Cornerstone Welcomes Second K-9 Comfort Dog

Just over two years after Cornerstone Lutheran Church in Carmel, Indiana welcomed Magdalene Comfort Dog in March 2023, the congregation has now commissioned a second K-9 Comfort Dog to serve alongside her.

On Sunday, September 28, Eternity Comfort Dog officially joined the ministry, becoming a partner in bringing comfort and hope to those in need. Commissioned as part of the Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry, Eternity and her team are prepared to share mercy, compassion, and the love of Jesus in times of crisis and disaster. Sometimes, a wagging tail can bring encouragement when words fall short.

Eternity’s ministry is grounded in John 3:16 (NIV): “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Her commissioning marks the completion of nearly two years of intensive training. Eternity will visit care facilities, schools, nursing homes, and travel throughout Indiana and beyond to support communities experiencing crisis or tragedy.

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In fact, Eternity’s service began almost immediately. The day after her commissioning, she embarked on her very first deployment to Mont Blanc, Michigan, where she joined Magdalene in comforting a grieving community following a tragic shooting and fire.

“This week is a big step for me — my very first deployment after being commissioned just this past weekend,” Team Eternity shared on Facebook. “Magdalene Comfort Dog is by my side, guiding and mentoring me as we bring the mercy, compassion, and proclamation of Jesus to those who are hurting.”

The celebration at Cornerstone was filled with joy as six other LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs from Indiana and Ohio joined Magdalene and Eternity for the commissioning service. “What a weekend! My heart is so full after my commissioning service, and I’m so thankful I got to share it with my Comfort Dog friends—Michael, Jael, Caleb, Jared, Damascus, and of course my new bestie, Magdalene,” Team Eternity shared on Facebook. “I’m so excited to work alongside all of you as part of this amazing ministry. The adventure is just beginning!”

The day also included the commissioning of Magdalene Comfort Dog’s new military handler.

Lutheran Church Charities officially welcomed the following Cornerstone Lutheran team members into the K-9 Ministry family:

• Jane Callahan (Top Dog)
• Patrick Callahan
• Ashleigh Glynn (Estes)
• Conor Glynn
• Bob Lewis
• Nicole Lewis
• Beth Murphy
• Rev. Max Murphy
• Linda Tape
• Suzanne Ward
  
  

Comfort Dogs present for the celebration included:

• Caleb (Immanuel – Valparaiso, Indiana)
• Claudia (Trinity – Toledo, Ohio)
• Damascus (St. Paul – Napoleon, Ohio)
• Jael (Trinity – Hobart, Indiana)
• Jared (Holy Cross – Fort Wayne, Indiana)
• Magdalene (Cornerstone – Carmel, Indiana)
• Michael (LCC Staff)
  
  

“The team is so excited to embark on this wonderful mission from God!” said Jane Callahan, Top Dog for Team Eternity.

Follow Eternity on Facebook as she shares Jesus’ love and comfort with people in her community and across the country.

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