Comfort Dog Ministry
History and Background:
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. A more detailed understanding and history can be found at the LCC Comfort Dog Site. |
Malachi, who was over 6 1/2 years old, was placed at St. Matthew in August 2018. He has served as the bridge for compassionate ministry to a countless number of people that he has comforted, bringing the hope that can only be found through Jesus. In addition to serving his community, Malachi and his ministry team have deployed to crisis and disaster situations such as the Highland Park Shooting, Oxford, Michigan shooting, Waukesha parade disaster, just to name a few. He was well loved at all the schools and nursing homes that he attended regularly. He was permanently deployed with the saints in May of 2023.
Malachi's Facebook Page |
Ladel, who was over 11-1/2 years old, and was instrumental in the launch of the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry, being the first Comfort Dog to be placed in a church on September 1, 2008 at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Hawthorn Woods. She served as the bridge for compassionate ministry to a countless number of people that she has comforted, bringing the hope that can only be found through Jesus. In addition to serving her community, Ladel and her ministry team have deployed to crisis and disaster situations such as the Sandy Hook shootings, Super Storm Sandy, Joplin Tornadoes, Boston Marathon Bombing, just to name a few. She was permanently deployed to the saints in October of 2019.
Ladel's Facebook Page |
The new Comfort Dog ministry team is currently awaiting a new Comfort Dog to replace Malachi.
To become part of the ministry, please visit the Comfort Dog Ministry table in Luther Hall for more information or contact :
Top Dog:
Dennis Rusch @ 847-714-7999
Handlers:
Mary Kaye Rusch Lea Kelly Sheilla Trossman
Kate Imhoff Mark Imhof Korrie Sprenzel
Rob Fosness Ken Grooms (Open position)
Ministry Partners:
Sandy Wunluck Dolly Latz Jennifer Fosness
Carla Ward
To become part of the ministry, please visit the Comfort Dog Ministry table in Luther Hall for more information or contact :
Top Dog:
Dennis Rusch @ 847-714-7999
Handlers:
Mary Kaye Rusch Lea Kelly Sheilla Trossman
Kate Imhoff Mark Imhof Korrie Sprenzel
Rob Fosness Ken Grooms (Open position)
Ministry Partners:
Sandy Wunluck Dolly Latz Jennifer Fosness
Carla Ward