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Miranda Leitsinger / NBC News
Michael Cragin with his 15-month-old English bulldog, Truman. Cragin's dog is giving out free hugs as a way to help the community heal from the school shooting tragedy at Newtown, Conn.
NEWTOWN, Conn. -- Retired special education teacher Michael Cragin couldn't sleep Friday night, thinking about the tragedy that had struck his community and claimed the lives of 20 children at an elementary school.
He wanted to do something to help, and when he saw his English bulldog, Truman, Saturday morning, he suddenly knew what he could do: his beloved canine could offer the grieving members of Newtown a hug.
Cragin, 63, and Truman, 15 months, came down to the local Dunkin' Donuts shop, where he opened up the hatch of his SUV and posted a handwritten sign: “My bulldog gives hugs.”
“He wants to give them that hug and that seems to be what counts,” Cragin said. “I hope I can make their day to some extent, that's all.”
Families stopped by to pet Truman. People asked the name of the dog. Sandy Hook resident Sarah Kehoe, a fellow bulldog owner, came over and said: “Love it.” Another man said: “He's a good boy.”
“It's the type of thing that people will for that brief second leave the nightmare behind, just to hug him, and that's what I was hoping on, because I don't know what else to do,” Cragin said, recounting how two teenagers girls stopped crying for a moment as they hugged Truman.
Cragin, who has lived in Newtown for 30 years and had also been a volunteer firefighter, said he believes he will know some of the families who lost a loved one since it's such a small, tight-knit community.
“I just was numb. I couldn't grasp what happened and as I lay in bed like 4 o'clock this morning I thought, you know, maybe if I get up, maybe it didn't happen, you know, maybe it was a dream,” he said. “The fact that so many children were impacted by this is beyond words for me … I'm totally shaken by it. I can't watch the TV or anything so this is how I opted to take care of it.”
Complete coverage of Connecticut school shooting
Cragin and Truman got down to the Dunkin' Donuts, where he knew there would be consistent traffic, at 7 a.m. By late morning, Truman had given out more than 100 hugs.
“I come out with the best intentions and then some people are happy,” he said. “There are others that approach him with tears and I basically remain speechless. I know I'm on the cusp of losing it ... so I have to just try to stand strong. But it's a horribly difficult time. To me, this is more gut-wrenching than 9/11 was.”
“I don't know how you come back from this," he later added, "but I know there'll be consistent and long-term efforts to do so. I just don't know how you do it from something like this.”
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Article made me cry dammit.. At least there is some hope there is some good people left.. I am from Oregon and I had to turn the news off and put the NBC away for the night.. I couldn't stomach reading anymore.. My heart-broke for everyone of those parents, family, friends, teachers..
This may be just me but,Having lost a child myself i can say that the would never really does heal all the way.I just learned to move on and accept the pain as a part of life.
What a great idea. It's great to see such selfless behavior by this former teacher bringing man's best friend to the rescue.
To Wolfhound and all those that have lost children- Having never been a parent I cannot even begin to understand your pain, but please know my heart goes out to you and I wish I could ease your pain.
To Mr. Cragin, you and your puppy helped ease a little of the immense pain your town and the country is feeling right now and for that we all thank you and Truman. Dogs and cats are so wonderful and loving, and I'm sure everyone thanks you for your generosity and caring at this horrific time. I know I am glad there are people in this world like you.
And for those who think this is not news, perhaps you need to look inward and find a bit of compassion for others, especially at this time of year.
@ Wolfhound I'm sorry for your loss I'm sure in times like this your pain regenerates and God bless your heart with peace ,along with parents in Sandy CT.
@WorkerBee I cannot agree with you more such a wonderfull words coming from a good heart ,I'm tired of people's posts callingnames and arguiing whose better .COMMON PEOPLE don't you learn .....?
@ Mr Cragin and Tuman GOD bless your good hearts.
I am right there with you on the crying. Everything is making me cry this morning. Yesterday I was more in shock abot it all. But today, the dam has broke. I hugged my dog today, a few times. He knows that I am sad as well because he won't leave my side. The power of a being which is non-judgemental an unconditionally loving is awesome!
Great job Mr. Cragin and Truman!!!
How long will this media avoid the true issues of this American society that creates these monsters that do these acts and the media contributing to creating the type of individual that will do such act.
The constant bombardment of the media desensitizing America's youth with reports of killings around the world (sometimes done by the US and called collateral damage), tv shows, movies, 24 hour news, and video games all showing killing, is as much to blame for creating the type of individual that does these acts as anything.
There should be no need in America for "hugs from bulldogs" as a storyline, but there is!
You reap what you sow America.
Many people would never believe a dog's hugs could matter. Every dog I have ever had the blessings to have, has been a comfort to me in some way. The beautiful ear-to-ear smile (yes, it was real), of my chihuahua (passed 3 years ago...and I still cry)...and the actual hugs and kisses I get from the two I have now.
