A pack of comfort dogs have arrived in Orlando, Florida to comfort the survivors of the worst mass shooting in US history.
Gunman and left more than 50 injured in what has been described as both a gay hate crime and an act of terrorism.
The survivors are still recovering from their wounds - physical and psychological - and some canine comforts in the form of golden retrievers have arrived to help.
The , which is based in Northbrook, Illinois, sent 11 dogs to Orlando on Monday to help the survivors cope with their emotional scars.
Lutheran Church Charities president Tim Hetzner told the dogs could help people dealing with trauma.
"They’re like a furry counsel," he said.
"They’re not judgmental and they’re good listeners, which is good because talking is an important part of healing process. It allows people to process what happened."
The dogs are accompanied by 19 volunteers and have come from seven different states - Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Nebraska Tennessee, South Carolina and Texas.
The group is funded by donations and has sent comfort dogs to help the survivors of some of America's worst events, including the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting and the Boston marathon bombing.
Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dogs comforting survivors in Orlando, Florida. Source: Facebook
In Orlando the dogs have visited police stations, counselling centres and vigils.
"We solely go where invited and never charge those we serve," a post on the group's Facebook page says.
The group has more than 100 dogs in 23 states.
"Our dogs have to be able to relate with all age groups and stay calm in all circumstances," Mr Hetzner told The Huffington Post.
Orlando emergency services officers with dogs from the Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dogs. Source: Facebook
"[Golden retrievers] are good dogs by nature, they’re a lovable breed. Also, because of their fur, they leave a little of themselves with everyone they meet."
The group is raising money to put towards the dogs' travelling cost.
