Comfort animals used to help victims of the Goodwin Fire

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - There's a reason dogs are called "man's best friend." They're sweet, non-judgemental, and most of all, comforting.

That's why when hundreds of residents were displaced during the Goodwin Fire, they called in the dogs.

"Many were separated from their pets," Marla Martella said.

Pam Reinke and her dog, Abby, have been team members of Hope Animal Assistance Crisis Response for 13 years and while they're prepared for the worst of times, Pam says the training is extensive.

"I take FEMA course, learn about incident command," she said.

Martella, also a team member, says they get called out to a wide range of disasters.

"It could be floods, fires... our team responded to Katrina," she said.

But Marla adds one thing remains the same; the incredible ability for animals like her dog, Abby, to sooth humans during the darkest hours of their lives.

"Even if they haven't talked for a while day about what's been bothering them," she said.