Ministry Dogs Offer Benefits To Opening Hearts
Most people growing up have had favorite stories of dogs that touched their heart in some way. Whether they were fans of Lassie, Rin Tin Tin, The incredible Journey, Petey and Our Gang, the heart wrenching story of Old Yeller or Call of the Wild, these were tried and true stories of loyalty, courage, and unconditional love.
Personally, all I wanted as a child was a horse and a dog. I couldn’t have either to start but never stopped learning and did all I could to prepare to have both “someday “ as my Dad would say. He would say "someday you’ll have a lot of them and you just have to prepared." His word came to pass and as a professional in the dog industry, I see over and over the incredible unconditional connection between people in all walks of life with the dogs in their care, as companions and working partners. Working with Therapy dogs, visiting and training them, it became more and more clear the enhancement they brought to people's lives whether it be in nursing homes, hospitals, schools, colleges, VAs, hospice, major disasters, comfort dogs in schools, courtrooms and so much more.
I wanted to use what I knew to bring people to Jesus in a way that the dogs would be a service. I asked God what can I do to use what I love to do to bring people to you? I was driving my car and I heard clearly Ministry Dogs! I told Jeff and Ministry Dogs International was born. Since then, whether individually or in groups, anywhere indoors or out, the dogs are an unconditional bridge to open doors to talk about Jesus! How can this be a person might ask? The dogs make the handler “safe”. People are willing to talk because the dog is a buffer. Colleges and big business use the dogs for “stress reduction" - it has taken off nationwide. The value of dogs helping people live normal lives has blessed so many people.
I have often said after leaving a visit with the dog(s) seeing people’s spirits lifted, smiles, and talking about Jesus - if I could bottle it and give it away for people to take home, I would. Then they could open it when they had a tough day and the sparkle of Jesus' spirit would remind them he’s always here on earth as it is in heaven.
Therapy dogs are pets that improve your health by giving emotional support. You can train your dog to be a therapy dog to provide support to yourself and to others. Therapy dogs live in people's homes. They can also visit a variety of settings, including retirement or nursing homes, schools, hospice homes, and hospitals. They are trained to be gentle and friendly and to accept strangers hugging them or petting them. They are patient and unbothered by children who tug at their fur or adults who want the smaller ones to sit in their laps.
