The Power of Comfort, Compassion, and Christ

This past week, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry was honored to continue a life-changing program first started in Nevada in 2021 by Chaplain David Bartlett—a ministry that has brought the healing presence of Christ to our nation’s servicemen and women.

While serving as chaplain at Nellis Air Force Base, Chaplain Bartlett witnessed firsthand the incredible impact that visits from the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs had on airmen struggling with stress, loneliness, and suicidal thoughts. Through regular visits from Lois Comfort Dog (First Good Shepherd - Las Vegas, Nevada), Salome Comfort Dog (Faith Community - Las Vegas, Nevada), Zechariah Comfort Dog (First Good Shepherd - Las Vegas, Nevada), and their dedicated ministry teams, Nellis AFB experienced an 83% reduction in suicidal ideations. The power of the Holy Spirit was clearly at work—bringing peace, hope, and healing through wagging tails, warm hearts, and prayerful conversations.

After two years stationed in Korea, Chaplain Bartlett is now serving at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, where he hopes to replicate the same life-saving program. This month, the Southwest Region LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs--Martha (Bethany - Austin, Texas), Olive and Pax (St. Paul - Fort Worth, Texas) — were blessed to visit Lackland and share the love and comfort of Christ with the airmen there.

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A Day of Smiles, Hugs, and Healing

Teams traveled from Austin and Fort Worth to San Antonio, eager to build on the powerful legacy of the ministry at Nellis. They were warmly welcomed by Chaplain Bartlett, Major Mendoza, and several other chaplains who spent the entire day walking beside them in ministry.
The teams divided up to cover different parts of the sprawling base:

• Martha Comfort Dog’s and Olive Comfort Dog’s teams spent time with the international airmen and students at IAAFA, where language proved no barrier to connection—smiles, hugs, and gentle pets spoke volumes.
• Pax Comfort Dog’s team visited the Special Warfare Training Support Squadron, where they met airmen supporting elite special forces teams—men and women who carry heavy emotional and physical burdens.
  
  

At every stop, hearts were touched, spirits lifted, and God’s peace was palpable. As one team member shared, “Even the MTIs (Military Training Instructors) with their stern faces and tough exteriors ‘melted like butter’ when they experienced the unconditional love these dogs share.”

“Here We Are, Lord. Send Us.”

Handler LaRae Witsaman beautifully captured the heart of the day:

“Everywhere we stopped, the chaplains, Captain Bartlett, and Major Mendoza were intentional about building relationships. They took time to introduce themselves, ask questions, and share stories—and you could sense God’s presence in those moments as the soldiers began to relax. Through this ministry, we witnessed how He used the comfort dogs to bring peace and comfort to the soldiers’ hearts. What a blessing and honor it was to serve at Lackland AFB and see God at work in such a beautiful way.”

The team left with one resounding thought--we need to go back.
There is a clear and measurable impact when God’s love is shared through these K-9 ministries. As Chaplain Bartlett continues to build this program at Lackland AFB, our Comfort Dog teams stand ready to answer God’s call and support this mission in every way possible.

May the Lord continue to bless this ministry, the chaplains who lead it, and the brave men and women who serve our country.

“Surely God blesses this program and we say, ‘Here we are, Lord. Send us.’”