In the aftermath of the tragic school shooting in Parkland, Florida, that took the lives of 17 people on Valentine's Day, a special lady and her very special dog visited the students and brought a measure of peace and the beginning of healing. They just happened to be in Florida—they live in Austin, Texas—when the melee occurred.
Melissa Unfred and her Border Collie, Kermit, were within driving distance when she heard the awful news. "It just so happened Kermit and I were in Florida when this tragedy occurred," Unfred wrote on Facebook. "Please hold a moment of reverence for this community in your thoughts, and remember to tell others you love them."
​
Melissa originally adopted Kermit to help her cope with sad feelings stemming from her job as a mortician. He helped her, so she knew he could help others.
When she heard about the shooting, she knew that she and Kermit had to help however they could. Fortunately, that's what Kermit's good at.
His signature vest reads "Therapy Dog: Please Pet Me," and students who had gathered at a community center did just that. Rolling over on the grass, the students gathered around and rubbed his belly.
Medical science shows that interacting with a therapy dog has lots of benefits, not the least of which is reducing anxiety and depression. They have the ability to cross all barriers of language, race, and creed and touch people where they're hurting.
Kermit's understanding countenance gazes right into the hurting heart and soul of someone in grief, sharing and helping to lighten their grief, however slightly.
"Kermit has been snuggled on by students and first responders alike, as well as volunteers," Unfred said. "The emotion in the air is palpable. I'm thankful we took the time to come."
Sometimes, all a person needs is a loving soul to simply sit beside them and let them know they are not alone. That's something Kermit does well, and it was never more evident than that day of mourning for friends, classmates, and teachers who perished that awful afternoon. Share Kermit's story, and if you're touched, consider making a donation to help the Parkway community recover.
​