- How do I schedule a visit? LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs only go where they are invited! You can contact the ministry coordinators at 707.255.0119 or through Facebook at Aaron Comfort Dog, or email Aaron at aaroncomfortdog@gmail.com.
- How is a dog chosen to be a comfort dog? Dogs are bred for the purpose of becoming LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs. Breeders are carefully chosen by examining bloodlines of sires and dames. Individual dogs are tested at eight weeks to see if they exhibit characteristics of quiet, passive future dogs.
- How is a dog trained? Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) employs trainers who in turn teach volunteers. These volunteers work in groups of two along with the trainers, to raise and train the puppies for approximately 14 months. The puppies train with several pairs of handlers, so growing puppies do not become attached to any one individual. This is essential for the life they will lead in their future congregation and with their future team.
- How are dogs named? The dogs are all named by LCC when they are puppies.
- How do the dogs get their Bible verses? Bible verses are also chosen when the dogs are still puppies. Their name and personality are taken into consideration.
- How is an LCC Comfort Dog different from other vested dogs? LCC Comfort Dogs are working dogs. LCC Comfort Dogs have received extensive socialization training so they are accustomed to working in many different situations with multiple handlers. Unlike other vested dogs, we encourage people to pet our dogs.
- Who owns the dogs? Once a dog is placed in a congregation or school, ownership is transferred from LCC to the church or school. Daily care of the dog is the responsibility of the caregiver family.
- How are the costs covered? Financial needs of the ministry are met through offering and donations with 100% of the money donated being used for ministry and to care for the comfort dog(s).
- How Can I Support this Ministry? You may write a check, payable to St. John’s Lutheran Church, and place it in the offering plate during worship or mail it to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 3521 Linda Vista Ave., Napa, CA 94558-2703. Please write “Comfort Dog Ministry” in the memo section of your check. We also accept donations through this website.
- How can I get involved? Contact the ministry coordinators at 707.255.0119 or at Aaroncomfortdog@gmail.com if you would like to find out the many opportunities to help our ministry grow. We greatly appreciate your prayers for the continued success of this ministry. We also know that without your support, our ministry would not be as successful.
