Therapy Dogs Bring Comfort to Survivors of Nashville School Shooting Three Years Later
In a heartwarming display of resilience, therapy dogs have been providing comfort to the survivors of the 2023 Covenant School shooting in Nashville, Tennessee. The event, which claimed the lives of three children and three adults, left many students with emotional scars that still linger today.
Since the tragic incident, a group of therapy dogs from Comfort Connections has been visiting the school regularly, bringing solace to those who needed it most. These canine companions are not trained police dogs but have made an impact that transcends their breed and background.
Their heroics were recently recognized at a glitzy award show, where Sgt. Bo, a therapy dog belonging to retired police officer Faye Okert, was honored with the 2025 Hero Dog Award. While Bo's role may not be as dramatic as rescue operations, his presence has been a lifeline for many students.
One of those who benefited from Bo's comfort is Eleanor Dieckhaus, whose 9-year-old sister Evelyn was among the victims. In an emotional interview, Eleanor revealed that the dogs have helped her cope with her grief in ways she never thought possible. "They can take your tears," she said, highlighting the profound impact these dogs have had on her life.
The children who survived the shooting share similar sentiments, stating that the presence of these therapy dogs has made them feel safer and more at ease. One student described how petting a dog would calm her down immediately, while another mentioned feeling comforted by their company when they needed it most.
These remarkable stories underscore the transformative power of therapy dogs in times of crisis. As Eleanor Dieckhaus so eloquently put it, "Sometimes, like the greatest form of hope can come from a dog that just sits there and lets you pet them." The bravery and compassion exhibited by these canine heroes serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of mental health support and the impact we can have on one another.
In a heartwarming display of resilience, therapy dogs have been providing comfort to the survivors of the 2023 Covenant School shooting in Nashville, Tennessee. The event, which claimed the lives of three children and three adults, left many students with emotional scars that still linger today.
Since the tragic incident, a group of therapy dogs from Comfort Connections has been visiting the school regularly, bringing solace to those who needed it most. These canine companions are not trained police dogs but have made an impact that transcends their breed and background.
Their heroics were recently recognized at a glitzy award show, where Sgt. Bo, a therapy dog belonging to retired police officer Faye Okert, was honored with the 2025 Hero Dog Award. While Bo's role may not be as dramatic as rescue operations, his presence has been a lifeline for many students.
One of those who benefited from Bo's comfort is Eleanor Dieckhaus, whose 9-year-old sister Evelyn was among the victims. In an emotional interview, Eleanor revealed that the dogs have helped her cope with her grief in ways she never thought possible. "They can take your tears," she said, highlighting the profound impact these dogs have had on her life.
The children who survived the shooting share similar sentiments, stating that the presence of these therapy dogs has made them feel safer and more at ease. One student described how petting a dog would calm her down immediately, while another mentioned feeling comforted by their company when they needed it most.
These remarkable stories underscore the transformative power of therapy dogs in times of crisis. As Eleanor Dieckhaus so eloquently put it, "Sometimes, like the greatest form of hope can come from a dog that just sits there and lets you pet them." The bravery and compassion exhibited by these canine heroes serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of mental health support and the impact we can have on one another.
I think its so beautiful to see therapy dogs bring comfort to those who need it most after something super traumatic like that school shooting. It just goes to show how much of a difference these animals can make in our lives, especially when were feeling lost or scared. The fact that they dont have to be trained police dogs but still manage to make an impact is just amazing 
anyway it's amazing to see how these therapy dogs are making a difference in people's lives, especially after such a traumatic event. they're like little angels with wagging tails 
and it's beautiful to see the impact they have on the kids who survived the shooting. i mean who needs therapy when you've got a cuddly pup to snuggle up with? 
seriously though this is just heartwarming and we need more of these kind of stories in the world.
. I mean, can you even imagine what they must've been going through? I feel like our school's counseling center doesn't have enough resources for us, so I'm glad to see how these therapy dogs were able to help. It just goes to show that there are always people (and animals!) willing to lend a helping paw 
. I remember when I was in school, we didn't even have emotional support animals like that back in the day. It just goes to show how far society has come and how we're starting to recognize the importance of mental health.
), but his presence is making such a difference in these kids' lives. It just warms my heart thinking about it 
. Anyway, I'm just so happy to see therapy dogs getting the recognition they deserve 
!
I'm so glad to hear about Sgt. Bo's Hero Dog Award, but are therapy dogs really the best solution for schools? Like, what about actual therapy sessions or counseling services for the kids who need it? We're talking about traumatic events here, not just emotional scars 
... and don't even get me started on how to handle all these adorable dogs in a crowded school hallway... it's just a logistical nightmare 
! Those therapy dogs are literally angels on earth 
. I'm so glad the survivors have found comfort in their presence, because let's be real, life can get really tough sometimes 
It's not just about giving comfort, its about creating a sense of normalcy and security for these kids who've been through so much. And let's be real, sometimes all someone needs is someone to pet them, no matter how small they are 
. But what's even more amazing is how the therapy dogs are helpin' them cope w/ it! I mean, who wouldn't feel better after pettin' a cute pup? 
. Don't get me wrong, it's great that these dogs are being used as a coping mechanism, but isn't it just a Band-Aid solution? 
. It just goes to show that even in the darkest times, there's always hope and healing to be found with a little bit of furry therapy 
, they don't care about anythin' but givin' love & support 
, i can only imagine how hard it must be for her to cope with her grief but its clear that Bo and the other therapy dogs have been a lifesaver for her 
and it's not just about the dogs its about the human connection too - how Eleanor coped with her grief talking about how much Bo & the other dogs mean to her is giving me all the feels