As an Affiliate Member of the Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry (LCC), Atonement Lutheran Church and Preschool provides a home to Rosie LCC K-9 Comfort Dog.
In suburban Columbus, Rosie LCC K-9 Comfort Dog is reaching out to folks of all ages. Her mission is to "share the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering or in need" and she does it tirelessly. Rosie's last name is her Bible verse Psalm 86:15: "But You, O Lord are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love, and faithfulness."
Rosie, a Golden Retriever, was born May 25, 2013 and trained for 2,000 hours in Illinois with Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry starting when she was 8 weeks old. In July 2014, Atonement members began their training to be her Handlers and Caregivers. With the Team trained up and ready to hit the road, Rosie officially became part of Atonement's Comfort Dog Ministry on August 17, 2014.
As of May 2020, Rosie and her Comfort Dog Ministry Team Members have been on almost 1,900 visits with over 21,000 folks at preschools, elementary schools, high schools, colleges & universities, churches, assisted living and memory care facilities, veteran events, community festivals and people's homes. Approximately 79% of the visits are away from Atonement – providing opportunities for church members and Rosie to be out in the community.
The Team also responds to tragedies and sad events throughout the region. They have been on 23 of those deployments bringing Jesus' love to folks who are suffering. The Team has been Jesus' hands and feet after school shootings, tornadoes, community shootings and deaths of beloved teachers and/or students. During the current health crisis, Rosie has gotten a well-earned vacation, but is eager to get back to her duties once people are comfortable with her unique brand of physical and spiritual comfort again. Her presence is well-maintained online, though.
Rosie LCC K-9 Comfort Dog has her own Facebook page with almost 3,800 followers. Social media gives Rosie a way to share Jesus with folks in our neighborhood and thousands of miles away. You are invited to join Rosie's adventures by "liking" her page, RosieComfortDog. We'd love your support!
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs are friends who bring a calming influence, allowing people to open up their hearts and receive help in times of need. They are prepared to interact with all people in ways that provide a bridge for compassionate ministry. No one is ever charged for a visit with an LCC K-9 Comfort Dog, but donations are welcome.
If you would like to invite Rosie and her two-legged team members to bring some comfort to your congregation, school or community, call the Atonement Lutheran Church Office at: 614-451-1880. Our ministry thrives because of word of mouth interest driven by people like you.
