GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KSNB) – Meshach a comfort dog is using his furry presence to spread love and comfort for children in Grand Island.
Meshach joined Peace Lutheran Church during the summer of 2024 after being trained by Lutheran Church Charities in Chicago Illinois. Meshach name is from the Bible that refers to one of three captive men who were miraculously unharmed after being thrown into a fiery furnace.
Justin Bangert, associate pastor of Peace Lutheran Church said Meshach does God’s work.
“They love the dog; it’s soft and cute,” said Bangert. “It’s just awesome to see the dogs in a little different context than we all are use to: the dogs we have at home. These are comfort dogs, they are there to provide comfort for a bad situation, but they’re (also) there to be loved on and show back that quiet, unconditional love, and the same unconditional love we get from our savior.“
He added, it’s amazing to see how the children connect with Meshach and how he provides them with security. He also said, their goal is spread love and God’s word throughout the community and world – they’re able to do that throughout Meshach.
Alex Michel, a member of Peace Lutheran Church said having Meshach at the church and his ministry for children has been a great addition.
“I have a nine year old, six year old, and a one year old, and they love coming to church here everyday,” said Michel. “We have (an) awesome church. I think the comfort dog has been a positive. It’s added a lot value to our church, it makes it more welcoming.“
Michel added he’s been attending Peace Lutheran for 14 years and seeing his children interacting with Meshach is a blessing.
“A person becomes so much quieter and at ease when talking to a dog versus a person,” Don Moeller, facilitator of comfort dogs at Peace Lutheran Church and primary carer of comfort dog Eddie said. “We been to a situation where kids have not talked to a counselor, and you bring the dogs in, and they will go to the dogs before they go to the counselor, and start talking about everything that happen, or whatever. It breaks the ice.“
Moeller says dogs can impact lives in so many ways – whether you’re in need of comfort or not.
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