A new team is part of Salina’s CKF Addiction Treatment organization.

According to the organization, the “CKF Comfort Crew” is now on duty. It’s a companion dog program, designed to bring warmth, companionship, and healing energy into recovery spaces. Theses specially trained dogs, along with their dedicated handlers, provide comfort during some of the most difficult moments in treatment. Whether it is a reassuring presence in group sessions, a calming influence in schools, or a source of joy at community events. The Comfort Crew reminds all that recovery is not walked alone.

According to President & CEO Jessica Eckels, the leading factor in starting the Comfort Crew Program was a deep commitment to creating a healing environment that goes beyond traditional clinical care. Its’s also part of CKF’s mission to find new ways to create a more personal, compassionate, emotionally supportive environment for all individuals .

They recognized that recovery is not just about treating substance use it’s about restoring connection, trust, and emotional safety. They saw an opportunity to bring in the Comfort Crew to offer comfort during some of the most vulnerable moments in an individual’s life. The presence of these animals provides a unique kind of support that helps individuals feel safe, reduces anxiety, encourages openness, and reminds individuals that they are not alone in their journey. It’s a simple, yet powerful way to support healing. The Comfort Crew was born from that vision to bring warmth and connection into spaces where people are doing incredibly hard work.

There is growing research that supports the therapeutic benefits of animal-assisted interventions. Studies have shown that interacting with animals can lower cortisol levels, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and increase feelings of trust and safety all of which are critical in addiction recovery. For example, a study published in the Journal of Psychosocial Nursing found that animal-assisted therapy significantly improved emotional well-being and engagement in treatment among individuals with substance use disorders. In one study, patients in addiction treatment were more likely to engage in therapy and complete their treatment plan when animal assisted therapies were present.  While more research is always helpful, the evidence they have and the stories they hear every day show that programs like the Comfort Crew can make a meaningful difference.

At CKF Addiction Treatment, healing isn’t just about clinical care. It’s about connection, safety, and support. That is where the Comfort Crew comes in.