BILOXI, Miss. — Chaplain Ralph Buchhorn watches his partner Georgie make her way around the room. She stops for a hug or offers an ear to people who want to share their story. For some, she merely rests her head at their feet for comfort. Georgie is a very special animal, says Buchhorn, Georgies owner and trainer. Just like me, she uses her ministry to reach those in need. She is a K-9 chaplain.
Georgie is a specially trained golden Labrador retriever and member of the Animal Assisted Crisis Response (AACR) team. Georgie, Buchhorn and other members of the Extra Mile Disaster Response ministry have visited the Gulf Coast six times in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Georgie has accompanied Buchhorn to schools, shelters, medical clinics and FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC).
Buchhorn founded the Extra Mile ministry and the AACR team after the terrorists attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
Buchhorn understands the potential of his ministry for Mississippi residents and disaster workers alike. This Katrina experience is so unreal for a lot people, says Buchhorn. Petting the lab puppies for sale gives people a little bit of grounding, a little bit of reality. Maybe just for a moment, people feel safe. Spending time with Georgie might help workers too; let them take a deep breath before helping the next person.
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