My team and I have done a lot of travelling this past month.  Shortly after our regional team meeting in Las Vegas, the Kincade Fire broke out in Sonoma County.  Micah Comfort Dog joined Reuben and myself as we visited first responders and firefighters at the Cal Fire base camp.  Base camp is the temporary home for the firefighters who are battling the fires and provides them an opportunity for much needed rest.  Micah, Reuben and I were very blessed to bring a bit of “normalcy” for these brave heroes while they were away from (and missing) their homes, families and pets.

Following the terrible shootings at Saugus High School, LCC Comfort Dogs were invited to Santa Clarita, CA by Bethlehem Lutheran Church, where we had visited several times before, to comfort those affected by this tragedy.  Micah, Lois and I answered the call and we were joined by Ruthie, who came out from Lutheran Church Charities headquarters  to meet us.  In addition to spending time with students and staff, we also participated in a candlelight vigil to remember the victims.  In the days following the incident, we continued to offer comfort, meeting with the community at several local parks.  I am so grateful for the prayers and send-off by members of the church and St. John’s Lutheran School prior to my deployment.  

Last month Reuben and I joined the community of Paradise, CA as they commemorated the one-year anniversary of the terrible fires that swept through their town and surrounding communities.  God remains faithful and these people are resilient and strong.  Please pray for them as they continue to heal and rebuild.

When not deployed, I participated in several unique opportunities here at St. John’s.  In October, SJLS hosted a visit by Sgt. Ryan Guerra and the California Air National Guard Anti-Drug Task force team.  They arrived in their Pave Hawk helicopter, landing on St. John’s athletic field!  I have ridden in cars and been aboard a boat, but I have never seen a helicopter up close before.  I was fascinated to see it seemingly drop out of the sky when it landed and then disappear from view after take-off.  They did not take me up for a ride, but they did invite me in for a tour of the helicopter.  It was very cool!

Extraordinary Dogs was released last month, and I feel so humbled to have been included on the cover of this wonderful book.  My first book “signing” was a lot of fun!  Thank you to everyone for supporting the book and hanging out with me.

I am glad you’ve joined me on my adventure from the Napa Valley to the midwest for the annual LCC K9 Conference in Northbrook Illinois. Follow along as I share some really cool pictures and some fun facts.

Our first night was spent in Reno, Nevada. Reno was named after a man who never actually came to Reno.  Jesse Lee Reno was mortally wounded during a battle in Maryland. It was customary to name train stops after fallen soldiers. 

On the way to Wyoming, we stopped in Wells, Nevada, to take a break. 

Our next night was spent at Green River, Wyoming.  Originally known as the Spanish River, it was renamed Green River in 1824, probably for its color derived in places from green soapstone banks along its course.

Next stop: Lincoln, Nebraska!  Did you know that the state of Nebraska is famous for a special sandwich called the Runza?  A Runza (also called a bierock, krautburger, fleischkuche, or kraut pirok) is a yeast dough bread pocket with a filling consisting of beef, cabbage or sauerkraut, onions, and seasonings.  Who’s hungry? Now you know how I felt smelling these sandwiches.

After we drove through Nebraska (Boy, did we see lots of corn!), we continued through Iowa.  Here is a question for you…  What famous Meredith Willson musical takes place in Iowa?   

  Answer:  The Music Man

Our final destination was Illinois. 

I got to stop and play after our long journey! 

We arrived at Lutheran Church Charities headquarters in Northbrook, IL, for our annual K9 Comfort Dog Conference where we had some training, listened to guest speakers and spent time with our West Coast Region members as well as my fellow LCC K9 Comfort Dogs from all over the nation.  There were 96 of us in attendance!   That’s a lot of paws!

Question for you…  What year did Lutheran Church Charities begin their K9 Comfort Dog ministry?      

Answer:   2008. 

Here is my team from St. John’s Napa:

We also had our annual “Meet and Greet” for the LCC Comfort Dog Ministry supporters.  People came from all over the US to see 96 Goldens all in one place.   

When in Chicago, you have to go eat at Portillo’s! My team loves eating there.  I wish I could have tasted some of the food – it smelled SO delicious!  Here’s a picture of Teams Reuben, Marie, and Aaron after our lunch.