One of mine runs to me and needs to be picked up if I am crying. She consoles me with kisses and wants to lick my tears.
The other actually ASKS for hugs herself. She will push her head against my neck when I ask if she needs a big hug or if mommy can have a big hug. Believe me, my heart melts every time...no matter how bad the day is, it's always better with a hug.
(not saying that would heal the broken hearts of this and other tragedies, but it's a feeling of love nonetheless.)
As did mine Calicowhispers...and i am from Idaho...It seems to me like a Nightmare as well,Anxiety for the Loss of sooo Many Innocents....ppl say prayers I say...Hug a Pet ^i^ For no Greater love than a Pet ^i^
What a wonderful idea. As a pet owner I know firsthand the love, acceptance, and smiles that a sweet animal can give when you're down.
There are no words that adequately describe the surrealistic nightmare this community is dealing with and I hope that Truman and his Dad realize what a blessing they are providing. God bless you.
The amazing thing about America, its in our times of greatest tragedy that we really show how good we can be.
you cry too easily
we need more people like this. simple actions can have a big impact when people are hurting.
MtMike...turn off the tv and the radio...that's what I had to do...played back stuff I needed to catch up on on the DVR or watched a movie..but this @!$%# is just to much.
David White...go away then...you obviously have no compassion for anything..
This story is a little bit of good in a lot of bad....no, the dog can't heal, but it sure can help...
Awesome! The little things like this CAN make a difference . . . . not just a hug from a dog, but the gesture of love and compassion from his owner to do that for the community.
It's always good to know there's someone, somewhere ready to offer help anyway they can to mitigate such horrible loss. One can only hope such tragedies do not happen ever again.
God bless you, Mr. Cragin. God bless you too, Truman. Lots of hugs to you both.
God bless the animals. They are always completely without judgement. They're just pure love in a furry container. How much we can learn from them if we just pay attention!
mozzie-600,
A dog can be a faithful, obedient companion to the worst criminal. It's gross to even suggest that we learn something from them. Suspending judgement would hurt the good and help the evil. Judge and be prepared to be judged; forget St. Matthew.
MelJM,
It is a shame you don't see the importance of the animal kingdom. They are just as intelligent as humans. As with a baby, you can TEACH them to know what you want to know. The only difference is they never learn the english language to the extent that we do. But they DO talk. And they DO feel. And they DO think and dream and hurt, the same as the human race. They can be sad, and they can be happy, and you CAN tell the difference.
They have COMPASSION, unlike many humans...as is evident by many posts. And they LOVE...just as Mozzie says...UNCONDITIONALLY.
Do you measure up? Learn something from them. It IS possible.
If animals were just as smart as humans, man would not rule over them. Animals have their place and there is nothing wrong with using a pet to console the grieving hearts of the town; however, we must learn from each other, not from animals. As MelJM said, animals can be obediant to the worst criminal.
Personally, there are a lot of PEOPLE I would not want teaching me anything. There are too many haters, self-servers, greedy and yes, CRIMINAL people. I would MUCH rather learn from an animal. They know more than you think.
Funny, people can be obedient to criminals too. Imagine that.
wow...Mel and John...what pessimists...no animal lovers here...animals are MUCH better than some people I have met...
Thank you all for leaving the politics and rhetoric at the door, and letting this be about love and support. I hope it continues that way.
Everyone who has the opportunity to come accross this man and dog should avail themselves. Healing starts this way.
nothing like bulldogs and kids
Nothing like Dogs.........period.
Mr Cragin, Animals can be more comforting then humans. You said, you dont how you come back after this. I had a friend killed in the mall shooting in Omaha 9 years and I have found you take one day at a time. It took me me 6 years to go back in this mall but it gets better every day. Parents hug your children every day and let them know that you love them.
Tell that to every parent you know. That's the only way to stop the insanity.
Animals, especially pets like dogs, are truly remarkable in all the benefits they bring to their human owners. Especially when used as therapy companions. They can been found to dramatically reduce the time needed to recover from trauma, help physically injured patients heal faster, improve mental and emotional recover and pickup events before people are even aware themselves, of them.
For those devastated by this horrible mass killing, just having Truman to hug, will greatly benefit them. Research has shown, simply hugging a dog, will begin to reduce blood pressure, lower respiration and heart beat within a minute. Victims who spend regular time with a pet each day, recover more than 50% as fast, as those who do not.
Kudos to Truman's owner.For his generous loving spirit and willingness to reach out, in a wonderful way to make a difference. If we just look around, there is always something we can do for others right in our own area, to help make another person's burden lighter, cheer them up, or just treat them with kindness and dignity. Perhaps simply courtesy when it is least expected.
