First in Idaho

Christ The King Lutheran in Coeur d’Alene commissions LCC Comfort Dog Fisher
​and his team to minister across The Gem State

Two years ago, Christ the King Lutheran Church started the journey to add the first LCC Comfort Dog to Idaho — and last weekend, that day arrived.

On Sunday, the church commissioned LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Fisher and her team to serve as called givers of hope and care to the local community and across the Northwest.

“You’ve prepared yourself for this work; you’ve trained … so you can be a blessing to our communities,” said Pastor Dan Deuel. “You are to serve with loving and compassionate hearts. Show this by word and faithful example.” 

In their mission to serve, Fisher and her team of handlers, ministry partners, and caregivers will visit schools, community centers, hospitals, nursing homes, military installations, and wherever hurting people need encouragement and compassion. Fisher and team will draw upon his Scripture version from Mark 1:17-18: “And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.’ And immediately they left their nets and followed Him.”

Fisher seems to be a perfect fit for Christ The King and Coeur d’Alene, a town of nearly 60,000 known for its rugged beauty and outdoor recreation.

---

With LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs from up and down the West Coast on hand to celebrate, Christ The King was filled with love, excitement, and lots of Golden glitter. 

Seven K-9 Comfort Dogs from three states traveled to surround Fisher, her team, and the whole congregation: Genesis(Good Shepherd – Turlock, CA), Isaac (Redeemer – Spokane, WA), Micah (Light of the Valley – Elk Grove, CA), Rahab (St. Andrews – Stockton, CA), Salome (Faith Community – Las Vegas, NV), Sharon (St. Luke’s – Federal Way, WA), and Zechariah (First Good Shepherd – Las Vegas, NV). 

The LCC ministry is supported by and active with volunteers who live to follow Jesus, be changed by Jesus and commit to the mission of Jesus every day. The team from Christ the King has committed time, energy, and love to be a part of the mission of sharing the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering and in need. 
 
The Comfort Dog Ministry team from Christ the King includes their Top Dog Miriam Deuel, handlers, ministry partners, and caregivers, who will be busy in and beyond their community engaging people with an open heart as they share the love, hope, and comfort of Jesus.  Fisher is double-vested and also will serve as a Kare-9 Military Comfort Dog. 
 
LCC celebrates the Christ the King team from Coeur d’ Alene and welcomes them to the Lutheran Church Charities family. We cannot wait to see the plans God has for them. 
 
Handlers/Caregivers
Paul Crabtree
Dan Deuel (Pastor)
David Deuel
Miriam Deuel (Top Dog)
Debbie Hart
Greg Hart (United States Marine Veteran)
Darcy Myers
Dave Myers
Jim Preston
Drew Santibanez
 
Ministry Partners
Anne Bryan
Cindy Clabby
Michael Clabby
Patty Crabtree
Autumn Deuel
Bob Logan
Janet Logan
Teresa Lundin
Colleen Preston