Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I schedule a visit? Email Phoebe and Pax 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 chosen to be a comfort dog? Dogs are bred for the purpose of becoming LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs. Breeders are carefully chosen by examining blood lines of sires and dames. Individual dogs are tested at eight weeks to see if they exhibit characteristics of quiet, passive future dogs.
3. 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.
4. How are dogs named? The dogs are all named by LCC when they are puppies. Over the time period of placing dogs, different reasons have been used for names they have been given. Phoebe is a Biblical name. Pax means peace.
5. How do the dogs get their Bible verses? Bible verses are also chosen when the dogs are still puppies. Their name and personality are taken into consideration.
6. How is an LCC Comfort Dog different from other vested dogs? LCC Comfort Dogs are working dogs. Phoebe and Pax are owned by St. Paul/The Summit and have over 54 ministry team members who care for them.  These team members include 22 handlers who take them on their daily appointments. LCC Comfort Dogs have received extensive socialization training so they are accustomed to working in many different situations with multiple handlers.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. How can I support this ministry? Without the donations of many individuals, this ministry would not be possible. Donations are accepted through this website.
11. How can I get involved? Because our dogs are owned by St. Paul and The Summit, our team members are all members of our church or sister congregations. We greatly appreciate your prayers for the continued success of the ministry. We also know that without your support, our ministry would not be as successful.
12. What is a Phoebe or Pax Jr? These are stuffed dogs for which miniature vests are made to replicate the ones Phoebe and Pax wear.
13. Who gets a Phoebe or Pax Jr? These "dressed" stuffed dogs are given to individuals so they will have a physical reminder of an actual visit. For instance, we leave them with school counselors or give them to people, especially children, who are hurting.

Phoebe and Pax Juniors

Phoebe Comfort Dog