Lutheran Church Charities
  • Home
  • About
    • Staff >
      • Leadership
      • All Staff
      • Disaster Response
      • Ministry Development/Donor Relations
      • Hearts of Mercy & Compassion/Crosses for Losses
      • K-9 Ministries >
        • Staff
        • Trainers
        • Volunteer Trained Dog Handlers
      • Communications/IT
      • Operations
    • Board of Directors >
      • LCC Board of Directors
      • Spiritual Advisors to the President/CEO
    • Mission
    • Employment
    • LCC In the News >
      • Recent
      • Affiliates
      • Featured
      • Archives
    • Articles
    • LCC Events
    • Social Feed
  • Ways to Give to LCC
    • Donation Policy
    • LCC General Fund
    • Disaster Response
    • LCC K-9 Ministries
    • Hearts of Mercy & Compassion
    • Non-Monetary Donations
  • Disaster and Crisis Response
    • Disaster Response >
      • Give Now
      • Training and Certification
      • Volunteer
    • Crisis Response
    • Care Carding
  • K-9 Ministries
    • Request a K-9 Comfort Dog Visit
    • K-9 Comfort Dogs >
      • About
      • Give Now
      • Meet the Dogs >
        • Affiliate Ministry Members
        • Affiliate K-9s Map by State
        • LCC Staff K-9 Comfort Dogs
        • K-9 Comfort Dogs In Training
        • LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs - Permanently Deployed
      • K-9 Apprentice Trainer
      • Articles
    • Kare 9 Military Ministry >
      • About
      • Give Now
      • Meet The Kare 9s
      • Meet The Kare 9 Squad
      • Kare 9 Articles
    • LCC K-9 Police Ministry >
      • About
      • Give Now
      • Meet The K-9 Police Ministry
      • LCC K-9 Police Ministry Articles
    • LCC K-9 Court System Fund - Ezra
    • Partners in Comfort >
      • Veterinary Services
      • Grooming Services
    • Acquiring an LCC K-9 Comfort Dog
  • Hearts of Mercy & Compassion
    • Request a Mercy Heart or Cross
    • About
    • Volunteer
    • Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Coloring Pages
  • Current Needs
    • Families in Need
    • Ministries in Need
    • Vehicle Donations
    • Your Donations Make A Difference
    • International Missions >
      • Turkey and Syria
      • Ukraine
      • Haiti
      • Ghana >
        • C-WoW Health for Ghana
        • C-WoW Wells for Ghana
      • Ethiopia
      • Israel
  • Volunteer
    • Disaster Response/LERT
    • Hearts of Mercy & Compassion/Crosses for Losses
    • K-9 Apprentice Trainer
    • Volunteer Opportunities
  • WORD Bible Study
    • WORD - Live Course
    • WORD - Online Courses
    • WORD - Short Courses & Small Groups
    • WORD Classroom
    • Daily Devotions
    • Travel Opportunities
  • Resources
    • Food Equipment Ministry Outreach
    • Listen to Learn / Speak to Serve
    • Ministry Resources
    • Parent Resources
    • Face Mask Project
    • People EncourAGING People
    • Bag Mat Project
    • Items Available >
      • Items Free for the Asking
      • Items Available to a Ministry
      • Non-Monetary Donations
  • Contact Us
    • Request for Prayer
    • Subscribe
  • Media Center
    • In the News
    • Crisis Response
  • Shop
    • Store
    • Amazon Smile
    • Christianbook.com

Yale New Haven Psychiatric Hospital

7/9/2019

 
Starting this summer, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Maggie (Christ the King – Newtown, Connecticut) will pay regular visits at Yale New Haven Psychiatric Hospital (YNHPH). YNHPH is an inpatient facility specializing in the rapid assessment and treatment of acute and severe psychiatric symptoms for adults and adolescents.

Beth K. first met LCC Comfort Dog Maggie along with her sister, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Addie (Immanuel Lutheran – Danbury, Connecticut) and four other Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dogs: Hannah (LCC Staff), Luther (Permanently Deployed Serving with the Saints), Ruthie (LCC Staff) and Rufus (St. Mark Lutheran – Edmond, Oklahoma) on the steps of First Lutheran Church in Boston, Massachusetts. The dogs were in town to minister on the first anniversary of the Boston Marathon Bombing. Beth was immediately impacted by the comfort dogs and their ability to help people connect in a calm and non-threatening way.

A long-time friend of Maggie’s handler, Cathy S., Beth, is now Assistant Director, Psychiatric Emergency & Inpatient Services at YNHPH. Beth was convinced that Maggie’s presence could work wonders with her patients, and advocated for Maggie to make visits to some of the units she oversees. Cathy and another of Maggie’s handlers, Anita H., both felt the calling, and have been credentialed for YNHPH visits with Maggie. Through Cathy and Anita's dedication, Newtown Comfort has been honored to serve YNHPH regularly since July 2018.
Maggie’s visits are high points for staff and patients alike. During a scheduled two hour visit, Maggie and her handler, accompanied by a unit clinician, are able to reach nearly 80 people bringing the comfort and compassion of Christ. Even before she reaches the units, Maggie interacts with security guards, people in waiting rooms, and staff who stop what they are doing for a golden pet or hug. She often elicits comments like, “You don’t know how much I needed this today, Maggie!”

