Golden Retriever Brings Joy to First Responders Across the U.S

Kerith, a golden retriever, has become a beacon of joy for first responders, particularly during visits to fire stations. Her owner, Carman, who founded First Responder Therapy Dogs in San Rafael, noted that Kerith thrives in these environments, bringing smiles and comfort to those who serve. The initiative gained traction as people began to notice Kerith's impact on social media, leading to an expansion of the nonprofit's reach from California and Oregon to 42 states in just three years. The therapeutic benefits of Kerith's visits are widely recognized among firefighters. Capt. Lewis emphasized that the presence of a therapy dog provides an instant release of built-up stress, helping to alleviate the potentially negative energy encountered in the fire service. Janowsky, another firefighter, described the "magical reaction" that occurs when Kerith arrives, highlighting the calm and excitement she brings to the team. Carman's journey with Kerith began when she was training her as a guide dog for the blind. However, Kerith's overly friendly demeanor made her unsuitable for that role, prompting Carman to pivot and train her as a certified therapy dog instead. This decision has proven to be a significant blessing for first responders, especially those working long hours away from their families, as Kerith's visits make a substantial difference in their emotional well-being. With 16,000 followers on her Instagram account, Kerith has become a social media sensation, further amplifying the mission of First Responder Therapy Dogs and the positive impact of therapy animals in high-stress professions.