Therapy Dogs Rudy and Chanel flew to El Paso to comfort victims and First Responders after the recent deadly shooting.
Therapy dogs Rudy and Chanel arrived in El Paso last week, according to the Methodist Healthcare System of San Antonio, to provide “unconditional love and support” to those coping with the horrific events that unfolded.
The facility shared on Facebook — “Chanel and Rudy…are already providing their unconditional love and support to first responders helping them cope through this traumatic time. 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.”
It was the first flight the dogs had taken, and they were accompanied by special handlers.
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.
22 people were killed and 24 were injured in a mass shooting inside a Walmart in the Texas city — before the shooter surrendered to police.
Less than 24 hours later, another mass shooting took place in Dayton, Ohio, killing nine and leaving another 27 injured.