Golden retriever Macy provided comfort to victims and first responders at Apalachee High School.
Tony Atkins
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. —
A local therapy dog named Macy is back home in Central Florida after spending 10 days in Georgia helping those impacted by the Apalachee High School shooting.
Macy, a golden retriever, worked alongside her handler, Bear Berman, providing comfort to both survivors and first responders.
During the trip, Macy and other crisis response canines were present as students returned to the school to collect their belongings. Berman recalled an emotional moment with a student who struggled to re-enter the hallway where she had previously experienced trauma.
"We were escorting a girl back into the school. She was fine until she got back in the hallway, where the last time she was there, she had suffered emotional trauma. She sat with Macy, trying to recover," Berman said.
Macy also supported first responders, including a dispatcher who had taken the initial call about the shooting.
To some, Macy's interactions may appear routine, but Berman explains that her presence has a calming effect.
"You pet her, immediately there's a smile on your face, and I get to engage you verbally," he said.
Dogs like Macy's can have significant benefits, particularly for children.
"Some of the dogs can sense high blood pressure, high heart rates, and after 12 minutes of tactical distraction — petting the dog — those levels can lower," Berman said.
After her days of service in Georgia, Macy is now back in Central Florida, where she'll enjoy some well-deserved rest. Berman said he's grateful for his partner's ability to bring comfort and smiles both near and far.
Tony Atkins
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. —
A local therapy dog named Macy is back home in Central Florida after spending 10 days in Georgia helping those impacted by the Apalachee High School shooting.
Macy, a golden retriever, worked alongside her handler, Bear Berman, providing comfort to both survivors and first responders.
During the trip, Macy and other crisis response canines were present as students returned to the school to collect their belongings. Berman recalled an emotional moment with a student who struggled to re-enter the hallway where she had previously experienced trauma.
"We were escorting a girl back into the school. She was fine until she got back in the hallway, where the last time she was there, she had suffered emotional trauma. She sat with Macy, trying to recover," Berman said.
Macy also supported first responders, including a dispatcher who had taken the initial call about the shooting.
To some, Macy's interactions may appear routine, but Berman explains that her presence has a calming effect.
"You pet her, immediately there's a smile on your face, and I get to engage you verbally," he said.
Dogs like Macy's can have significant benefits, particularly for children.
"Some of the dogs can sense high blood pressure, high heart rates, and after 12 minutes of tactical distraction — petting the dog — those levels can lower," Berman said.
After her days of service in Georgia, Macy is now back in Central Florida, where she'll enjoy some well-deserved rest. Berman said he's grateful for his partner's ability to bring comfort and smiles both near and far.
