Building relationship with therapy dogs
Participants in the Jesus Cares Ministry (JCM) program at the Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Manassas, Virginia, often look forward to the end of their meetings.
Not because they aren’t enjoying the Bible study lesson but because throughout the meeting furry friends arrive.
“We have a good routine. If the students show up a little bit early before class and there’s a couple of dogs there, there’s a little bit of interaction before the class,” explained Kristine Pfeiffer, Bethlehem JCM coordinator. “But we always set some time aside towards the end of our meeting so students can interact with the dogs.”
For the past year, therapy dogs from K-9 Caring Angels have attended the local JCM program. Each fall, the church hosts a festival that includes a JCM booth to share information about the program.
The Caring Angels organization provides highly trained, affectionate, and caring dogs of all types. The dogs share their loving paws and happy tails with people in need in places like hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living communities, and more. The therapy dogs also participate in educational programs in local schools, community dog safety seminars, and reading programs and cooperate with local fire and rescue programs.
After approval from the pastor, Kristine set up a time for the Caring Angels therapy dogs to visit a JCM Bible study class. The first visit from the therapy dogs was a huge hit and now every JCM class concludes with a visit from these dogs.
One dog who often visits the program is Nikita, a Keeshond and an Archangel therapy dog, along with her handler Kenneth Vierra. During their time with the dogs like Nikita, JCM participants are free to pet, cuddle, play, and talk with the dogs.
“Nikita has become one of their favorites,” Kenneth said. “We try to go to all the meetings because the students have the expectation of which dogs will be there.”
“Their relationships with therapy dogs change as the participants feel more comfortable. Eventually, the students begin to sit down and let Nikita sit on someone’s lap. It’s a learning process,” Kenneth explained, “to get the participants used to being around dogs.”
Kristine plans to continue her relationship with the therapy dogs as their visits seem to benefit both sides.
The Bethlehem JCM group meets at 10:30 a.m. on the third Saturday of each month. For more information, contact Kristine Pfeiffer at (703) 851-1758 or email pfeiffer04@aol.com. There are over 160 JCM locations. To find one near you, visit www.tlha.org.