Genesis Comfort Dog

When I serve at Jessica's House, I often move from group to group as needed during the evening’s activities. My handler decided to take a new route between groups this evening - down the outside stairs! (I didn’t know they were there!) While part of my regular training involves me learning and navigating new terrains, a big part of training and being on the job is trusting my handler. It reminds me of how we should trust in God! Thank you to my team for always looking out for me!

”Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.“ Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I’d like to request prayer for my friend, Mark. Mark is in need of a liver transplant and has been waiting on the transplant list for some time now. I pray for his strength to be renewed and for comfort and hope during this waiting time.

”For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen.“ ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Today may be Labor Day, but I wanted to share this nice article that Lutheran Church Charities wrote about the Comfort Dogs to celebrate a belated National Dog Day! (https://www.lutheranchurchcharities.org/articles/its-national-dog-day). I would like to give a big shout-out to Lutheran Church Charities - to all of their staff and volunteers who spend countless hours making sure that we Comfort Dogs are trained and ready to serve, and for providing our human teams with the support, training, encouragement, and camaraderie to serve you, all our friends, so well! May you have a restful Labor Day holiday.
(Picture from May 2026, at the West Coast Region Conference)

”On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation.“ Genesis‬ ‭2‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

At a recent visit to the Merced Juvenile Detention Center (merced_county_probation), one of the young men I met there told me that his goal upon release is to help others by becoming a therapist! Way to go, and best of luck to you in your studies.

”Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Snoozing in the afternoon sun on a pleasantly warm day!

”No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.“ ‭Psalms‬ ‭16‬:‭9‬, ‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

It was very nice to meet you this weekend at the Not My Child walk!

Next week, the Fall sessions begin at Jessica's House! Each year, all volunteers for Jessica’s House (over 200 by now!) attend a re-orientation training. My team is proud to contribute 8 of those 200 (3 are pictured here). Looking forward to another wonderful year providing healing and comfort to those who have experienced loss in our area.

”So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.“ John‬ ‭1‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

A few weeks ago, while some of my West Coast Region Comfort Dog friends were deployed out of state, I had the opportunity to fill in for them at the joniandfriends Retreat. Thanks to Team lcck9micah for hosting me and participating with me.

”But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.“ ‭‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭20‬:‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬

All suited up and ready to work! The acolyte for the worship service lit the candles, and I was ready to provide comfort!

”You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.“ Psalms‬ ‭16‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I had the good fortune of seeing my law enforcement friends from the City of Turlock - Police Department / turlockpolice twice in a short amount of time! They were in the booth next to mine at National Night Out that I previously posted about, and I got to visit them at their office. Thank you for continuing to serve and protect our community!

”‘May the Lord bless you and protect you.“ Numbers‬ ‭6‬:‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