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Comfort Dogs Provide Healing Support After Minneapolis Tragedy

In the wake of a mass shooting that claimed the lives of two children and injured 18 others in Minneapolis, a unique initiative is helping the community cope with grief. On August 29, 2023, six golden retrievers from the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry provided emotional support at Annunciation Catholic Church, where mourners gathered to remember the victims and seek solace.

Among those present was Kristen Winn, who watched her daughter, Emily, a student at Annunciation School, find comfort in the presence of Gideon, a 10-year-old English cream retriever. “I just really appreciate that they’re here,” Winn remarked through tears. The dogs, including Gideon and another retriever named Mary, who traveled from Janesville, Wisconsin, served as a calming distraction for those overwhelmed by grief.

The tragedy occurred just days earlier, on August 27, when a shooting shattered the peace of the local community. In response, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry, based in Chicago, deployed five additional dog teams to support the grieving individuals. The ministry operates 130 dog teams across the United States, responding to crises ranging from natural disasters to acts of violence.

Pam Lienemann, one of Gideon’s handlers, shared insights into the healing power of these dogs. “As the people pet the dogs, they start to talk and they start to relax,” she explained. “Then we know we have helped begin the healing process.” Gideon typically visits various locations throughout Minnesota, including senior living communities and hospitals. When crises arise, however, Lienemann ensures the dogs are available for those in need.

Lutheran Church Charities President Chris Singer emphasized the role of comfort dogs in restoring a sense of safety and facilitating emotional expression. “I’ve watched time and time again as a child who sits down next to a dog begins to share their feelings,” Singer noted. The non-threatening presence of the dogs encourages individuals, particularly children, to open up about their emotions.

Handlers Joann and Tim Schwan, who brought their retriever Hagar, highlighted the extensive training these dogs undergo. Each dog receives approximately 2,000 hours of training to ensure they remain calm and supportive in challenging situations. Joann Schwan remarked, “They look so soulfully in their eyes that they can tell her anything.”

The swift response from the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry is a testament to their commitment to community care. “Once the invitation comes in, our promise is that we will have boots and paws on the ground within 24 hours,” Lienemann stated. This time, they exceeded expectations by arriving within just 12 hours of the shooting.

As the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of this tragedy, the presence of comfort dogs like Gideon and Hagar offers a much-needed source of hope and healing. For many, these furry companions provide a reminder that, even in the darkest times, compassion and support can be found in the simplest of gestures.

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