When tragedy strikes, the Lutheran Church Charities Comfort Dogs Ministry gets into high gear. The ministry is home-based in Addison, IL. They have been in Newtown following the school shooting there, helping many children and adults try to cope with their grief. Dogs are effective grief counselors because they are totally accepting of any emotions. They do not judge. They do not talk. They are there to listen and provide comfort, allowing themselves to be petted and loved, gently nudging the grieving to let them know they are not alone.
[The first two are AP photos.]
Ruthie and Luther are packed and ready to go to Boston.
Isaiah is packed and ready
Ellie and Lucy would love to help.
Ellie certainly has the temperament but no training.
Lucy? Well, she's a bit rambunctious.
The comfort dog ministry is a wonderful one. The dogs will be stationed at the First Lutheran Church in Boston; a few blocks from the site of the bombing. They will also visit the victims in area hospitals. You can learn more about the Comfort Dogs here.
As journalist and author Christopher Morley said, "No one appreciates the very special genius of your conversation as the dog does."
Our thoughts still reach out to the people of Boston; to the workers who are helping them; to the Boston Police Department; Boston Fire Department; and the volunteers providing assistance; and to the people who refuse to let terrorism govern they way they live. This week we are all Bostonians.
15 comments:
I love knowing that there is a Comfort Dog Ministry.
Hi there, There is nothing that would bring me comfort in a time of tragedy like a dog would. So very thankful for this ministry.
Hugs, Noreen
Using dogs is a wonderful way to help. Boston is my hometown and my heart aches for the people after the bombing.
Carolina Mountains
What a wonderful idea. My dogs have brought me through more than one misery. They are perfect in that role.
Absolutely a wonderful Ministry....when my mom was in rehab after breaking her hip. Therapy dogs came 2 time a week. The elderly are able and willing to pet and say sweet things to them and the dogs are like sponges soaking it up.
Ellie and Lucy make me smile...
Hugs Madi and Mom
How wonderful that there is an organization called "Comfort Dogs." I'm sure that the people affected by the Boston bombing will appreciate their presence. -- barbara
What a wonderful service! I'm going back and read more about them.
Dogs really do help comfort us, heal us, relate to us. What a lovely effort by people and their dogs. Such a kindness to people who have been traumatized. As awful as the bombings were, I love the stories of how we respond with love and generosity. Thank you for spreading the word.
That is a wonderful role for dogs to play, although I'm sorry that they're needed at all. Shyla is showing aptitude as a therapy-type dog... Maybe someday.
Lots of hunting and herding breeds in this wonderful field. The size of Baron sometimes scares people but I think he would do very well in this activity. He is a persistent "pet me" dog...:)
Dogs are the best :)
We saw the report on NBC National News last night about the good dogs doing their healing work.
Our dog, Ziva, always get very excited seeing dogs. And this story was no different.
I too get excited--I love how dogs know intuitively how to help and heal.
Thanks for your comments, everyone.
Troutbirder - Yes, too bad some people automatically fear certain dogs. Baron sounds like a great comfort dog to me.
Dogs are wonderful. Our hospital dogs have name tags, facebook pages and email addresses. I love Parker. Another Golden who is pretty remarkable at his job.
Dogs are the best companions. They make one feel special.
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