K-9 Comfort Dog Ministries
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. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and handlers, LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dogs and veteran handlers, and LCC K-9 Police Ministry dogs and law enforcement officer handlers are a bridge for compassionate ministry, opening doors for conversation about faith and creating opportunities to share the mercy, compassion, presence and proclamation of Jesus Christ. Gideon serves in all three capacities.
An LCC K9 Comfort Dog is a pure bred Golden Retriever who is AKC certified and has passed the AKC Good Citizenship Test and received their AKC certification. LCC K9 Comfort Dogs and their handlers are certified by LCC and receive ongoing and advanced training. Social, gentle, and loving, LCC K9 Comfort Dogs bring comfort to individuals and families suffering pain or loss, calm hyperactive individuals, facilitate conversation, work with veterans, and are used in counseling situations. LCC K9 Comfort Dogs also respond to disaster situations. Gideon is triple vested to participate with his police handler, or a military veteran at police or veteran events along with his work in the community.
To inquire about a visit with Gideon, please contact handler Pam Lienemann at 612-280-1755.
To donate to St. Michael’s Comfort Dog ministry, click here to be directed to our secure giving platform. Enter a dollar amount, and be sure to choose “Comfort Dog Ministry” from the fund drop-down menu.
A Second Dog – Join the Team!
2025 Update: St. Michael’s is in the process of acquiring a second LCC K-9 Comfort Dog. To learn more about the ministry, including ways to get involved on the new team, contact Karen Bretzman Prell at topdog@smlcb.org.
