Meet Our Redeemer’s Comfort Dog, Asher!
Asher came to ORL in August 2022 when he was 8 weeks old. Asher is a standard poodle and lives with his primary handler, Doug. He is currently training to be a comfort and therapy dog and will serve in many ways in our church and community as he matures and learns more.
Church members interested in being involved with our Comfort Dog Ministry can contact Doug Murphy or Emily Schwartzkopf through the church or email emschwartzkopf@gmail.com.
Some ways you can get involved would be to take Asher out for social community events, training classes, or just have him over to your home or workplace for a few hours or overnight stays even!
If you would like Asher to come to your event or if you would just like a visit contact Emily at (620)474-6281.
You can see Asher on Sundays in the 11:00 am worship service, Wednesdays during the school year at Youth Club, and other special events held at the church.
ORL Comfort Dog Ministry
Qualities that make standard poodles a good comfort dog:
Good disposition
Smart
Loving
Hypoallergenic
Long life span 12-15 yrs
Healthier breed with few health concerns
Benefits of having a comfort dog:
Excellent outreach ministry
Boosts confidence in students
Reduces stress and anxiety
Brings people together
Builds relationships
Helps with grief
Potential comfort dog jobs:
Nursing home visits
Hospital visits
Reading to Rover at Public Library
ELC visits
Visit shut-ins
Hospice house visits
Comfort for grieving loved ones
Get our name out in the community
Parades
Camp Hope (camp for kids with cancer)