Story and photo by Darrell Fuller

Los Angeles Psychologist Dr. Monica Dremann deployed to the Red Cross response to Hurricane Ian in early October. She uses her background as a mental health professional to help shelter residents experiencing emotional struggles.

On this day, at the Hertz Arena in Fort Myers, Dr. Dremann was spotted outside walking a dog, or in this case, a couple of little dogs.

“I don’t even know their names,” she said chuckling. “We are helping people who have pets and who also have difficulty moving around. Functional needs are an issue in shelters.”

Red Cross shelter workers do all they can to welcome service animals and pets comforably, which is important for people struggling to cope. "Pets provide disaster mental health care in a way I can’t,” she explained.

And for Dr. Dremann, pets offer an additional benefit. “I get a mental health break just by walking them outside and getting some fresh air.”

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