'Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?' He said, 'The one who showed him mercy.' And Jesus said to him, 'You go, and do likewise.'
Luke 10:36-37, ESV
WHAT IS A COMFORT DOG?
Comfort Dogs are a bridge for compassionate ministry, opening doors for conversation about faith and creating opportunities to share the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ.
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs are working animals, trained to interact with people of all ages and circumstances who are suffering and in need. The dogs participate in scheduled and special events.
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs are working animals, trained to interact with people of all ages and circumstances who are suffering and in need. The dogs participate in scheduled and special events.
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MEET
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Samaria is a two-year-old purebred Golden Retriever who arrived at Shepherd of the Hills in late December 2023. She was officially commissioned as a staff member and celebrated with her team, church family, and several local Comfort Dogs on February 4, 2023. She trains and serves those who need her daily in her local area and beyond. Samaria is one of the 120 LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs around the country. During a crisis situation, Samaria and other LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs may deploy to bring comfort to a hurting community.
Samaria has passed the AKC Good Citizenship Test. She has spent an impressive 2,000+ hours in high-level training since she was 8 weeks old. Samaria can perform specific tasks as required during her visits to have the best interaction and experience possible for the person(s) needing comfort and care. Samaria also has a team of handlers trained and certified by LCC. Both Samaria and her team of handlers receive ongoing training.
While training and visiting those who need her, Samaria travels with both a handler for her own needs and a ministry partner who can offer additional support for those they are visiting. From offering support to sharing fun facts about Samaria these kind and compassionate individuals are happy to help in any way they can.
Samaria welcomes affection! She offers a calming and relaxed environment for connecting with those who need her so they can feel safe during times when they may be vulnerable. Samaria encourages those struggling to talk about their stress and begin to heal. (One comment her handlers hear often is how her ears feel like soft silk).
She will interact with a variety of people at churches, nursing homes, hospitals, events, schools, or anywhere else her presence if needed. Samaria is one of the 120 LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs around the country. During a crisis situation, Samaria and other LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs may deploy to bring comfort to a hurting community. During times of crisis Samaria brings comfort to not only those affected but to the first responders as well. The calming presence of Samaria allows people to open their hearts and encourage conversation about whatever is affecting them.
Samaria has passed the AKC Good Citizenship Test. She has spent an impressive 2,000+ hours in high-level training since she was 8 weeks old. Samaria can perform specific tasks as required during her visits to have the best interaction and experience possible for the person(s) needing comfort and care. Samaria also has a team of handlers trained and certified by LCC. Both Samaria and her team of handlers receive ongoing training.
While training and visiting those who need her, Samaria travels with both a handler for her own needs and a ministry partner who can offer additional support for those they are visiting. From offering support to sharing fun facts about Samaria these kind and compassionate individuals are happy to help in any way they can.
Samaria welcomes affection! She offers a calming and relaxed environment for connecting with those who need her so they can feel safe during times when they may be vulnerable. Samaria encourages those struggling to talk about their stress and begin to heal. (One comment her handlers hear often is how her ears feel like soft silk).
She will interact with a variety of people at churches, nursing homes, hospitals, events, schools, or anywhere else her presence if needed. Samaria is one of the 120 LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs around the country. During a crisis situation, Samaria and other LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs may deploy to bring comfort to a hurting community. During times of crisis Samaria brings comfort to not only those affected but to the first responders as well. The calming presence of Samaria allows people to open their hearts and encourage conversation about whatever is affecting them.
FUN FACTS
- Birthday – October 12, 2021
- Favorite Command - “Look” - Samaria often checks in with her handlers to stay focused and ensure she understands what is being asked of her.
- Loves being told she’s a good girl!
- Loves to fall asleep on car rides
- Favorite place for petting – Behind her ears!
SAMARIA SPEAKS
You can also write a letter, send a card, email, or maybe a little friend wants to share a picture they drew for Samaria.
(If it’s a prayer request or just to say hello, Samaria loves getting letters and pictures from friends. She has special helpers to help her write back!)
(If it’s a prayer request or just to say hello, Samaria loves getting letters and pictures from friends. She has special helpers to help her write back!)
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Correspondence can be sent to:
Shepherd of the Hills Samaria Comfort Dog N1615 Meadowview Drive Greenville, WI 54942 |
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DONATIONS
Samaria and the Comfort Dog Ministry are supported completely by donations alone. If you would like to support the Comfort Dog Ministry, please contact our team at [email protected] or at (920)809-0255.
Samaria is part of the LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry. The LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry is a ministry by veterans for veterans. Kare 9 Comfort Dogs are unique because while Samaria’s mission is to bring comfort and support to those she serves, her military handler, Brian shares the bond of duty, service, and memories. Brian is a veteran with over 20 years of service. Born and raised in the Fox Valley, Brian returned to the local area after he retired from the Air Force. While enlisted, Brian was stationed at various stateside locations as well as overseas. Brian supported the following campaigns during his time in service: Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and the Global War on Terrorism. Samaria and her certified Kare 9 handler, Brian, strive to serve our active duty service members and veterans, as well as their families. Together, Samaria and Brian visit many places such as VFWs, VA Hospitals, home-bound veterans, Old Glory Honor Flights, and Yellow Ribbon Ceremonies just to name a few.
A sure sign that Samaria is serving with her Kare 9 handler, Brian, is when she wears her camouflage vest. Samaria is only allowed to wear this while a veteran or service member is her handler. All other times you will see her in the blue vest.
A sure sign that Samaria is serving with her Kare 9 handler, Brian, is when she wears her camouflage vest. Samaria is only allowed to wear this while a veteran or service member is her handler. All other times you will see her in the blue vest.
