Watch our Announcement Video Below!
New Comfort Dog at Immanuel!
At Immanuel, we give thanks for the incredible blessings of our Comfort Dog Ministry and for the many lives touched through Zillah’s loving presence. Zillah has faithfully served our church, school, and community, sharing Christ’s compassion wherever she goes. As she turns 9 years old, we are beginning to look ahead—not to replace Zillah—but to thoughtfully prepare for the future of this important ministry.
To ensure a smooth transition when the time comes, Immanuel has been placed on the list to receive a second Comfort Dog. Our prayer is that, over the next few years, a new dog will learn and serve alongside Zillah while she gradually begins to slow down and eventually shift into a well-deserved retirement (hopefully many years from now!).
This preparation means building a second ministry team now. We are looking for volunteers who are willing to walk alongside Team Zillah, learn the ministry, and help establish a strong foundation for serving with two Comfort Dogs. Together, both teams will expand opportunities to share the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus in our congregation and community.
To continue and grow this incredible ministry, we invite you to prayerfully consider getting involved. Please click the link below and complete the Google Form if you are interested in being part of the future Comfort Dog Ministry at Immanuel.
We are excited to see how God will continue using this ministry to bring comfort, hope, and Christ’s love to so many.
Zillah Comfort Dog
The Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dogs are working animals, trained to interact with people of all ages and circumstances who are suffering and in need. Through the simple act of petting and hugging a Comfort Dog, people’s hearts are opened, and the dog becomes our bridge for compassionate ministry, opening doors for conversation about faith and creating opportunities to share the mercy, compassion, presence and proclamation of Jesus Christ.
Zillah Comfort Dog is a LCC K-9 Comfort Dog who interacts with people at churches, schools, hospitals, nursing care centers, events and disaster response situations. Zillah is an AKC certified purebred Golden Retriever and has over 2,000 hours of training. She was Placed into Service at Immanuel Lutheran Church and School June 9, 2019. Her birthday is July 10, 2017.
Zillah’s Bible verse is Psalm 57:1 “Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.” This verse is God’s perfect match for her as, in Hebrew, Zillah means “the shadowed one”. Zillah Comfort Dog will help bring the hurting people she meets under the shadow of God’s wings for comfort and His secure love.
Zillah is available to visit your church, school, organization or event. To schedule a visit with Zillah, call 636-946-2656 or email zillahtopdog@gmail.com
Do you want to get involved?
Pray for our ministry here at Immanuel and for the LCC national ministry. Come and join our team – we have many opportunities to participate. Would you like to be a daytime Handler or Ministry Partner? It’s not about the dog! It’s about using Zillah as a bridge to reach those hurting in our world and to show MERCY, COMPASSION, PRESENCE AND THE PROCLAMATION of JESUS CHRIST.
For more information:
Contact Debbie Steckler at zillahtopdog@gmail.com
If you would like to help us with a donation of your time and talents, please step on the paw print below.
This is a self-funded ministry. If you would like to help us with a monetary donation, checks can be made payable to Immanuel Lutheran Church with “Comfort Dog” in the memo line, or step on the paw print below.
Thanks to Our Supporting Partners:
Veterinary Care:
Dr. Anita Watkins
Harvester Animal Clinic
3004 S. St. Peters Parkway, Suite O
St. Peters, MO 63303
Member of Immanuel Lutheran,
St. Charles
Grooming Care:
Michael Graves
Bark’s & Meow’s
314-749-3932
Member of King of Kings
Lutheran Church
amandarie.com
St. Charles