After the conference, I was able to spend time with my Top Dogs’ families.

I also got to hang out with Jeremiah Comfort Dog and my new Sheltie friend Montana. It was like being in Napa…poolside.

Before I knew it, I was back on the road to California. 

Our first stop was the town in Illinois where President Ronald Reagan grew up.  Do you know where that was?                

   Answer:  Dixon, IL. 

Ronald Reagan was the only American president born and raised in the state of Illinois.   In seven summers as a lifeguard, he saved 77 lives and notched a mark on a wooden log for every life he saved. That’s an amazing accomplishment!

Back through Iowa…  Did you know that there are more hogs than humans in Iowa?  As of 2013, the state’s hog population was 21.2 million animals, whereas the human population was just more than three million. Hmmm, that’s 7 pigs for every human. They must like their bacon.

Back through Nebraska…

We spent the night in Grand Junction, Colorado.  Oh, the Rocky Mountains are so beautiful!

After Colorado, we drove through Utah and stopped at Arches National Park where we saw some incredible rock formations. There were some that looked like sheep, elephants, and even an organ!

Next stop was Canyonlands National Park. It has been called a mini Grand Canyon – but it was really big!  It was filled with so many beautiful colors. We got another glimpse of the same Green River that we saw in Wyoming.   

After visiting some beautiful national parks in Utah, we spent the night in Las Vegas, Nevada, home of LCC K9 Comfort Dog Lois.  We love doing ministry together whenever we get the chance. This photo is from Lois’ visit to Napa this spring.

Next stop: beautiful Yosemite National Park! 

“Sierra” or “Sierras”?  As we traveled through this beautiful mountain range on our journey back to Napa, we pondered the question.  The Spanish words “Sierra Nevada” mean “snowy range of mountains”; therefore there is no need to put an “s” on the end since there is only one range. You also shouldn’t call it the “Sierra Nevada Mountains,” since that would be redundant. : )

When we got to Yosemite National Park, we saw some more of God’s amazing creation.  So many new sights and smells for me to discover! The waterfalls were amazing, and I wish I could have played in them!

I am back home in Napa, resting up and looking forward to getting back to local ministry.  Thanks for following me on my journey, and thank you, Lord, for safe travels and Your beautiful creation!

“Walking Together / Serving as One”        

Now that it seems that the rainy season has “paw”sibly come to an end, I am so excited for the sunshine and warmer weather.  That means I don’t have to endure as many towel offs (except after baths) and paw wiping.  It also means I get to chase after my favorite red frisbee outside again.  Woohoo!

Last month I completed the 5k “Run for Respect” with my handlers Penni Cremen and Michele Arnold.  This is the second year in a row we have participated in this virtual run to support the efforts of Special Olympics to replace the hurtful r-word (retard/retarded) with the new r-word “respect.”  In addition to receiving my own numbered race bib, I also received a really cool medal which is currently on display in the church office.  And yes, I did run the entire race!

I am looking forward to participating in some great activities this month, including a trip to Salem, Oregon where I have been asked to attend the Oregon Pastors’ Conference  in early May.  We are hoping to spread the word there about LCC Comfort Dogs since currently there are no Comfort Dogs which have been placed in Oregon.

When I return from Oregon, my team and I will be hosting our LCC K9 Comfort Dog regional gathering.  We will have teams joining us from Teams Reuben (Yuba City), Lois (Las Vegas), Elk Grove, Turlock, Stockton, and Faith Communities in Las Vegas.  It is amazing to see how God continues to grow the ministry.  My humans are excited that we are expecting more than 70 guests to join us for training and fellowship.  But I am most excited that we’re going to be hosting at least three other dogs!  I can’t wait to find out which of my canine friends make the trip out from Chicago.  If you are interested in an opportunity to see this ministry “in action,” all are welcome to stop by and observe as we meet on May 11.  

