The horrific news from Las Vegas this week — 58 dead and more than 500 wounded in a mass shooting perpetrated by a domestic terrorist — has left many Americans reeling.
And even now, many days later, most of us are still trying to wrap our heads around the senseless violence.
But in the aftermath of the tragedy, there have been some heartwarming moments.
Most notable: This unusual Twitter thread from BuzzFeed reporter Jim Dalrymple who was on hand to document the scene when puppies of dogs (labs, gold, and bakery) visited a nearby triage center at Sunrise Hospital, where some of the victims and first responders were recovering from their physical and emotional wounds. .
“A full set of comfort dogs is currently at Sunrise Hospital in Las Vegas,” he wrote on the microblogging platform.
A whole pack of comfort dogs is currently at Sunrise Hospital in Las Vegas pic.twitter.com/Bgs1Dlghh0
— Jim Dalrymple II (@JimDalrympleII) October 5, 2017
When the original post started to go viral (18,000+ injected copies counting), Dalrymple added more poignant snaps.
“Want some more pics of these dogs? (Is that a dumb question?),” his rhetorical 16,000+ followers asked.
Want some more pics of these dogs? (Is that a stupid question?) pic.twitter.com/QXRfEP3xxK
— Jim Dalrymple II (@JimDalrympleII) October 5, 2017
pic.twitter.com/I8B4oeh0jV
— Jim Dalrymple II (@JimDalrympleII) October 5, 2017
He introduced one of these dogs and pointed out, “This is Cubby, from Colorado (who was innuendo?).”
This is Cubby, from Colorado (who was a wink?) pic.twitter.com/1vLGzhNr52
— Jim Dalrymple II (@JimDalrympleII) October 5, 2017
“Lewis, from Las Vegas, is taking a break in the hospital at the moment,” he continued.
Lois, from Las Vegas, is taking a hospital break at the moment. pic.twitter.com/UexC6Gxkh2
— Jim Dalrymple II (@JimDalrympleII) October 5, 2017
“This is Lewis visiting Michael Custer, who was shot at the party Sunday night.” (I cry, you cry, we all cry.)
This is Lewis visiting Michael Caster, who shot him at a concert Sunday night. pic.twitter.com/4C0bcIfve6
— Jim Dalrymple II (@JimDalrympleII) October 5, 2017
But for a while, the internet put aside its internal squabbles and gathered around the pups, who all agreed were very good boys and girls.
“They’ve been working so hard and I’m proud of that,” complimented the man, driving home in CAPS LOCK style.
They work very hard and I am so proud of them
— Justin 🚒🇹🇹 (@YourMindAches) October 5, 2017
“Jim this is the biggest story I’ve ever broken,” another complimented.
Jim, this is the biggest story I’ve ever broken
— BCC (@ByCommonConsent) October 6, 2017
“Look at this ready-made boy ready to rest,” “this woman he has discarded.
Look at that good boy ready to rest 😭😭❤️
– Really Not So Keri🎃 (@OneGoldenSun) October 5, 2017
One of Jim’s co-workers at BuzzFeed got so excited that she set the image as the new lock screen on her mobile device.
pic.twitter.com/SkBQcLiPVq
— Julia Reinstein (@juliareinstein) October 5, 2017
People started posting pictures of their dogs and everyone started missing them.
More dogs and less guns…. Yes please! 🐕❤️ #therapydogsdadoptdontshop pic.twitter.com/jGE9cguP3q
— Carla & Buckaroo (@carlajlennon) October 6, 2017
LLoyd thinks they look just like his brothers and sisters pic.twitter.com/hnWPUUHrBS
— Pradeep Nagappa (@Pradeep_Nagappa) October 5, 2017
There was even a “comfort cat”.
Do they have Comfort Cats? I have a really cuddley, friendly ginger cat that would comfort the heck of anyone lol pic.twitter.com/UWU9TalD8r
— Laura (@gardenCentersMe) October 6, 2017
Then the dog handlers jumped in to show their gratitude: “Thank you for sharing our story.”
Thanks for sharing our story
— LCC K9 Comfort Dogs (@K9ComfortDogs) October 5, 2017
As did the hospital itself: “Thank you Comfort Dogs for brightening everyone’s day! #VegasStrong”
Thank you Comfort Dogs for brightening everyone’s day! #VegasStrong pic.twitter.com/k76iMtd0kc
– Sunrise Hospital (@SunriseLasVegas) October 6, 2017
BRB, drive immediately to the store to buy all the tissues.
If you’d like to help the victims, the Los Angeles Times has information about donating to verified charities.
