“We knew that God wanted these dogs here, so we just came,” said Debbie Benningfield with Angel PAWS pet therapy ministry.
KERRVILLE, Texas — In the heart of Kerr County’s flood-ravaged communities, volunteers and nonprofit organizations continue to work around the clock to support victims and survivors. But for many, the emotional toll is heavy, even for those offering help.
On Wednesday, a group from Houston made a special trip to bring some much-needed relief, not just for flood victims, but for the helpers themselves.
Walking along the banks of the Guadalupe River in Kerrville reveals a landscape scattered with debris, a haunting reminder of lives turned upside down. Amid the damage, four therapy dogs arrived to offer comfort to anyone who needed it.
“We knew that God wanted these dogs here, so we just came,” said Debbie Benningfield of Angel PAWS, the pet therapy ministry with Champion Forest Baptist Church.
Angel PAWS drove 270 miles to the Salvation Army in Kerrville. The therapy dogs quickly became a source of comfort for both disaster survivors and the relief workers on the ground.
“To come here and to be here and to be a blessing to these people, just to see the reaction of their faces, and just that moment where they’re just calm, where they’re happy, and they’re there to comfort. That’s what their job is, is to comfort, and these dogs know their jobs very well,” Benningfield said.
The simple act of petting one of the dogs or giving them a snuggle proved to be a powerful gift to those under strain.
“Thank you. It’s much appreciated,” said Cathy Clark with the Salvation Army Texas Division’s Emergency Disaster Services Department.
Clark said the emotional support means the world to their team, some of whom have been personally affected by the floods.
“We had two individuals that actually lost everything, so we’re housing them. We’re taking care of them,” Clark said. “The Salvation Army is very appreciative and very thankful for all of the organizations, the communities that are helping, the people that are driving hundreds of miles to come and help.”
Whether it was a line of people donating supplies or a therapy dog offering a nuzzle, every small act of kindness is noticed.
“There’s lots of hope out there, and so that’s what we’re here to give, is hope,” Clark said.
The Salvation Army in Kerrville said they have been overwhelmed by in-kind donations and are now trying to secure more warehouse space. For those looking to help, officials say the best way to support their efforts right now is by donating financially.
Meanwhile, Angel PAWS said they plan to continue their mission by visiting more locations throughout the flood-affected region to spread comfort where it is needed most.