Lutheran Church Charities, or LCC, is bringing hope and healing to people in crisis through its K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry. The organization deploys trained golden retrievers and their handlers to provide comfort and support during times of tragedy and disaster.
Four K-9 Comfort Dog ministry teams from four states recently visited Mountain Home. Those teams include Comfort Dog Persis with Roxy and Steve Hurry from the King of Kings Lutheran Church, Glenpool, Okla. Comfort Dog Job with Genie and Dave Swan from the Christ the King Lutheran Church, Memphis, Tenn. Comfort Dog Thomas with Beth Kruse and Jim Mills from the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Concordia, Mo. Comfort Dog Michael with Sue Olson and Mary Wells, LCC staff dog from Portage, Ind.
Olson, who has been with the ministry since 2019, spoke with KTLO, Classic Hits and The Boot News says the ministry itself is what drew her into the program.
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Not all visits are crisis visits, the dogs get to experience a variety of events to bring joy to people’s faces.
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Following a long day of visits, the dogs do receive a “paycheck” at the end of the day to relieve the stress of the day.
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Olson says one of her longest and most memorable trips was from Chicago to Uvalde, Texas.
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The LCC K-9 Ministry dogs serve in their home communities and are also sent to locations affected by mass shootings, natural disasters, and other traumatic events. With over 130 dogs placed in 27 states, the ministry offers a calming presence for survivors, first responders, and volunteers.
In addition to general comfort dogs, LCC offers specialized ministries, including the Kare 9 Military Ministry, which supports veterans and their families, and the Police Ministry, which assists law enforcement officers.
The comfort dogs and their handlers undergo extensive training, logging more than 2,000 hours over 18 to 24 months. The dogs are certified through LCC and the American Kennel Club, making them well-prepared to offer emotional support in even the most challenging situations.
LCC’s Comfort Dog teams have responded to events such as the Sandy Hook and Robb Elementary School shootings, Hurricane Harvey, and the Las Vegas mass shooting. The dogs serve as a bridge for compassionate ministry, creating opportunities for conversation, prayer, and healing.
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