Later this month, we will once again commemorate National Police Week by visiting with local law enforcement agencies to thank them for their service and support of our community.  During the week of May 12-18, we hope to drop off some goodies for the officers and dispatchers.  If you would like to help in this effort, donations of “treats” for the officers/dispatchers would be greatly appreciated and can be dropped off at the church office.  We try to provide pre-packaged snacks which are small and easy to grab while on patrol.

For more details about National Police Week and our regional gathering, please visit my Facebook and Instagram pages.

Thanks for your support and prayers!   Please check out Facebook and Instagram for daily activities.

Praise God for how our lives are woven together.

I left the church office on what seemed like a routine Thursday visit to Camille Creek Court Schools when my handler’s cell phone rang.  It was my Top Dog saying she had a Napa police officer on the line and asked if we could pull over.  Now, I didn’t think that is how it works, but pull over we did.  His voice was familiar from earlier this week when I was at the police department comforting our awesome first responders and 911 dispatchers.  I was being asked to divert to the Juvenile Courthouse.  He had a very distraught young lady there who didn’t want to testify.

The officer asked if she would like him to see if I was available, like right now! Through her tears, she said, “Yes, that would be great! I know Aaron from my high school.”  Her mom also enthusiastically agreed, as she had seen me working with her patients at the post-acute hospital in Napa.  After a little detour to pick up our Ministry Partner, off we went to Juvenile Court.  

After passing through security, looking very stylish in my Valentine heart scarf, I worked my way onto the young lady’s lap. Her tears began to subside as she clung to me.  Soon, the officer joined us.  It was time to go inside the courtroom.  The judge said I could come too, right up to the witness stand, and they got a chair for my handler.  I didn’t even begin to understand all they were talking about, but I do know that when she had trouble speaking I was right there at her feet, and when she reached down and touched my soft golden fur, she was able to continue.   

Meanwhile, in the back of the courtroom, my Ministry Partner was sitting prayerfully with her mom.

I am so grateful to be God’s creation and stand on all four paws in awe of the work He does through me and my team.

Thanks for your support and prayers! 

If you follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, you know my team and I were very busy in November.  I am so grateful for the support of our fellow comfort dog teams during this time.  Within hours of the deadly shooting in Thousand Oaks, CA, members of my team and I were on the road headed to southern California to minister to those affected by this tragic event.  We joined LCC comfort dogs Jacob, Emma, Ruthie, Hannah, Lois and Cubby. While there we also spent time comforting students and staff at California Lutheran University.

While we were in Thousand Oaks, the Camp fire broke out in northern California and we were quickly redeployed to Chico, where we met up with Reuben and his team to minister to the thousands who were displaced from the horrible fires in Butte County.  Together we visited Cal Fire base camp where we met with many first responders, volunteers and support staff.  Reuben and I also spent time at an evacuation center in Yuba City and a distribution center for first responders whose families had lost their homes.

Teams Aaron and Reuben were invited to spend the afternoon with members of Our Savior Lutheran Church who lost their homes and their church in the fire.  We were humbled to be with those who lost everything but their faith.  Their love for Jesus is so strong that even though the road ahead will be long they know they will have the love of God with them every step of the way.

Joining us at several additional sites, were members from expectant comfort dog teams from St. Andrews Lutheran Church (Stockton) and Light of the Valley (Elk Grove).  It has been such a blessing to have these teams working alongside us.  While visiting with residents from an assisted living center in Paradise who had been evacuated and relocated to a hotel in Rancho Cordova, these teams were able to partner with us in offering comfort and prayer to many who were suffering.  We also shared a special moment when one of the assisted living residents who had been unable to effectively communicate verbally with staff for the past two years actually strung together several sentences in conversation with them while visiting with Aaron.  Wow!  God is so good!

Now that I am back in Napa, I will continue to spend time at Vintage high school.  In addition to my regular weekly visits I have also been going there to provide comfort for students and staff grieving the loss of recent graduate Alaina Housley, whose mother also works there.

Please continue to keep all those affected by the recent shootings and fires in your prayers.

Wishing everyone a safe and blessed Advent and Christmas!

