Operation Home for the Holidays
Several weeks ago, Hero to a Child was asked to assist in a very important and sensitive effort. Agencies across the state were preparing for what would become 'Operation Home for the Holidays', the largest state-wide child recovery effort to date, and they knew a large number of children would soon be entering recovery hubs in desperate need of safety, compassion, and stability. Advocates who had already witnessed the profound difference Polar can make simply by being present believed he could help bring a sense of peace to children stepping into the unknown.
Over the course of this two-week operation, 122 children were recovered, with 57 of them arriving at the recovery hub in Tampa, where Polar and I were stationed. Many were transported from across the state, scared, exhausted, and suddenly surrounded by unfamiliar faces. They were being asked difficult questions, undergoing medical exams, and navigating circumstances no child should ever be forced to endure. Everything around them was overwhelming.
During our time at the recovery hub, many of the children asked specifically for visits with Polar. And for each and every one of them, he met them exactly where they were. Sometimes he stayed for just a few minutes; other times, he curled up beside them for over an hour, offering steady comfort during some of the scariest moments of their young lives.
For one young girl, he became a safe distraction from the chaos surrounding her. He climbed onto the bed beside her, watched TV with her, sat quietly while she shared concerns with hospital staff, and gently laid his head on her leg as she opened up to advocates and nurses, sharing things no child should ever have to experience.
For another young lady, he curled up on the bed and stayed close while she bravely recounted the trauma she had endured. His quiet support helping her find the courage to tell her story to officials, helping them build a case that will hopefully keep her abuser in jail.
Each child who spent time with Polar was also gifted one of his Polar plushies, a small stuffed version of him, and it was heartwarming to see how much the children adored them. They carried them, clung to them, and many slept with them tucked tightly in their arms, getting some much-needed rest, safe and secure in their beds, for the first time in a long time. Hospital staff noted more than once that, even as the children were leaving the recovery hub, unsure of what was coming next, they were leaving with those little Polar dogs still held tight.
To say this experience was emotionally taxing is a gross understatement. Seeing and hearing the stories that these children have been through will stay with me, but working alongside such an incredible partner and being able to witness the peace that Polar was able to bring to each child he spent time with makes it worth it.
As Polar's handler, I was humbled to be part of such a significant and emotional effort. It was a powerful reminder of how deeply our community values trauma-informed, child-centered support, and it showed, once again, how one dog with a quiet spirit and a giant heart can transform the atmosphere of an entire room. Polar didn't just comfort these children.
He gave them a moment of normalcy. A moment of peace. A moment to breathe ... and sometimes, that is everything.
Sadly, the work is far from over. Now that these children are safely recovered, their healing journey is only beginning. Local community agencies, advocates, medical teams, mental health providers, child protection specialists, and law enforcement partners will continue supporting them for weeks, months, and often years to come. Healing from trauma isn't a moment; it's a process, and it requires a coordinated, compassionate community effort.
Hero to a Child will continue to do its part in this network of care. And I, Tammie, and Polar remain committed to walking beside these children for as long as they need us. Thank you to everyone who supports us.
