Furry First Responders: How Dogs Support Mental Health After Crisis

When tragedy struck Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2018, Laura—a licensed school psychologist—found herself on the front lines of grief and trauma. But amid the heartbreak, she witnessed something remarkable: therapy dogs offering comfort in ways words couldn't. That experience sparked the creation of Everyday Feathers Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to supporting families facing canine cancer while promoting mental health through the healing power of dogs.Laura's journey from educator to mental health advocate deepened her belief in the human-animal bond. "Dogs aren't just pets, they're family," she says, highlighting how they ease loneliness, provide comfort, and help ground us during emotional crises. Everyday Feathers Foundation grew from this understanding, creating a space where both people and their dogs receive care during life’s toughest moments. This conversation offers powerful insights into how love, resilience, and the presence of a loyal companion can light the way through darkness.Connect with Laura: Email: [email protected]: https://www.everydayfeathers.org/Submit request for Broody Blessings: https://www.everydayfeathers.org/Donate: https://www.everydayfeathers.org/donatenowLearn more about THIS:www.thehealinginsharing.comFollow: Instagram: @TheHealingInSharingYouTube: @TheHealingInSharing11Email: [email protected]: Apple podcast, Spotify, etcBook: Why I Survived; Where Survival Becomes StrengthSend us Fan MailSupport the show