The Gift of Presence

The ministry team for LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Lizzie (Trinity – Savannah, Georgia) shares how Lizzie Comfort Dog is a bridge for compassionate ministry through the gift of being present:

One primary mission goal of Lutheran Church Charities and our ministry with LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Lizzie at Trinity Lutheran Church in Savannah, Georgia, is presence. Many of Lizzie Comfort Dogs visits are regular events on the calendar. Each of those scheduled events mean that Lizzie Comfort Dog, her handler, and a ministry partner are going to show up. As handlers, we know the location of our visit but we don’t always know where God will direct our presence during that visit. The blessing is that we sometimes get to see the effect of that presence. Here are a few stories from the past few weeks that illustrate what happens when Lizzie Comfort Dog is invited to be present out in our community.

School Visit: A small boy comes to read with Lizzie Comfort Dog but his head is hanging down. He’s not interested in talking about why he is sad, so we head for our reading spot in the library. He lies down next to Lizzie and strokes her head. Every few words read are punctuated by a pet or a Lizzie hug. We have a short time together but after those few minutes, he looks back as he’s leaving and smiles, “See you next week!”

Nursing home: A couple is seated on chairs near the nursing station. They notice Lizzie Comfort Dog and we stop to visit. The nurse is in with their father so they are waiting. Would we be able to take Lizzie into their father’s room when the nurse is done? He is near death, they say, not talking anymore, but he always loved dogs. We enter with Lizzie and she does a “rise” near the man. The daughter places his hand on Lizzie’s head. He opens his eyes. ”Oh…a dog,” he sighs and pats Lizzie’s head. The family, the nurse, and we all have tears streaming. A moment of presence has been an unanticipated gift to all of us.

American Legion: After the funeral for a past commander for the American Legion Post, an unknown mourner came over. He didn’t speak but Lizzie Comfort Dogs presence was offered and received. When words are difficult, the gift of presence provides comfort and an outlet for grief.

Airport: New marine graduates from Paris Island are flying home before reporting to duty stations. Many have family members with whom to celebrate but not all of them. Such a sense of accomplishment to celebrate! It is perfectly acceptable to hug Lizzie Comfort Dog and tell her all about how much they have missed their home, their family, and maybe their own dog. We are present and witness what they have chosen to sacrifice for others and offer our congratulations and thanks.

Memory Care Facility: Lizzie Comfort Dog and handlers enter the day room. A few residents are sitting or moving about the room. We move close and ask, “Would you like to pet Lizzie?” Petting, smiles and then the questions: “Is this your dog? What’s her name? How old is she?” The same questions are asked every time often by the same people. We are not remembered from previous visits because life for them is in the present.

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