Comfort dog provides emotional support for Hurricane Matthew victims

FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina -- A FEMA Disaster Recovery Center set up to help survivors of Hurricane Matthew in North Carolina is employing a unique tool.

There's a special assistance agent inside. He goes by the name of Aslan.

The 160-pound Leonberger is a comfort dog who's helping survivors of the storm cope with the emotional toll.

"He seems to know when people are upset. When they cry he puts his head on their chest." Says Jen O'Keefe.

O'Keefe is Aslan's owner. The organization she works for, Hope AACR, was contacted by FEMA to bring Aslan to the Recovery Center in Fayetteville. Many residents in Cumberland County lost everything. O'Keefe says while Aslan helps take their mind off of the damage, he also loves the attention.

"He thinks his job is the best job in the world and wishes we can do it all the time."

The FEMA Disaster Recovery Center is open seven days a week. Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. and Sunday from noon until 7:00 p.m.