Yesterday my team was joined by

Lois Comfort Dog (Las Vegas) and Reuben Comfort Dog (Yuba City), to be with the employees of Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.  We spent all day meeting with over 1,000 employees. We met so many very kind and gental souls.  It is easy to understand why each of these people work in the hospitality industy.  Serving is the cornerstone of their occupation and they do it so well.

Today marked the one-year anniversary of the horrific shooting and for many we met it brought back very vivid memories of a night that they will never forget.  Throughout the day we were fortunate to meet employees who worked in all areas of the resort.

Mandalay Bay is so large.  It’s like being in a small town under one roof.  It even has an 11-acre beach/pool complex with a lazy river!   

During the evening we spent a couple of hours at a vigil for survivors and families.  It took place at the site of the Route 91 Concert.  There were well over 1,500 people gathered for this very sacred time.  We did our best to comfort those who now carry a memory of cherished loved ones. 

We concluded our day with a late night visit to the Las Vegas Law Enforcement Dispatch Center.  These very special folks handle all of the emergency 911 phone calls. On the night of the shooting the dispatchers fielded literally hundreds of calls from those at the concert.  They daily interact with all branches of law enforcement, fire, ambulance and the local hospitals.  You don’t often hear about these unsung heroes who work quietly tucked away in a subdued office.  They are on the communication frontlines with every incident.  They listen, talk, guide, console, and calm those that are in an emergency situation.  They are the lifeline between the victims and the first responders which means they experience daily emotional highs and lows. We feel honored and humbled to be in the presence of these very special people.

As you read this post I will be traveling back to Napa.  I ask that you please continue to pray for the families, surviors, friends, workers and the Las Vegas community as they continue the lifelong healing process.

And may the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

After lunch it was off to Sunrise Hospital.

I sure love Reuben’s van!  There is so much room and the a/c works terrific, which is important down here in the desert.

I recall that last year we spent a lot of time at Sunrise Hospital.  We met with so many patients, families and staff.  Today we visited with some of the staff.  It was so good to see familiar faces.  Oh  how we have missed these very dedicated and loving members of the medical team.  It is hard to comprehend how much trauma these professionals have experienced in their day to day jobs.  We are humbled to be in their presence and we know that what they do is not easy.

Please join our team in praying for: the medical workers, that as they move forward in their professional and personal lives that the peace from God will help sustain them and shine light into their lives each and every day. Amen!

Well it’s time for me to get some sleep.  I will be working Sunday and Monday with my fellow comfort dogs, Lois and Reuben as we help those impacted by the mass shooting last year at the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival.  As you read this blog on Sunday, please say a prayer for all of the people we will meet over the next few days.

We spent time at the Coroner’s office, the evacuation center, Fire Base Camp, the CHP Dispatch Office, PG&E Base Camp and visited with insurance workers.

Our teams were all greatly blessed to be able to share the mercy and compassion of Christ with others during difficult times.  One of my handlers said it best: “It was a great experience to see how much comfort [the dogs] brought to everyone. We kept hearing, over and over, how petting the dogs made them feel “normal” for a few moments and how grateful they were to us for being there.  Many of them showed us pictures of their dogs.  Some of them opened up about the stresses and challenges of their jobs; it was clear they needed to talk, and we were happy to listen.

For others, it was a brief moment for them to forget about the work they had to do and to know that we support them and are praying for them. God led us to the right people at the right time, and it was an honor to be there to show our gratitude and share God’s comfort through Aaron and Reuben [Eddie, Moses, and Priscilla].”

After returning from deployment, Reuben and I were invited by Cal Fire to attend the memorial service in Chico for heavy equipment mechanic Andrew Brake, who died in an accident on his way to work at the Carr fire.   We were truly humbled and honored to be there to comfort Andrew’s family and co-workers.  After a request came to “send up the big dogs” to the front of the church, we shared a special moment with his parents and daughters, just prior to the commencement of the service.  It was a reminder of the power that a simple touch or just being present can bring.

Now that school is back in session, I am back to my regular routine, visiting Vintage High, Camille Creek, and the Office of Education.  I am also excited to be adding a new “assignment” to my roster:  I will be visiting the campus of Redwood Middle School on a weekly basis this year.  I can’t wait to meet new friends!

Stay tuned to see where God leads me next.