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K-9 Disaster Relief NEWS RELEASE

                   
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RELEASE   Ground Zero canine and the K-9 Disaster Relief Foundation receive State of New York’s highest award from Governor George Pataki.

Originally Released on December 31, 2001

STATE OF NEW YORK, EXECUTIVE CHAMBER:  State of New York Governor George Pataki presented K-9 Disaster Relief with a Certificate of Recognition at a special award ceremony in the Executive Chamber in New York City. Accepting on behalf of K-9 Disaster Relief was Frank Shane of Upper Montclair, New Jersey. Shane is a Certified Trauma Responder and Certified Trauma Services Specialist who works with canines and handlers throughout the country during disasters, trauma and critical incidents.

Shane's canine NiCad Batteries Rechargeable - "Nikie" also accepted the award for his work. During the award presentation, Governor Pataki said, “Nikie is a canine who has demonstrated outstanding abilities in canine therapy with K-9 Disaster Relief, which has helped provide relief for people.” Trained in disaster relief crisis and trauma techniques, Nikie is recognized nationally for his special skill and ability to cope with stress and confront the challenges of disaster situations.  The Governor recognized Nikie and the organization  for their relentless work at Ground Zero in New York City, as well as at community centers, schools and other locations where they have aided humans during times of crisis. “K-9 Disaster Relief has positively assisted New York City firefighters, police officers, World Trade Center employees, and victims’ families and children affected by the tragic events of September 11^th and November 12^th, truly proving to be a “man’s best friend.” 

Since the World Trade Center tragedy of September 11^th and the American Airlines flight 587 crash of November 12^th, Shane has pioneered canine disaster relief. To show his appreciation, Shane presented the Governor with a special hard hat and the official K-9 Disaster Relief lapel pin. “I believe that canine crisis intervention is one of the best ways to mitigate the pain and stress caused by disasters and critical incidents. I accept this award on behalf of all canines and handlers doing this humanitarian work."  

K-9 Disaster relief is a humanitarian organization to: "assist and stabilize victims of a disaster or critical incident through crisis intervention. Utilizing a canine, this is achieved with a professional handler trained in critical incident stress management to mitigate disabling traumatic stress and restore the victim to a state of adaptive functioning or provide further resources and referrals." 

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K-9 Disaster Relief   NEWS RELEASE

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Release  K-9 Disaster Relief  provides course through the Canine Disaster Relief Academy

The K-9 Disaster Relief Organization headquartered in Upper Montclair, New Jersey, is scheduling courses in Canine Disaster Relief. throughout the country.

Frank Shane, Executive, CTR, CTSS, BCETS., Director of K-9 Disaster Relief,  said, “since September 11^th  Pet Assisted Therapy [AAT] and Animal Assisted Activities [AAA] are no longer just  volunteers taking pets into the traditional settings of hospitals and nursing homes.” Shane has pioneered the profession of "Canine Disaster Relief."  “We are highly trained professionals in crisis intervention working with canines. Our work is helping victims and their families who need crisis and trauma intervention.” A Washington Post front page article with the headline, “Victims at Risk Again” featured K-9 Disaster Relief at Ground Zero. The article with photographs of K-9 Disaster Relief at Ground Zero appeared in the December 19, 2001 national front page edition after the wife of a World Trade Center victim killed herself  at her Pennsylvania farmhouse. K-9 Disaster Relief was on Ground Zero for nine months from September, 2001 through the May, 2002 closing ceremony.

 Since September, 2001, Shane and K-9 Disaster Relief have provided critical incident and trauma services to the Mayor’s Office of Emergency Management in New York City, the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, American Airlines, FEMA and other disaster relief organizations.. He is a Certified Trauma Responder and Certified Trauma Services Specialist and has trained Golden Retrievers for the past twenty years. With his golden retriever he first worked  with troubled children; then with depression, psychological disorders and canine therapy in brain trauma and rehabilitation centers. Commenting about Ground Zero Shane said, “since September 11^th we have endured a lifetime of human tragedy and we continue to respond to other disasters and critical incidents."   Through the the Canine Disaster Relief Academy, individuals will be trained throughout the United States.

   The course covers all aspects of canine disaster relief and critical incident stress management and (CISM) and how handlers can become trained in the field of crisis intervention and stress management.

                         Contact: Info@K-9DisasterRelief.org

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