Moments of caring connection at LWML gathering

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs just know — they have a sense when someone needs comfort, a moment of close connection. ​

At last week’s Northern Wisconsin District LWML Convention, Samaria Comfort Dog pulled in close to a woman who had stopped by to visit. As the Golden Retriever nuzzled in, the woman stopped chatting and put her head down to pet her head. 

No words exchanged. Just 30 seconds of tenderness. A holy moment.

The woman shared later that she was recovering from an illness and was moved by Samaria’s canine intuition. Somehow, the comfort dog knew she needed a brief respite to be cared for. 

God’s presence at the end of a leash. 

Last week, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Hagar (Faith – Appleton, WI) and Samaria (Shepherd of the Hills – Greenville, WI) greeted attendees at the Northern Wisconsin District LWML’s Convention, bringing moments of peace, encouragement, and care to Lutheran women who serve the Lord in their own callings. 

With the theme “Joy In Jesus, Our Rock,” the gathering of 250 Lutheran women was the scene for numerous reactions to Hagar and Samaria’s caring presence.

“The woman Samaria connected with just checked out for a few moments. I could feel a shift,” Samaria’s handler recalled. “Samaria pulled in close and she stopped talking. They had a few moments together and then she politely went back to chatting with me.”

Samaria opened the door for other conversations, too. A couple related to a member at Shepherd of the Hills. A pastor who’d married a friend. Someone who has known Shepherd’s youth pastor since he was a baby. Each encounter a “small world” revealed.

“These unexpected connections reminded me of how God weaves people together through His church family — no matter the distance,” Samaria’s handler said.

Many convention guests remembered LCC Comfort Dogs from previous meetings. Noah from St. Louis. Abraham from New York. “People love and remember comfort dogs dearly,” she said.

Hagar had her moments too.

One woman stopped several times and locked eyes with her sat on the floor next to her.

“On her last visit, she kissed Hagar’s head and said, ‘Thank you for being here.’” ​