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The program started in August 2008 with four dogs, Hetzner said, and now the group has expanded to include more than 100 dogs in 23 states.

The dogs go through an intensive training program with volunteers before they are sent out as comforters, Hetzner said.

In Orlando, the comfort dogs are working with local hospitals and first responders, hoping to provide some hope to injured victims and all members of the community affected by the violence.

Travel for the dogs and volunteers is crowd-funded by donations from people looking for ways to help out those affected in Orlando.

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