Acts of Canine Kindness Bring Thoughts and Prayers to Newtown, Connecticut

MONTCLAIR, N.J., Dec. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- After the horrific shootings at the Sandy Hook Elementary School, the K-9 Disaster Relief Foundation, a national non-profit organization helping traumatized victims through canine crisis intervention, brings therapy dogs to Newtown, CT to help children and families deal with the heartbreak and grief from recent tragedies.

According to Frank Shane, Executive Director and founder of K-9 Disaster Relief, who is featured in the book 9/11: Stories of Courage, Heroism and Generosity, "I worked on Ground Zero for nine months and saw first hand how the power of a dog can help ease the pain and heartbreak during times of unfathomable grief."

Shane's affable retriever and canine partner, Chance, exudes love and affection during a time when there are no words.  Research shows that dogs are accepted as loving non-judgmental living animals. "Dogs don't speak, so they don't lie -- they can be trusted.  All they know is love and are like big soft teddy bears, but are real and alive," said Shane, a board certified trauma specialist and canine counselor.  In a forthcoming documentary on the human-animal-bond Shane explained, "Dogs are able to communicate through kindness and unconditional love. They speak louder than words."

Marking the first week since the tragic events at Sandy Hook, Frank Shane will place a wreath at a memorial on behalf of The National September 11 Memorial and 9/11 Tribute Center.  Both the Memorial and Tribute Center have sent stuffed animals, cards and letters. K-9 Disaster Relief's "K-9 for Kids" program will distribute hundreds of pins to children, parents and relatives.

About the K-9 Disaster Relief Foundation:
In the aftermath of September 11th, K-9 Disaster Relief was formed as a national non-profit organization to help traumatized victims through canine crisis intervention.

About the National September 11 Memorial
A tribute of remembrance and honor to the nearly 3,000 people killed in the terror attacks of September 11, 2001 at the World Trade Center site, near Shanksville, Pa., and at the Pentagon, as well as the six people killed in the World Trade Center bombing in February 1993.

About the 9/11 Tribute Center
Offers visitors to the World Trade Center site deeply moving gallery experiences and meaningful walking tours on the 9/11 Memorial led by volunteer guides that share their personal experiences.

Contact:
Frank Shane 973-563-1291

SOURCE K-9 Disaster Relief