LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Amos
Amos is a four year old pure bred Golden Retriever. He was the first Comfort Dog in Virginia and is hoping to serve people all over the DC Metropolitan area.
Amos has received over 2000 hours of training and is no ordinary dog. He is able to visit people in long-term care facilities, memory care facilities, hospice care, hospitals, schools, offices and in the community. Furthermore, Amos' team includes a retired police officer and a veteran, which provides ministry opportunities with first responders.
If you're interested in having an Amos visit, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and his team.
For more information and a greater look into Amos' training, the training of Amos' team and the scope of his work check out Capital Comfort.
Amos' ministry is based solely on donations. Please consider donating (specify "Comfort Dog" in the memo field). Would you rather purchase something for Amos? Check out his Wish List.
Join us! Are you called to comfort? We welcome you to talk to any team member or reach out to us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to learn more about how you can serve in this ministry.
Team Amos Updates
- December 8
- December 1
- November 24
- November 17
- November 10
- November 3
- October 27
- October 20
- October 13
- October 6
- September 29
- September 22
- September 15
- September 8
- September 1
- August 25
- August 18
- August 11
- August 4
- July 29
- July 21
- June 30
- June 9
- May 26
- May 5
December 8
December 8, 2021 - Sharing God's Love
Team Amos works daily to share God’s love in our community.
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.“ ~1 John 4:7
December 1
December 1, 2021 - Thank You Lord
Last week during Thanksgiving, God provided many opportunities to give thanks and share His love. In our visits to Ashby Ponds, we were able to meet our friends’ family members and linger longer with those wanting more comfort. During Open Arms chapel time, we heard the children joyfully and loudly singing “Let everything God made say Thank You Lord!” As we head into this Advent season we wish you blessings and time spent loving one another.
November 24
November 24, 2021 - Thanksgiving
In this time of Thanksgiving, Team Amos gives thanks for the blessings we receive that God has given, including the love, support, and prayers of our church family.
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” ~1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
November 17
November 17, 2021 - World Kindness Day
During this week’s visit to Bull Run Elementary, our friends were celebrating World Kindness Day. Through their words, actions, and even the clothes they were wearing, they are great examples of how to share kindness with one another every day.
“The Lord has told us what is good. What he requires of us is this: to do what is just, to show constant love, and to live in humble fellowship with our God.” Micah 6:8
November 10
November 10, 2021 - Honor Flight
Team Amos was excited to learn that Ken, a veteran handler for the Austin, Texas area comfort dogs, was traveling on the Honor Flight Austin that arrived at Reagan National Airport on Friday! As a community of over 130 Comfort Dogs, we are able to connect and provide comfort throughout the country. Amos and his veteran handler went to the airport to surprise Ken on his arrival.
While there, Team Amos helped to welcome the other 50 veterans and let them know how much their service is appreciated. After petting Amos, the two Vietnam veterans pictured approached us to learn about the sign we brought. It was the “Thank you for your service” poster that was signed by many of the members of our congregation during Amos' three-years in ministry celebration. The veterans were genuinely touched to know that they were appreciated and prayed for. One of them told us how our welcome was so much better than the one he’d received when he first returned from war. He talked about the names he was called and we could see that it still hurt all these years later. We were so honored to be able to show our veterans the love and appreciation they deserve and the Honor Flight crew invited us back to greet the Veterans returning to Florida the next day. Our team was thrilled to be able to recognize their service and show our appreciation.
As we approach Veterans Day this week we ask for grateful prayers for the men and women who serve our country and ask that God bless them and the families that support them.
November 3
November 3, 2021 - LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Virtual Hug Day
The past year and a half have shown us the importance of a hug and that it should never be taken for granted. We recently celebrated LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Virtual Hug Day to spread love and comfort even when we can’t be there physically. We filled our social media with hugs and asked followers to share virtual hugs with loved ones. Check out the hashtag #ComfortDogVirtualHugDay on your social media platforms to see LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs giving hugs all across the country.
