National
Meet Kerith, the 2-year-old golden retriever who comforts firefighters in California
The firefighters at the base camp in northern California have been braving wildfires for the last week, as the Golden State continues to see acres of land burn following a heat wave and lightning strikes.
They wear helmets and goggles that are streaked with ash, and their faces often remain stoic as they work around the clock to help get a handle on the blazes.
But there is always one thing after a long shift that helps make the firefighters smile: the embrace of their canine pal Kerith.
The 2-year-old golden retriever, a certified crisis response therapy dog, takes her job very seriously, spreading love to firefighters as they take on the Woodward fire in California’s Marin County.
On her Instagram page, Kerith describes herself as an “Adventurous Golden,” “Therapy Dog,” “Trail Runner” and “Beach Explorer.”
But to the firefighers on the ground, she’s also a support system.
“During the Woodward wildfire in Marin County, Kerith is boosting morale during the crew’s morning briefing,” Heidi Carmen, Kerith’s human, told CNN. “She brings levity and a sense of playfulness even though they know the task of the day will be challenging.”
Born to serve
Kerith was bred to be a guide dog for the blind in San Rafael, California. But her energetic, super-affectionate nature made her unsuitable for guide work. So, the Carmen family adopted her as their pet.
Later, the pooch earned certification as a comfort dog through the Pet Partners therapy dog organization — and she began making the rounds as a therapy dog in her local hospital emergency ward, Carmen said.
There, she visited patients, medical staff and paramedics. It’s also where she first developed her affinity for firefighters who invited the lively dog to visit their stations.
“Kerith is a very special dog with endless love and affection to share with all who meet her,” Carmen said. “Her favorite people are firefighters.”
Making firefighters feel special
When the firefighters know that Kerith is scheduled for a visit, they get excited and look forward to seeing her during their shift, Carmen said.
“She makes people feel loved, special and important. One firefighter told me ‘Kerith has the uncanny ability to make me feel like I am the most important person in the world.'”
In Instagram photos, Kerith is seen alongside smiling firefighters — embracing them or posing with them as they smile.
During the Woodward Wildfire in Marin county, Kerith boosts morale during the crew’s morning briefing.
“There are wildfires to the west, north, south and east of us,” a post on Kerith’s Instagram from last week reads. “Too many fires, not enough resources to battle them so they are growing. We are doing the best we can to lift morale at base camp. Hang in there my friends.”
Carmen said she also hands all of the firefighters a card with Kerith’s picture on it to carry with them.
“Kerith helps them feel less overwhelmed, exhausted and emotionally depleted,” she said.
The-CNN-Wire
By: NBC Palm Springs
August 26, 2020
Latest Instagram Posts
Alice B. has announced its closing its doors. It’s cozy atmosphere and unique seasonal menu made it a must try and even landed it in the Michelin guide. @susanfeniger and @marysuemilliken left their mark on the desert over at Living Out and it will be missed. Here’s a clip from one of our last interviews with Susan.
Cathedral City City Council votes to rename “LGBT+ Days” to “Cathedral City Pride”. The council approved the change in a 5-0 vote during its latest meeting, updating the official name of the city’s annual celebration. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs to see what this means to the Coachella Valley Community #CathedralCity #pride #CityCouncil #CoachellaValley #LocalNews
Discover the Coachella Valley with the Everything Palm Springs app. From iconic attractions and hidden gems to local restaurants, shops, entertainment and even filming locations, the map-based app is designed to help both visitors and locals find more of what the desert has to offer. Creator Lindsay Kinkle is also expanding the app with video tours and narrated guides, giving users another way to explore Palm Springs and the surrounding communities. Local businesses like Buena Matcha are also getting a chance to connect with new customers through the platform. As Lindsay says, there’s so much to do and enjoy here — you just have to know where to look. #PalmSprings #CoachellaValley #EverythingPalmSprings #PalmSpringsApp #VisitPalmSprings DesertLife LocalBusiness CoachellaValleyBusiness NBCPalmSprings
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
What’s next for Palm Desert? Join community leaders, local businesses and regional stakeholders for the 2026 State of the City Address. Topics: • Economic Development • Infrastructure • Public Safety • Community Programs • Palm Desert’s Future CTA: Friday, September 18 | 11:30 AM JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort
Former Silvercrest CEO, William Rodriguez is expected back in court today in connection with the deadly 2024 Cathedral City hit and run that killed a woman. The murder charge was dismissed, but Rodriguez still faces felony hit and run and suspended license charges.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
Murder suspect Vicky Kim has once again not been cleared to appear in court. Kim is accused of killing her husband at their Palm Desert condominium complex. Her arraignment has now been delayed three times. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs as we track the latest developments in this case. #VickyKim #PalmDesert #CoachellaValley #BreakingNews #CourtUpdate NBCPalmSprings
Palm Springs is mourning the loss of beloved entertainer James “Gypsy” Haake, who has died at 94. Haake began his entertainment career at just 19 years old as a Broadway chorus dancer. After retiring from the stage, he returned to performing at 82, becoming the host of Carnival Cabaret at Oscars in downtown Palm Springs. A longtime friend of our station, Haake was a familiar and beloved figure in the Palm Springs entertainment community — and his contributions were recognized with a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. His career spanned more than seven decades, proving that the spotlight never truly left him. ❤️ Rest in peace, James “Gypsy” Haake. Your legacy will live on in Palm Springs. #JamesGypsyHaake #PalmSprings #PalmSpringsWalkOfStars #CarnivalCabaret #PalmSpringsEntertainment #OscarsPalmSprings #PalmSpringsHistory
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry