Abraham’s Bible Verse:  “By faith Abraham when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” Hebrews 11:8

Beloved’s Bible Verse:  “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”  Ephesians 5:1-2

Launched in August 2008, the Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry is a national human-care ministry embracing the unique, calming nature and skills of purebred Golden Retrievers. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and handlers, Kare 9 Military Ministry Dogs and veteran handlers, and LCC K-9 Police Ministry Dogs and law enforcement officer handlers are a bridge for compassionate ministry, opening doors for conversation about faith and creating opportunities to share the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ.

Abraham Comfort Dog arrived in Hicksville, New York at Trinity Lutheran Church and School in early April, 2019. He wass the first for the state of New York!  The weekend of April 27/28, 2019 he and his team were commissioned to serving the church, school and community at large during the Passing of the Vest. We are so blessed to now be  interacting with people at churches, schools, nursing homes, hospitals, and events in our community, and in disaster response situations. 

On April 10, 2022, Trinity welcomed its second comfort dog, Beloved, to the congregation.  Eight team members, along with Abraham drove to Chicago for three days of training.  The handlers in training needed to report back weekly to Lutheran Church Charities with videos of their progress with Beloved.  Upon approval of their video they moved on to next steps.  The six week process helped in their development with Beloved and strengthened her bond with her team.  At the end of May, 2022, a trainer from Lutheran Church Charities came and gave the final certification.  Both dogs get along well and each have their own distinctive personality.  Beloved joined Trinity’s Comfort Dog Ministry at just the right time as the ministry continues to expand. 

Stay tuned for updates as Abraham, Beloved, and their handlers work to spread the “mercy, compassion, presence and proclamation of Jesus Christ with those who are suffering and in need.”  You can follow Abraham,  Beloved, and the Comfort Dog Ministry on Facebook by clicking here.

Click here to learn more about Lutheran Church Charities and their canine ministries.