On unit, Maggie works mostly in common areas bringing people together who may be dealing with issues of isolation due to depression or other challenges. People who are resistant to groups or social situations are now interacting with each other and with Maggie and recognize that a shared interest in a gentle dog is enough to start a pleasant conversation.

Beth has kindly sent us the following comments she has received from patients and staff. As you read through them, we believe you’ll get a sense that Beth was right: Maggie is working wonders…and you just might even get a few tears in your eyes.

“I always love to watch a visit with Cathy and Maggie. The healing that occurs during their brief contact is priceless. I watch shy, anxious teens calm; loud, energetic, fast moving teens become gentle; and isolated, withdrawn teens come to life and engage.”
-A Member of the Nursing Staff, Adolescent Psychiatric Inpatient Unit

Comments from Patients on the Adolescent Psychiatric Inpatient Unit as relayed to a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist:
“Maggie made me feel more comfortable.”
“Maggie helped me get over missing my own dog.”
“Maggie made my day just a little bit better.”
“Maggie is very sweet and she didn’t get tired of me petting her.”
“I love Maggie.”
“I wish I had a Maggie in my life.”


“I have witnessed, countless times, dementia patients who barely engage come alive when Maggie is around! Maggie is gentle and comforting for many patients and staff on our unit.”
-Occupational Therapist, Older Adult Psychiatric Inpatient Unit

“Maggie the comfort dog visits 2 behavioral health units on our campus twice a month. Patients, who usually resist attending groups, or are difficult to engage in conversation, are receptive to getting out of bed and heading down to the group room to spend time with Maggie. Patients smile, ask questions, and reminisce about their own pets. Patients pat, pet, rub and scratch Maggie while Maggie patiently visits each person. The mood is lighter, conversation is animated, and staff joins the group to visit with Maggie also. Each week, patients will ask 'Is this the day that Maggie visits?' Anita and Maggie provide a meaningful service to our patients; creating joy by their presence and giving comfort to each person who visits with them."
-Certified Therapeutic Recreation Therapist, General & Older Adult Psychiatric Inpatient Units

“I could say many things about Maggie; about how she brings comfort, love and understanding in a small but large way. Maggie’s ability to bring sunshine at dark times for children is something we may never understand but get the pleasure of seeing. We thank Maggie and her owner for the large support she gives to everyone; and, in return, Maggie wants nothing but love and head rubs.”
-Milieu Counselor, Adolescent Psychiatric Inpatient Unit

“Maggie brings a bright ray of sunshine every time she enters our hospital – not only for the patients but for staff as well. We are so blessed to have her visit us!!!”
-Data Analyst, Administration

Comments from Patients on the Young Adult and Adult Mood Disorders Psychiatric Inpatient Units as relayed to a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist:
“Maggie is very sweet and gentle. She went to every person and accepted our petting.”
“Maggie made my day.”
“Best visitor I had today.”
“Maggie was very calming to me.”
“We all love Maggie.”
“Can Maggie come more often?”
“Can Maggie live on the unit?”


“Maggie is an amazing asset on WS3. She has an unparalleled ability to reach our patients. From long-term patients, to hard-to-reach patients, she has the ability to help these patients cope with their symptoms. I’m very grateful for her and Cathy.”
-Occupational Therapist, Young Adult/Transitional Age Youth Unit

“Everyone attends group when Maggie comes around! Patients often miss their pets and being able to see a beautiful friendly dog has brightened their day. Smiles all around!”
-Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Adolescent and Young Adult Psychiatric Inpatient Units

“Maggie has been a hit on WS2. Patients and staff smile when she arrives. Some very quiet patients come out of their shell in Maggie’s presence. A very good thing!”
-Registered Nurse, Adult Mood Disorders Unit

“Maggie has brought something special to our patients. We appreciate the time she spends on unit. We also appreciate the empathy for our patients, efforts, and sacrifice of her owner/trainer in providing this wonderful experience.”
-Licensed Clinical Social Worker, General Adult Psychiatric Inpatient Unit
DONATE - LCC K-9 COMFORT DOG FUND

Comments are closed.

