CRC’s purpose is to provide strength, comfort and emotional support to individuals, communities and first responders in the aftermath of critical incidents.
CLEVELAND — When tragedy strikes, Crisis Response Canines are often called in to help communities navigate their grief.
This week, the Ohio team brought their calm, four-legged companions to Bay High School following the death of 16-year-old Dylan Veselic.
Veselic, a sophomore, tragically passed away on May 8 following an injury sustained during a lacrosse game earlier that week, leaving the school community in mourning. In response to the devastating loss, the school district provided grief counselors for support and also enlisted the help of Crisis Response Canines to aid in the healing process.
The team from Crisis Response Canines, including Shirley Graziano from the Ohio chapter, varied their approach based on the specific needs of the individuals they were assisting. Whether it was working one-on-one with a student and their dog in a private session with a counselor or engaging with a larger group indoors or outdoors, the organization tailored their support to best meet the requirements of each situation.
This nonprofit organization is dedicated to traveling across the nation to offer their services wherever and whenever they are called upon. Their recent deployments included providing comfort and support at Florida State University in the aftermath of a tragic incident where two employees lost their lives and five others were injured.
Before that, they visited the Shaker Heights Public Library, where an 18-year-old was shot and killed in front of multiple patrons, including children.
The canines are specifically trained to support people experiencing intense emotional stress.
“They’re not going to bark. They’re not going to jump. So they’re definitely further advanced in their training,” Graziano explained. “And they’re exposed to situations manageable from somebody perhaps crying on their head to somebody that’s angry—and you know, they’re just there to lend their support.”
Their motto: Strength through comfort.
In Bay Village, it was a presence appreciated—offering quiet support in a moment when words alone weren’t enough.
Crisis Response Canines operate as a nonprofit, offering their services free of charge. The Ohio chapter is made up of six teams and also responds to requests from first responders.
CRC has an upcoming Putts and Pars for Paws Golf Outing on July 10th, 2025. For registration or sponsorship information you can head HERE.
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