Purpose. Both were there for the same reason: “To go from person to person and thank them for all the volunteer work they’re doing,” said Clapper.
It seems Herky earned his treats for Thursday.
“You’ve given us a vision of hope that everything’s going to be okay,” said Sullivan as if speaking to Herky.
If only he could understand her thanks -- deep down he might know.
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