It may seem like such a little thing – a visit from a dog – but it can do so much to lift the spirits of those dealing with disaster. The Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces includes a team of therapy dogs who bring a lot of personality and wagging tails to those in need. For many who had lost so much in the Maui Wildfires, a friendly dog to pet provided some small comfort and a bit of happiness to help them move forward. 

If you have a pupper best friend who has a lot of love to give, and you’d like to see the faces of folks light up when they enter the room, visit redcross.org/hawaii to learn more about the therapy dog program. 

Many volunteers at the Red Cross headquarters for the wildfire disaster operation received a pleasant surprise when Hanah Rose and her therapy dog, Hailey, arrived to pay a visit. All eyes turned to the beautiful Golden Retriever, and for just a moment the stress of working a huge disaster operation was put aside. 

The Red Cross Service to Armed Forces team had arranged the therapy dog visit and has also coordinated to have the therapy dog team to visit Red Cross non-congregant shelters across Maui, aiming to bring comfort to those displaced by the devastating wildfire. 

On Tuesday, residents at the Hyatt Regency was able to meet Stella and Rosie. 

“Therapy dogs bring a lot of love and comfort,” Hanah said. “It’s scientifically proven that it’s very calming. When Hailey comes into a room, it’s not just a pleasant emotional thing, it really does physiologically help you through the crisis you’re going through.” 

Hanah shared a recent story where she and Hailey were out for a walk when Hailey went right up to a woman they encountered and began to wag her tail. It turns out the woman had lost everything, including her home, in the fire. 

“Hailey is super-empathetic; she just seems to know. It’s really a tough time on the island for people, so it’s a great way for us to reach out to our community.”