We have all heard of news stories about comfort dogs brought in to calm people after tragedies, times of great stress, or to offer a calming influence to an otherwise difficult time. Launched in 2008, Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) in Northbrook, Illinois, began K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry following a shooting at Northern Illinois University. Following the tragedy, LCC volunteers brought their golden retrievers to campus. Later, the students of the college petitioned the group back and an idea was born. “Don’t wait for disaster, place dogs in churches,” said Tim Hetzner, President of LCC.

At this time, the ministry has over 130 dogs in 23 states, serving those traumatized by such events. Yet, we have learned, these highly trained dogs serve in other ways; as making inroads for churches seeking potential new members, providing comfort to school age children both in the Christian and public schools, campus visits during finals week, a feature during VBS weeks in the summer, nursing home visitation or anywhere a comforting influence or spirit is needed.

On Saturday, Sept. 29, two representatives from Immanuel Lutheran Church in Danbury, Connecticut are bringing a highly-trained golden retriever, Leah, to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 334 Temple St., Fredonia to present how this ministry can work in local churches and community. The evening will begin at 6:30 p.m. with light refreshments, followed by the comfort dog presentation by the two dog handlers, with plenty of time for Q & A. It is the hope of the church to one day be a home base to a trained comfort dog and to offer its benefit to the whole Christian community.

This event is open to the public. Come for a night of Faith and Fur! With questions about this event, call 672-6731.