Animals have a way of touching our lives deeply, offering us much needed unconditional love and nonjudgmental support. We have so much to learn from them.
Our interactions with animals can bring greater depth and understanding to our own lives.
“Animals are reliable, many full of love, true in their affections, predictable in their actions, grateful and loyal. Difficult standards for people to live up to.” ― Alfred A. Montapert
This week, we bring you stories of animals making a difference in their own unique ways.
- Kids embrace the comforting and healing presence of dogs
- A dog offers support to victims during courtroom testimony
- A goat’s healing journey warms hearts
- Family celebrates their beloved dog’s life
Positively Uplifting Stories | April 13 2026
Therapy dogs become a source of healing for kids after a school shooting.
The tragic shooting at the Covenant School in Nashville in March 2023 claimed the lives of three children and three adults.
Bo is part of a group called Comfort Connections, which visits the school to help students cope with grief. In the aftermath of the tragedy, many children were afraid to return to school. However, the presence of therapy dogs has made that transition a bit easier.
Students say the dogs provide a calming presence that helps ease their overwhelming pain. Eleanor Dieckhaus, who lost her 9-year-old sister Evelyn in the shooting, said that she struggled to express her emotions in front of other people. Yet, in the presence of the dogs, she was able to cry and process her grief.
“They can take your tears. And sometimes, like the greatest form of hope can come from a dog that just sits there and lets you pet them,” Eleanor said.
Justice facility dog helps victims feel calm during court appearances.
Levi is a source of light for victims navigating difficult cases at the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
A specially trained facility dog, Levi, provides emotional support to children who have experienced trauma. He helps them remain calm and feel safe as they recount painful memories.
Levi has been working as a support dog for eight years now.
He was placed through Duo Dogs, a St. Louis nonprofit organization that trains service and facility dogs.
Levi’s presence not only comforts victims but also supports prosecutors, advocates, and staff who regularly deal with tragic cases.
“It gives them a sense of power and control in a situation where most victims have no power and control,” said Lisa Jones, program manager for the office’s Victim Services Unit and Levi’s handler.
A goat makes a remarkable recovery and walks again after paralysis.
Peanut Butter the goat arrived at Sale Ranch Animal Sanctuary completely paralyzed. But with access to love, support, proper medical care, and rehabilitation, she made an incredible recovery in just a month.
At first, she could barely lift her head; now, she’s able to run on her own. Peanut Butter is thriving at the sanctuary!
“She’s not 100% yet, but the progress that she has made is unbelievable. To be able to see her walking and making friends is everything,” said Jen Sale, founder and CEO of Sale Ranch Animal Sanctuary.
A family celebrates their beloved dog’s life with the entire neighborhood.
When the Schoper children, Clay, Ruby, and Maeve, experienced intense grief for the first time after losing their dog, Turtle, they chose to celebrate his life.
They invited their neighbors and their dogs to join in honoring his memory.
The children were able to ease the pain of saying goodbye by celebrating Turtle’s memories.
Letting go is a part of life we all have to experience at some point, but we can still choose to focus on the goodness and the beautiful moments that enrich our lives.
“Don’t try to ignore the pain. Try to bring in the pain, full force. Because if you keep those emotions locked up inside, those emotions never go away. You just have to let it go,” said Clay.
