Purim and dogs: A match made in Heaven

The Israel Canine Unit (YKL) held an emotional performance today (Thursday), on the Fast of Esther, featuring its four-legged warriors for dozens of children with special needs and their families at the "One Heart" organization’s Special Child Center in Beitar Illit. During the event, YKL’s canine handlers showcased the various abilities of the unit’s dogs, who were dressed up in honor of Purim.

YKL Commander, Yekutiel (Mike) Ben Yaakov, said: “The Israel Canine Unit is delighted to bring joy to children in general, and to those with special needs in particular, on Purim Eve. We see it as a great privilege to bring a bit of light to these wonderful children together with our four-legged heroes. Usually, our volunteers are busy searching for missing persons and preventing attacks, but it provides extraordinary satisfaction to see the happiness in the children’s eyes. We thank the ‘One Heart’ organization and its leader, Dudi Weitman, for this great privilege.”

A statement from the "One Heart" organization read: “We thank the YKL team for stepping up to this important task. Dozens of children with special needs smiled widely and multiplied their joy today thanks to you. Just before Purim, you spread light, happiness, and delight.”