Hope on Four Paws: Comfort Dogs Return to Mountain Home, AR

This past weekend, the Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) Comfort Dog Ministry made a meaningful return to Mountain Home, Arkansas, bringing comfort, hope, and community support. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Job (Christ the King - Memphis, TN) and Persis (Christ the Redeemer - Tulsa, OK), joined local residents for a weekend of impactful visits, including the 5K Run for Suicide Prevention on Saturday, September 13, 2025.

A Community United for Healing
Mountain Home holds a special place in the hearts of the Comfort Dog Ministry. Last March, following the tragic suicide of a senior at Mountain Home High School, the community reached out to Geri Butts to request LCC Comfort Dogs. Geri, a local veteran who had previously met Comfort Dogs during her Honor Flight experience, recognized the profound impact these dogs could have in a moment of grief. The Comfort Dogs helped provide healing and emotional support across the school district and community, and residents continue to speak of their positive influence.

This September, Geri and the Mountain Home community invited the Comfort Dogs back to participate in a weekend dedicated to hope, healing, and suicide awareness.

Weekend Highlights
Over the weekend, Job and Persis brought comfort and connection to every corner of Mountain Home. Saturday began with the 5K Run/Walk at ASU Mountain Home, a powerful event dedicated to suicide prevention, where veterans, students, and ROTC cadets ran together, honoring lives lost with a moving display of combat boots and backpacks. Later, the Comfort Dogs visited Sycamore Springs Assisted Living, bringing smiles and calm to residents, and spent time at the National Guard Armory, offering support to citizen soldiers during their drill. On Sunday, they greeted the congregation at Redeemer Lutheran Church, sharing their story and the mission of the Comfort Dog Ministry, leaving a lasting impression on all who experienced their gentle, healing presence.

---

Comfort Dogs and Community Connection
The Comfort Dogs’ presence highlights the power of compassion and community connection. Mountain Home, known for its large veteran population, greatly benefits from initiatives like the Comfort Dog Ministry and veteran outreach programs. Partnerships with US Veteran Outreach, Mountain Home School Board, Ascend Wealth Management, and Baxter Health demonstrate the community’s shared commitment to mental health and suicide prevention.

The 5K Run/Walk was more than just a race — it was a symbol of solidarity and hope. Together, participants, veterans, students, and community members showed that no one has to face mental health challenges alone.

The LCC Comfort Dogs’ return to Mountain Home is a reminder of the enduring power of presence, compassion, and love. Through their gentle, comforting support, Job and Persis continue to bring hope and healing wherever they go.