Starting this summer, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Maggie (Christ the King – Newtown, Connecticut) will pay regular visits at Yale New Haven Psychiatric Hospital (YNHPH). YNHPH is an inpatient facility specializing in the rapid assessment and treatment of acute and severe psychiatric symptoms for adults and adolescents.

Beth K. first met LCC Comfort Dog Maggie along with her sister, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Addie (Immanuel Lutheran – Danbury, Connecticut) and four other Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dogs: Hannah (LCC Staff), Luther (Permanently Deployed Serving with the Saints), Ruthie (LCC Staff) and Rufus (St. Mark Lutheran – Edmond, Oklahoma) on the steps of First Lutheran Church in Boston, Massachusetts. The dogs were in town to minister on the first anniversary of the Boston Marathon Bombing. Beth was immediately impacted by the comfort dogs and their ability to help people connect in a calm and non-threatening way.

A long-time friend of Maggie’s handler, Cathy S., Beth, is now Assistant Director, Psychiatric Emergency & Inpatient Services at YNHPH. Beth was convinced that Maggie’s presence could work wonders with her patients, and advocated for Maggie to make visits to some of the units she oversees. Cathy and another of Maggie’s handlers, Anita H., both felt the calling, and have been credentialed for YNHPH visits with Maggie. Through Cathy and Anita's dedication, Newtown Comfort has been honored to serve YNHPH regularly since July 2018.

Maggie’s visits are high points for staff and patients alike. During a scheduled two hour visit, Maggie and her handler, accompanied by a unit clinician, are able to reach nearly 80 people bringing the comfort and compassion of Christ. Even before she reaches the units, Maggie interacts with security guards, people in waiting rooms, and staff who stop what they are doing for a golden pet or hug. She often elicits comments like, “You don’t know how much I needed this today, Maggie!”

On unit, Maggie works mostly in common areas bringing people together who may be dealing with issues of isolation due to depression or other challenges. People who are resistant to groups or social situations are now interacting with each other and with Maggie and recognize that a shared interest in a gentle dog is enough to start a pleasant conversation.

Beth has kindly sent us the following comments she has received from patients and staff. As you read through them, we believe you’ll get a sense that Beth was right: Maggie is working wonders…and you just might even get a few tears in your eyes.

“I always love to watch a visit with Cathy and Maggie. The healing that occurs during their brief contact is priceless. I watch shy, anxious teens calm; loud, energetic, fast moving teens become gentle; and isolated, withdrawn teens come to life and engage.”
-A Member of the Nursing Staff, Adolescent Psychiatric Inpatient Unit

Comments from Patients on the Adolescent Psychiatric Inpatient Unit as relayed to a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist:
“Maggie made me feel more comfortable.”
“Maggie helped me get over missing my own dog.”
“Maggie made my day just a little bit better.”
“Maggie is very sweet and she didn’t get tired of me petting her.”
“I love Maggie.”
“I wish I had a Maggie in my life.”

“I have witnessed, countless times, dementia patients who barely engage come alive when Maggie is around! Maggie is gentle and comforting for many patients and staff on our unit.”
-Occupational Therapist, Older Adult Psychiatric Inpatient Unit

“Maggie the comfort dog visits 2 behavioral health units on our campus twice a month. Patients, who usually resist attending groups, or are difficult to engage in conversation, are receptive to getting out of bed and heading down to the group room to spend time with Maggie. Patients smile, ask questions, and reminisce about their own pets. Patients pat, pet, rub and scratch Maggie while Maggie patiently visits each person. The mood is lighter, conversation is animated, and staff joins the group to visit with Maggie also. Each week, patients will ask 'Is this the day that Maggie visits?' Anita and Maggie provide a meaningful service to our patients; creating joy by their presence and giving comfort to each person who visits with them."
-Certified Therapeutic Recreation Therapist, General & Older Adult Psychiatric Inpatient Units

“I could say many things about Maggie; about how she brings comfort, love and understanding in a small but large way. Maggie’s ability to bring sunshine at dark times for children is something we may never understand but get the pleasure of seeing. We thank Maggie and her owner for the large support she gives to everyone; and, in return, Maggie wants nothing but love and head rubs.”
-Milieu Counselor, Adolescent Psychiatric Inpatient Unit

“Maggie brings a bright ray of sunshine every time she enters our hospital – not only for the patients but for staff as well. We are so blessed to have her visit us!!!”
-Data Analyst, Administration

Comments from Patients on the Young Adult and Adult Mood Disorders Psychiatric Inpatient Units as relayed to a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist:
“Maggie is very sweet and gentle. She went to every person and accepted our petting.”
“Maggie made my day.”
“Best visitor I had today.”
“Maggie was very calming to me.”
“We all love Maggie.”
“Can Maggie come more often?”
“Can Maggie live on the unit?”

