In the wake of a devastating mass shooting on August 27, 2023, that claimed the lives of two children and injured 18 others, the community of Minneapolis turned to an unexpected source of comfort: therapy dogs. At the Annunciation Catholic Church, six golden retrievers offered solace to grieving families, providing a calming presence amid the chaos and sorrow.
Among those seeking comfort was Kristen Winn, who watched as her daughter Emily, a student at Annunciation School, cuddled with Gideon, a 10-year-old English cream retriever. “I just really appreciate that they’re here,” Winn remarked, her voice heavy with emotion. “This really helps.”
The therapy dogs are part of the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry, an organization based in Illinois that deploys trained dog teams to communities experiencing crises. With 130 teams across the United States, they have supported victims of various tragedies, from the mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas, to the devastating wildfires in California. Gideon and his team, the only one based in Minnesota, are stationed at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Bloomington.
Megan Lennon, who brought flowers to the church, found solace in Gideon as well. She shared, “It’s overwhelming… just being drawn to the dog was a really, really calming distraction in the moment.” The presence of these dogs has proven to be a therapeutic outlet for many, allowing individuals to express their grief in the presence of a comforting animal.
Dogs Mobilized in Response to Community Crisis
The need for comfort was urgent. Following the shooting, Lutheran Church Charities deployed five additional dog teams to Minneapolis. They arrived within hours, just in time for a vigil at the Academy of Holy Angels. “Our promise to folks is that we will have boots and paws on the ground within 24 hours,” said Pam Lienemann, one of Gideon’s handlers. “This time, we topped ourselves. We had boots and paws on the ground within 12 hours.”
The therapy dogs play a crucial role in helping community members process their emotions. Chris Singer, President of Lutheran Church Charities, noted that the dogs help restore a sense of safety. “I’ve watched time and time again as a child sits down next to a dog… they begin spending time with the dog, and pretty soon they start sharing some feelings,” Singer explained, highlighting the therapeutic connection that forms between the dogs and those in distress.
Comfort Through Connection
Each dog, including Hagar, a 6-year-old retriever brought by handlers Joann and Tim Schwan from Wisconsin, undergoes rigorous training to support those in emotional turmoil. The dogs receive over 2,000 hours of training to remain calm and comforting, providing a safe space for individuals to share their feelings. “They feel how soft she is and how loving,” Joann Schwan said. “They can tell her anything.”
As the community continues to heal, the presence of these comfort dogs serves as a reminder of resilience and compassion in times of tragedy. The simple act of petting a dog can foster a healing dialogue, allowing those affected to find solace in their grief. The connection between humans and these gentle animals offers an essential outlet, helping to bridge the gap between overwhelming sorrow and the gradual journey towards recovery.