    Categories

    All
    "22"
    Alabama
    All
    Boulder
    Cal Fire
    California
    California Wildfires
    Colorado
    Crisis Response
    Crosses For Losses
    Dayton
    Disaster Response
    Displaced Children
    El Paso
    Ethiopia
    Families In Need
    Florida
    Ghana
    Haiti
    Hearts Of Mercy & Compassion
    Hurricane Florence
    Hurricane Harvey
    Hurricane Ian
    Hurricane Ida
    Hurricane Irma
    Hurricane Maria
    Hurricane Michael
    IL Flooding
    Illinois Tornadoes
    International Missions
    In The News
    Israel
    Jefferson City
    Job Openings
    K-9 Comfort Dogs
    K-9 Court System - Ezra
    K-9 Police Ministry
    K-9 Travel Expenses
    Kansas
    Kare 9 Military Ministry
    Kentucky
    Kind Words For HMC
    Kind Words For K9s
    Kind Words For LCC
    Kind Words For LCC Disaster Response
    Las Vegas
    LERT
    LERT Mercy In Action
    Linwood
    Madison
    Maryland Great Falls
    Military-ministry
    Milwaukee
    Ministries In Need
    Ministry Resources
    Mississippi
    Missouri
    Molson Coors
    Myanmar Scholarship
    Nebraska Flooding
    NE Flooding
    Ohio
    Parkland
    Prospect Heights Fire
    Recommended Reading
    Santa Fe
    Scrub Buckets
    Special Appeals
    STEM School
    Sudan
    Sutherland Springs
    Taylorville
    Texas
    Thank You From LCC
    Thousand Oaks
    Tornadoes In Tennessee
    Turkey And Syria Earthquake
    Ukraine
    Uvalde
    Watseka
    WI Flooding
    Wisconsin
    Your Donations Make A Difference

    Archives

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017

    RSS Feed

Location

Contact Us

Lutheran Church Charities
3020 Milwaukee Ave.
Northbrook, IL 60062
Local: 224-257-4389
Toll Free: 866-455-6466
Fax : 866-451-1476
LCC@LutheranChurchCharities.org

Follow Us

Lutheran Church Charities
LCC Disaster Response
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs
LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry
LCC K-9 Police Ministry
LCC Hearts of Mercy & Compassion
  • Home
  • About
    • Staff >
      • Leadership
      • All Staff
      • Disaster Response
      • Ministry Development/Donor Relations
      • Hearts of Mercy & Compassion/Crosses for Losses
      • K-9 Ministries >
        • Staff
        • Trainers
        • Volunteer Trained Dog Handlers
      • Communications/IT
      • Operations
    • Board of Directors >
      • LCC Board of Directors
      • Spiritual Advisors to the President/CEO
    • Mission
    • Employment
    • LCC In the News >
      • Recent
      • Affiliates
      • Featured
      • Archives
    • Articles
    • LCC Events
    • Social Feed
  • Ways to Give to LCC
    • Donation Policy
    • LCC General Fund
    • Disaster Response
    • LCC K-9 Ministries
    • Hearts of Mercy & Compassion
    • Non-Monetary Donations
  • Disaster and Crisis Response
    • Disaster Response >
      • Give Now
      • Training and Certification
      • Volunteer
    • Crisis Response
    • Care Carding
  • K-9 Ministries
    • Request a K-9 Comfort Dog Visit
    • K-9 Comfort Dogs >
      • About
      • Give Now
      • Meet the Dogs >
        • Affiliate Ministry Members
        • Affiliate K-9s Map by State
        • LCC Staff K-9 Comfort Dogs
        • K-9 Comfort Dogs In Training
        • LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs - Permanently Deployed
      • K-9 Apprentice Trainer
      • Articles
    • Kare 9 Military Ministry >
      • About
      • Give Now
      • Meet The Kare 9s
      • Meet The Kare 9 Squad
      • Kare 9 Articles
    • LCC K-9 Police Ministry >
      • About
      • Give Now
      • Meet The K-9 Police Ministry
      • LCC K-9 Police Ministry Articles
    • LCC K-9 Court System Fund - Ezra
    • Partners in Comfort >
      • Veterinary Services
      • Grooming Services
    • Acquiring an LCC K-9 Comfort Dog
  • Hearts of Mercy & Compassion
    • Request a Mercy Heart or Cross
    • About
    • Volunteer
    • Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Coloring Pages
  • Current Needs
    • Families in Need
    • Ministries in Need
    • Vehicle Donations
    • Your Donations Make A Difference
    • International Missions >
      • Turkey and Syria
      • Ukraine
      • Haiti
      • Ghana >
        • C-WoW Health for Ghana
        • C-WoW Wells for Ghana
      • Ethiopia
      • Israel
  • Volunteer
    • Disaster Response/LERT
    • Hearts of Mercy & Compassion/Crosses for Losses
    • K-9 Apprentice Trainer
    • Volunteer Opportunities
  • WORD Bible Study
    • WORD - Live Course
    • WORD - Online Courses
    • WORD - Short Courses & Small Groups
    • WORD Classroom
    • Daily Devotions
    • Travel Opportunities
  • Resources
    • Food Equipment Ministry Outreach
    • Listen to Learn / Speak to Serve
    • Ministry Resources
    • Parent Resources
    • Face Mask Project
    • People EncourAGING People
    • Bag Mat Project
    • Items Available >
      • Items Free for the Asking
      • Items Available to a Ministry
      • Non-Monetary Donations
  • Contact Us
    • Request for Prayer
    • Subscribe
  • Media Center
    • In the News
    • Crisis Response
  • Shop
    • Store
    • Amazon Smile
    • Christianbook.com