“Maggie is an amazing asset on WS3. She has an unparalleled ability to reach our patients. From long-term patients, to hard-to-reach patients, she has the ability to help these patients cope with their symptoms. I’m very grateful for her and Cathy.”
-Occupational Therapist, Young Adult/Transitional Age Youth Unit

“Everyone attends group when Maggie comes around! Patients often miss their pets and being able to see a beautiful friendly dog has brightened their day. Smiles all around!”
-Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Adolescent and Young Adult Psychiatric Inpatient Units

“Maggie has been a hit on WS2. Patients and staff smile when she arrives. Some very quiet patients come out of their shell in Maggie’s presence. A very good thing!”
-Registered Nurse, Adult Mood Disorders Unit

“Maggie has brought something special to our patients. We appreciate the time she spends on unit. We also appreciate the empathy for our patients, efforts, and sacrifice of her owner/trainer in providing this wonderful experience.”
-Licensed Clinical Social Worker, General Adult Psychiatric Inpatient Unit

On Wednesday, July 3, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Myra (St. Andrews – Park Ridge, Illinois) visited the Park Ridge Police Department to meet everyone and thank them for their service!
 
One of Myra Comfort Dog’s handlers is Pastor Matt, who also serves as a chaplain for Park Ridge Police Department. They both look forward to many more visits in the years ahead!
 

Please join the entire LCC staff and LCC K-9 Ministry affiliate teams as we support Matthew in this effort and pray for his safety this summer. We thank Matthew for his generosity in support of LCC mission to share the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering and in need.

Last Week (June 26-28), Light of the Valley Lutheran Church in Elk Grove, California and Redeemer Lutheran Church in Spokane, Washington joined LCC staff for handler training.  Each church was very excited to meet their new LCC K-9 Comfort Dog and to become part of the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry. The new handlers and caregivers spent many hours training in ministry and in handler skills.

The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry is one of presence. When the Lord calls, we must go and serve Him. 
Isaiah 6:8: Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send?”  And who will go for us?”  And I said, “Here am I. Send me.”
 
The following new handlers to the K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry have heard that call:
 
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Micah Light of the Valley – Elk Grove, California
Jeanne Bingaman
Lee Hunter 
Marilyn Hunter
Patricia Mason
Susan Mason
Jay Reed
Mary Ann Taylor
Sean Taylor
Debbie Volker
Tim Volker
 
LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Handler: Susan Mason, U.S. Army, 1971-2011
 
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Marie Redeemer – Spokane, Washington
John Blyckert
Julie Blyckert
Babette Hess
Gail Neidhold
Tom Neidhold
Christine Ohlsen
Jody Panattoni
Trish  Rountree
Carolyn Smart
Don Smart
Doug Weinrich
 
LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Handler: Babette Hess, U.S. Air Force, 1969-1970
 
We extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our volunteer handlers for their dedication to the LCC K-9 Ministry.

Officer Hetland is survived by his son, daughter, sister, brother, parents, and other family members.
 
The Wisconsin Honor Guard Association reached out to LCC to invite LCC K-9 Police Ministry and other K-9 Ministry teams to the visitation and funeral. Teams met with John's family members, law enforcement personnel from all over the United States, military members, and others who came to pay their respects.
 
Officer John Hetland gave his last full measure of devotion in the service and protection of others.
 
"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." John 15:13
 
The following LCC K-9 Ministry Teams were blessed to serve:
 
LCC K-9 Police Ministry Dogs:
Candace (LCC staff) Charity (Brookfield Lutheran – Brookfield, Wisconsin)
Dora (Lutheran High School Association of Greater Milwaukee – Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
Eve (St. John's – Lombard, Illinois)
Nigel (LCC staff) Shiloh (Christ Our Savior – Dixon, Illinois)

LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dogs:
Adeena (St. John – Burlington, Illinois)
Mary (St. Paul's – Janesville, Wisconsin)
 
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs
Bekah (Immanuel – Belvidere, Illinois)
Kye (Immanuel – Belvidere, Illinois)
Rhoda (Prince of Peace – Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin)
Tobias (Lord of Glory – Grayslake, Illinois)
Zoey (Concordia University Wisconsin – Mequon, Wisconsin)