Creativity is the key. And a willingness to give a little bit of one's heart at time. If we each did this, we could cover this country in kindness. It just needs us to begin with one step.We can even do it anonymously.God Bless you Truman as well. I hope you get to hug many more of the children in your community.May you live a long, healthy and happy life.
Like it or not, human beings have a basic need for affection. For many people, especially those who have trouble being around people, a lot of those needs can be met by pets. Some can't accept a 'shoulder to cry on' from anyone, but it is very easy to put your arms around a dog and cry. You never have to wonder what they are thinking or if they are judging you, they just return the affection and are happy to do it.
Your sure Right as to Pets helping people. I've recused dogs and a few cats for Decades, plus still train a few,but should word it, Train a few owners. Our dogs have always been the most loyal and trusted friends that I ever had. Great Job Truman! We have a daughter who teaches elem- here and she had 2 like you.Her students all Love them. Even her School adopted a dog for the Kid's to all Share.
What a great guy! I live a continent away from him, but if I didn't, I'd go thank him for being so sweet. And I think he's right, healing starts with one unexpected kind gesture. Way to go, dude.
Fantastic! Here's a guy who wants to help, didn't know exactly how, and came up with 'spur of the moment' idea. Thank God there are so many wonderful people like him in this world.
Makes the evil ones seem non-existent.
I have a pit that would love to help give hugs unfortunatly we can;t get there right now.We call her huggy bear. So glad there are people out there willing to do whatever they can to help.
I am right there with you. I wish I could get up there with my pitty as well. If even just to show those in the area effected that they are NOT alone and that we are with them.
I have a pit that would love to come and help with those hugs, we call her a huggy bear. It's just wonderful when people can find a way to help.
Bless you Mr. Cragin and Truman.
Bless you Michael Cragin and lovable dog buddy Truman. You are giving them caring support, exactly what everyone there needs.
This has been said many times about a Dog, if you just reverse the spelling your get God, then it makes sense why canines can give such unrelenting Love and only ask for some back. Children are gifts from God and are only on loan to us, when their job is done HE can take them home. That's the only way I could cope with the loss of my daughter, she made me a Father.
Don't look to the heavens for angels, look to your feet. Angels don't come with robes, wings, and halos, but with fur, four legs, and a tail.
Pets are really medicine for the soul. They even take them in to assisted living centers to bolster the spirits of the elderly. This guy is onto something here. May God (or name your deity) give comfort to these poor people and help them get through this awful tragedy. And thank you, Mr. Cragin and Truman, for playing your part in making that happen. Makes me miss my two little miniature Dachshunds who passed several years ago.
Therapy dogs and their kind masters visited me quite a few times when I was an inpatient at Reed AMC. I can attest that they both help in one's recovery.
LTC Rattus, USA, ret.
I did therapy visits at WRAMC with two of my goldens for three years - 2004 to 2007. Visiting wounded warriors were some of my favorite visits to do. I hope you're doing well today, LTC Rattus! I don't know if we ever saw you, but I'm glad you found the visits from the dog teams to be helpful!
As for Mr. Cragin & Truman, great job! Dogs have a way to reach a human somewhere deep in their soul, deeper than most other humans are able to touch. Sounds like you and your boy may have a calling as a therapy dog team!
This is wonderful. Something nice to read after the horrible news of the past twenty four hours.
Morning..will not say "good" as it is not for so many people over there. The saying "From little things, big things grow" you have put into action Mr Cragin and Truman. I hope you give out all the hugs and licks you can. We are watching all this unfold from across the Pacific...I just read the names of all the little souls lost...all 6 and 7 year olds....and the teachers who are also gone....What can I say, just absolutely heart breaking...from Australia.
May God bless you and Truman, Mr. Cragin.
What a beautiful story. Little things like that make such a big difference. Bless you both for reaching out.
Now I am crying. Yesterday, just alternately dry-eyed stunned and furious, unable to say much except, "Kindergarten kids?! Kindergarten?!" But now I am crying. Love to you Mr. Cragin and a huge slobbery hug and sob to Truman . . . from me . . . and a couple of kindly old cats.
Dogs are one of the few things on this planet that make me actually think perhaps there is a god. I'll hold off on asking, if there is...why?... just long enough to believe in the divine, just long enough to have a small amount of hope, thanks to people like Mr. Cragin and his friend Truman.
Dogs don't live long enough for the joy they bring to the human-non-human animal bond. They are more fulfilling to be around than many people I know. So called "Holy texts" really got it wrong by the way the they describe dogs (negatively). But then again, I'm unaware of Yahweh praising the virtue of intelligence either.
Great story.
This is fantastic. Thank you, Michael and Truman.
What a beautiful thing to do. Mr. Cragin has the sort of big heart that we wish every human being would have. And Truman? We know that dogs are angels with furry faces who have been sent to us to teach us the higher values of love and loyalty. What a pair! May the Creator bless both of them richly.