Gideon Honored with MVMA “Animal Hall of Fame” Award

On Saturday, January 31, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Gideon (St. Michael’s - Bloomington, MN) was honored by the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA) with the 2025 companion animal “Animal Hall of Fame” award recognizing the profound animal–human bond he has shared with thousands throughout his ministry.

This meaningful recognition grew out of Gideon’s service to the community in the aftermath of the Annunciation School shooting, and subsequent coverage of an MPR article.   Just weeks after those difficult days, an unexpected email arrived suggesting that Gideon be nominated for the award.
 
On Saturday, Gideon's team attended the MVMA award luncheon where—following the introduction below—Gideon was called to the stage to receive his well-deserved medal.
 
Gideon is a highly trained Comfort Dog serving with Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Ministries and St. Michael’s Lutheran Church since August 2016.  Based in the Twin Cities, Gideon works alongside multiple handlers, faithfully visiting schools, senior communities, hospitals, and hospice centers to bring peace and comfort on a regular basis.

When crisis strikes, Gideon deploys locally and nationally to provide support in the aftermath of tragedies. He has responded to mass shootings in Oxford, Michigan; Uvalde, Texas; Lewiston, Maine; Perry, Iowa; and most recently Minneapolis, Minnesota. In the midst of a community’s unimaginable pain, Gideon has quietly offered his steady presence—giving people permission to breathe, to cry, to talk, pray, and to begin healing.

Gideon’s unique gift lies in his intuition. He seems to know exactly who needs him most, often seeking out the hurting and quietly offering comfort without words. Time and again, he has gently walked up to someone sitting alone or struggling in silence, leaning in with a calmness that says, ‘I’m here for you.’ His ability to connect without words has comforted thousands, bringing hope and light into some of life’s darkest moments.

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Gideon’s ministry is serving as a source of compassion, strength, and love -- wherever he is needed.
 
"We are deeply grateful for this honor and for the countless individuals and communities who have welcomed Gideon into their lives. This award belongs to our team and everyone who has paused, knelt, sat, or simply breathed a little easier beside this very special dog," said Pam Lienemann, Top Dog.