Golden Retriever Dog Named Keith Is Comforting Exhausted Firefighters In California

These heroes deserve nothing but respect and all the necessary support to let them know that we appreciate and know how truly essential they are.

Ayoub

• Published in Animal Stories
• October 3, 2020

All dogs have a purpose, and a dog's purpose is love. Many times over we find ourselves thinking, "we don't deserve dogs."

The Golden State is still struggling with its fight against wildfires, as they continue to spread, firefighters are working day and night to contain the situation. These heroes deserve nothing but respect and support to let them know that we appreciate and know how truly essential they are.

This seemingly endless fight would exhaust anyone physically as well as mentally, which is why moral support is absolutely necessary in this case. This 2-year-old golden retriever dog is doing her best to help these firefighters by boosting their morale during their battle.

The dog's name is Kerith, and she's a certified crisis response therapy dog who is offering a comfort and support to the firemen. She's a dog who clearly takes pride in her job and as far as dogs go, she's taking her dog duties seriously.

There are many kinds of therpay dogs, but there's no dog quiet like Keith.

The golden retriever was originally destined to be a human helper as Heidi Carman, Keith’s owner, explained to the media. Her initial duties were going to be those of a guide dog for visually impaired people. But considering her bubbly and affectionate personality, her owner felt like a career as a certified therapy dog would be a much greater fit.

Her owner shared with the media that the 2-year-old good girl has a special love for people, as well as dogs.

“It was clear to me from an early age that she would be an excellent therapy dog because of her love and devotion to people,” she told Pop Sugar.

Kerith had passed her evaluations with flying colors while still at Pet Partners organization. Soon after that, she began working at a local hospital in California in the emergency department. There, she would visit patients and their families as well as the staff of the hospital.

Heidi, Kerith’s owner, told the media that as soon as goldie and the firefighters met “it was love at first sight," Which is why they began requesting more visits by Kerith at multiple stations.

Heidi brings Kerith around 6 a.m whenever she's visiting locations, which is the exact time when firefighters are having their breakfast and preparing for their 24-hour shifts. That's when the lovely girl walks around the station, making sure that everyone gets their snuggles, hugs, and kisses.

Kerith also happens to have an amazing quality of matching people’s energy according to what her owner said to the media:

“If a firefighter is super excited and lays on the ground so Kerith can roll around and play with them, then Kerith will be higher energy and silly with them. If a firefighter is calm, stressed, and withdrawn, Kerith will be calm as well,” Heidi told Pop Sugar.

When Kerith senses that a human is stressed, she would:

“sit closely to the individual, sometimes sit on their feet and lean into their body in a way that says, ‘I am here for you as long as you need me.'”

It has been known for a long time that golden retrievers are one of the best breeds that can participate in the emotional support area. Their extremely friendly, affectionate and patient nature makes them ideas pets, especially for children and individuals who are in need of emotional support. And not to forget, golden retrievers are also easier to train than other breeds.

Most people quickly confuse therapy dogs with assistance dogs, the former are trained to provide comfort and support, while the latter are trained on how to aid people especially those with physical needs. A therapy dog would typically visit nursing homes, retirement homes, hospices, etc...

Here's how people on the internet reacted to this lovely girl:

Ayoub