Most of us are aware that Asher Comfort Dog serves as a bridge to open doors for conversation about faith. But have you ever noticed from his ministry team’s stories that sometimes God places them in a situation that calls for more than a caring, social visit? From time to time, members of Faith’s Comfort Dog Ministry are presented with opportunities to act as the hands and feet of Jesus on earth by demonstrating His mercy, compassion, and presence. One such instance occurred on a recent afternoon in February.
For nearly a year, Asher and two of his handlers—Alice Hutchinson and Sue Bandman—have been making biweekly, physically-distanced visits to the home of Bill—a gentleman diagnosed with dementia—and his wife, Sharon. The handlers’ visits typically involve Bill spending time petting Asher, pleasant conversation with Sharon, and a walk along the tree-lined street where the couple lives. These interactions provide the usual blessings of comfort for Bill, as well as some sorely-needed social interaction for Sharon. However, on this cold winter day, the visit was to hold a different kind of blessing for the twosome.
Though the day was gorgeous and the sun shone brightly, Alice, Sue, and Asher arrived for their regular visit to find that the recent snowfalls and subsequent cycles of thawing and refreezing had turned the couple’s walk and drive into a sheet of ice. Aware of Bill’s somewhat unstable gait, the two women recognized immediately that the slick surfaces presented not only the typical fall danger for Sharon, but also represented a particularly hazardous obstacle to Bill. Knowing how important it was to minimize the risk for the couple, Sue placed a phone call to her husband, Mike. In a short while, Mike arrived, ice scraper in hand. While Bill petted Asher and Alice visited with Sharon, Sue and Mike worked as a team—Mike chipping away at the ice and Sue shoveling the loosened bits—to clear the walk and drive. It wasn’t long before the pavement was once again a safe passageway for Bill and Sharon.
Thanks to Sue, Alice, and Mike for serving as the hands and feet of Christ through Faith’s Comfort Dog Ministry!