On Thursday, kids at the Mattapoisett Library learned that heroes can come in different shapes, sizes and species.

Members of Cape Cod Therapy Dogs, lead by dog trainer Gina Lyn Hayes, visited the library with their canine companions to teach kids about the program.

The dogs, each certified as therapy dogs, go to schools, hospitals and hospices; help homesick college students and kids with autism; and comfort people after tragedies.

“There is something about dogs that can be magical,” said Hayes.

There are around 19 dogs in the Cape Cod program. The dogs know how to obey both verbal and hand commands, are taught not to jump on people and tend to be sensitive to those who are hurting physically or emotionally. They also have to like being touched.

Hayes was an early adopter of the therapy dog movement after seeing how pleasant distractions could make kids in a burn unit forget about their pain. For more than 30 years she has trained therapy dogs as part of Therapy Dogs International.

She said therapy dogs should always be volunteer, and they differ from service dogs in that they provide comfort to many people rather than one person.

Anne and Max Makowsky brought their dogs Stormy and Ollie to the library.

Stormy was their first therapy dog.

“She just had something special about her,” said Anne. “I’m constantly amazed at how she seems to know what to do.”

The couple later adopted Ollie, who is still a young dog, but has proved he has what it takes to comfort people in need.

On a recent trip to Nantucket, a man got on the launch boat and was visibly disheartened. There were several kids Ollie could have approached, but he went up to the man.

“Ollie just walked over to him and pressed his head in his lap,” Max said.

The couple discovered that the man had put down his own dog just two days before.

Sue Curren said her dog, Blaithin, also has that comforting nature.

“She has a really special temperament,” Curren said. “She will know instinctively who needs her.”

Hayes said her playful Irish Setter, Georgia, is a ham who brings joy to every crowd she is in.

During musical chairs with the kids, in which humans got chairs and dogs got mats, Georgia showed off that quality. With two dogs, one kid and only one mat left, Georgia didn’t miss a beat and jumped onto the chair when the music stopped, making the kids (and parents) laugh.

Afterwards, kids got to pet the dogs, who sat contently while dozens of small hands ruffled their fur. The dogs also licked a few faces.

Although they do get to play games and enjoy people, Hayes said it’s hard work training therapy dogs, but their service is much needed. She encouraged anyone who is interested in training to contact her at 508-760-3377 or visit capecodetherapydogs.com.

Thursday's program was part of the library's summer focus on everyday heroes.