KERRVILLE, Texas — Therapy dogs from the Angel PAWS pet therapy ministry traveled from Houston to Kerrville to support disaster relief workers and flood victims following severe flooding in the region.
Led by Debbie Benningfield, the Angel PAWS team made the 270-mile journey to offer emotional assistance to individuals affected by the floods.
Kerrville experienced significant flooding that caused widespread damage and displacement. Relief workers have operated under challenging conditions as they continue recovery and rescue operations.
The dogs’ presence was welcomed by first responders and community members alike. Many described their interactions with the animals as calming and comforting, contributing to a temporary sense of normalcy amid ongoing recovery efforts.
Angel PAWS emphasized the importance of addressing emotional needs alongside physical necessities such as food, water, and shelter. The organization’s initiative aimed to fill a gap in disaster response by offering mental health support through animal-assisted therapy.
Therapy dog teams remain stationed at key locations throughout Kerrville, continuing to offer support as damage assessments and recovery planning move forward.
Their work represents an evolving approach to disaster recovery that includes both practical and emotional care.
As relief operations continue, the therapy dogs’ role in Kerrville highlights the broader need for comprehensive and compassionate responses to natural disasters.
