In East Palestine, a community still grappling with the aftermath of the toxic train derailment in 2023, hope and healing are taking shape in unexpected ways. At the heart of this effort is the East Palestine Resiliency Center where the unique team of Ashleigh Davis and Cedric the therapy dog are taking the moment to use pet therapy to try and make a profound impact on mental health recovery.

"He just makes everything feel safer, he makes everything feel like it's, it's going to be okay," Davis, a licensed Psychotherapist said.

With his signature man-bun, bandana and loving personality, Cedric is bringing joy to people in East Palestine.

"People just love Cedric," Davis said.

The pair are helping people navigate anxiety and stress and providing much needed support to those affected by last years train derailment.

"In therapy, he's very calming, and he brings people into their bodies, you know, when they have a lot of trauma that they need to work through and talk about," Davis said.

Cedric is a four-year-old Tibetan Terrier, and his role goes beyond the therapy room. He visits hospice patients and travels throughout the East Palestine community including after school yoga with the Boys and Girls Club.

"Cedric is a nice bridge for being with people," Davis said. "He brings them into the present moment, and to the senses, it kind of grounds them, and makes them feel that it's safe to just be, and then they open up more about, you know, traumatic experiences. In the hospice work, he creates a calming, peaceful environment, a little happiness you know in some really dark times for people."

Many people also find solace in sharing stories about their own pets, creating an immediate and relatable connection.

"Just seeing the connections that are made, I mean, so many people have a pet and it's such an instant connection when they want to talk about their pet and they want to talk about how it's changed their lives and that's a beautiful easy way to connect with people," Davis said.

It's these compassionate efforts that's helping people throughout Columbiana County find the strength to move forward.

"He loves his job, he doesn't even know he's working."

If you're affected by the East Palestine train derailment and would like to schedule a visit with Cedric, just email: [email protected].

If your situation is more personal or goes beyond the scope of the train derailment and would like to contact Ashleigh for her services with Cedric, just email: [email protected]

If you need more information about mental health help, call 2-1-1. If you or someone you know may be experiencing a crisis, call or text 9-8-8.