Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I schedule a visit? Email Phoebe, Pax, and Olive at [email protected] or call St. Paul Lutheran Church at 817.332.2281. You can also contact the ministry coordinators through Facebook at Phoebe Comfort Dog or Pax Comfort Dog or click here
2. How is a dog trained? Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) employs trainers who in turn teach volunteers. These volunteers work in groups of two to raise and train the puppies. Special attention is paid to time periods so that the growing puppies do not become attached to one individual. This is essential for the life they will lead in their future congregations and with their future teams.
3. How is an LCC Comfort Dog different from other vested dogs? LCC Comfort Dogs are working dogs. Phoebe, Pax, and Olive are owned by St. Paul/Summit. LCC Comfort Dogs have received extensive socialization training so they are accustomed to working in many different situations with multiple handlers.
4. Who owns the dogs? Once a dog is placed in a congregation or school, ownership is transferred from LCC to the church or school. Daily care of the dog is the responsibility of the caregiver family. After the dog's service life is concluded, at retirement, the dog remains with the caregiver family as their pet.
5. How are the ministry costs covered? Financial needs of the ministry are not included in the budget of the church or school. Rather, the ministry is conducted strictly by donations with 100% of the money donated being used for the care and ministry of the comfort dog.
6. Where does the money come from?  Each congregation or school decides how to raise the money for its dog. For some, fund raisers are used.  For others, individuals are asked to help contribute the money. But no matter how the money is raised, it is off the church budget and therefore does not negatively impact other existing ministries once it arrives.
7. How can I support this ministry? Without the donations of many individuals, this ministry would not be possible. Donations are accepted through this website.

Phoebe Comfort Dog