INDIAN LAKE - Following the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School, K-9 Disaster Relief brought therapy dogs to Newtown, Conn. to help children and families deal with the heartbreak and grief.

K-9 Disaster Relief is a national non-profit organization that helps traumatized victims through canine crisis intervention.

Founder and Executive Director Frank Shane, who is featured in the book “9/11: Stories of Courage, Heroism and Generosity,” “I worked on Ground Zero for nine months and saw first-hand how the power of a dog can help ease pain and heartbreak during times of unfathomable grief.”

Shane’s canine partner, Chance, exudes love and affection during a time when there are no words. Research shows dogs are accepted as loving and non-judgmental.

“Dogs don’t speak, so they don’t lie; they can be trusted. They are like big soft teddy bears, but are real and warm and alive,” said Shane, a board certified trauma specialist and canine counselor.

In a forthcoming documentary on the human-animal bond Shane explains, “Dogs are able to communicate through kindness and unconditional love. They speak louder than words.”

Marking the first week since the tragic events at Sandy Hook Friday morning, Dec. 14, Shane placed a wreath at the Sandy Hook Firehouse next to the school Dec. 21 on behalf of K-9 Disaster Relief, The National September 11 Memorial and the 9/11 Tribute Center.

All sent stuffed animals, cards and letters. K-9 Disaster Relief’s “K-9 for Kids” program gave pins to children, parents, relatives and first responders. On Christmas day he and Chance returned to visit children.

Frank Shane has a residence in Indian Lake where he has trained disaster relief canines for nearly 30 years.