Last Friday, students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas returned to class for the first time since the shooting took place just two weeks prior.

Their principal, Ty Thompson, thought the therapy dogs would be a good way for students to experience a form of comfort upon returning to the campus. In an article from Mashable, “He was sure to post photos of the first days back in February, including several of faculty members cuddling the therapy dogs, and one of students smiling with a dog in class. [principal Thompson] explained that the dogs have been “a major source of healing.”

Nine of the dogs were from the Lutheran Church Charities were on campus to assist the students and staff for the day. Several social media posts created by students gave thanks to both the dogs and charities alike.