Community Corner

Lake Forest Church Considers Sponsoring a Comfort Dog

Inspired by the school shootings in Newtown, Conn., Faith Lutheran Church of Lake Forest is considering sponsoring a comfort dog.

Faith Lutheran Church in Lake Forest is considering sponsoring a golden retriever comfort dog through Addison-based Lutheran Church Charities (LLC) for sensitive situations in which a furry friend might work wonders to ease feelings of trauma for children and adults alike, reported the Chicago Tribune.

Church members met Sunday to discuss the idea and meet three comfort dogs, which can cost about $10,000 because of training and related expenses.

In its weekly announcements, the church posted that "to our knowledge, there is no comfort dog program of this type in the central/east Lake County area. Things happen at any time and place."

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The comfort dog could be used at area hospitals, including the VA hospital, schools and nursing homes, according to the Tribune article.

Comfort dogs from Lutheran Church Charities arrived in Newtown, Conn. last Dec. 15, the day after a shooter killed 20 children and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School. The dogs remained in the community to comfort residents for more than a month, according to LLC.

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Though Faith Lutheran Church appears to be receptive to the comfort dog ministry, a final decision has yet to be made.


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