Meet & Greet Tips!
We recently received a list of tips to share with you all from LCC. This list will help the Comfort Dog and the handler when you see us out and about!
• Please ask the handler if it is okay to pet the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog.
• Allow the handler to get the dog "settled" and ready to be greeted.
• If the dog begins to lick your hands, please remove them and step back until the handler indicates to try again. Please do not keep your hand by the dog's mouth, as this rewards the behavior of licking.
• Even if you do not mind when the dog licks your hand, they are not supposed to because they visit hospitals, nursing homes, and hospice facilities. There are many health hazards to both the people and the dog that can be caused by allowing the dogs to lick. It is confusing to the dog if they are sometimes allowed to lick and at other times not.
What is the difference between a LCC K-9 Comfort Dog, a Service Dog, and a Therapy Dog?
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs, Service Dogs, and Therapy Dogs each have unique roles. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs are trained to provide comfort, compassion, and a message of hope, especially in crisis or disaster situations. They are specially trained Golden Retrievers, certified by Lutheran Church Charities, and work with handlers to support individuals in need, offering emotional care and prayer. Service Dogs are trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities, like guiding the blind or alerting the deaf, and are allowed by law to accompany their handlers in public places. Therapy Dogs, on the other hand, are trained to provide emotional support and comfort in places like schools and hospitals, typically through basic obedience training. While all three provide valuable support, Comfort Dogs focus on spiritual care, Service Dogs assist with daily tasks, and Therapy Dogs offer comfort in therapeutic settings.
How can you get involved?
If you're interested in making a difference and bringing comfort to those in need, consider getting involved with our Comfort Dog Ministry! We are always looking for passionate new team members to help us spread compassion, mercy, and God's love through this ministry. Whether you're interested in supporting our teams, becoming a ministry partner or even training to become a handler, there are many ways you can make an impact. Email comfortdog2@stpaulsjanesville.com to get started!
Donate to the St. Paul's Comfort Dog Ministry
Your generous gifts make LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry possible! Thank you for your support!
To find out more information about the Comfort Dogs and Lutheran Church Charities, CLICK HERE!
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