October 27
October 27, 2021 - Open Arms Trunk or Treat Event
This weekend God provided a beautiful fall morning for the Open Arms Trunk or Treat community event. Amos was happy to provide hugs and he received lots of pets. Many of the visitors know Amos from his visits to Open Arms or their local school and were eager to introduce him to their family.
Team Amos was also able to enjoy fellowship with many families who had come from the mission field beyond our church walls. We know that God places people in our path for a reason and, with Amos as the bridge, we were able to show Jesus’s love and compassion in a way that connects our community to God and the church.
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” 1 Peter 4:10
October 20
October 20, 2021 - Maryland Army National Guard
On Saturday morning, Amos and his veteran handler joined other comfort dogs, Abraham of Hicksville, New York, Kezia of Baltimore, Maryland, and Lily of Old Bridge, New Jersey to bring comfort to the soldiers of a Maryland Army National Guard unit who recently lost their comrade and friend. This unit has faced many challenges and uncertainties and needs our prayers that they may feel God’s loving presence as they continue to serve our country.
“For the Lord will not cast off forever, but, though he causes grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love...” Lamentations 3:31-32
October 13
October 13, 2021 - First All-Female Honor Flight Veterans
Team Amos joined the crowd of greeters gathered on Wednesday morning to welcome the first all-female honor flight veterans as they arrived at Dulles Airport from Chicago. It was a festive and patriotic celebration with much-deserved fanfare!
We are honored to play a small part in showing support and recognizing these inspiring women who are among our nation's war veterans. We are grateful to all of you who were able to sign the thank you card Amos presented to these veterans to help show how deeply grateful we are for their service.
October 6
October 6, 2021 - Thank You for Celebrating with Us! 
It was a joy to celebrate our third year of comfort dog ministry with many of you at church on Sunday. We are truly grateful for the abundant prayers, love, and support our ministry has received and we praise God for this congregation and the ways that He has used our church to serve others.
"Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ." 1 Corinthians 12:12
September 29
September 29, 2021 - Help Us Celebrate Amos' Third Year in Ministry
We will be celebrating Amos' third year in ministry this Sunday, October 3rd in the Narthex after the 9:30 am worship service. Please stop by to enjoy some cake, fun, and fellowship with Amos and his team!
We hope you enjoy the presentation here of Amos comforting throughout our community and beyond over the past year. Amos comforts wherever he goes - schools, long-term care facilities, memory care facilities, hospice care, hospitals, offices, military events for veterans, active military and their families, law enforcement, first responders and their families, and even virtually!
"The Lord protects the simplehearted, when I was in need, He saved me." - Psalm 116:6
September 22
September 22, 2021 - Bringing Comfort
During his weekly visits with the residents of Maple Grove (Ashby Ponds), Amos met a new friend who is a caregiver. Marie Grace was instantly drawn to Amos because she has been missing her own yellow lab back home in the Philippines. After several hugs and smiles, she returned to her work and told us, "You made my day so happy and I'm comforted because of Amos, thank you. I have been feeling bad lately, but I feel good when I hug him."
Heavenly Father, these days are more emotionally and physically demanding than ever before. Help us to listen, love, and care for each other in Jesus' name, Amen.
September 15
September 15, 2021 - Tower of Light
This past weekend, Amos went to see the Tower of Light shine above the Pentagon in honor of the people who died there on September 11, 2001. Twenty years later we still pray for those who continue to mourn, and honor the memory of the heroic acts and ultimate sacrifices made on that tragic day. We will never forget!
“Let light shine out of darkness.” 2 Corinthians 4:6
September 8
September 8, 2021 - School is in Session
Amos was excited to be welcomed back to Bull Run Elementary School and see his friends. Since the weather was so nice, they decided to gather outside for fresh air and friendship with lots of hugs and pets for Amos. We are grateful for the time to connect, share kindness, and have a calming presence. Team Amos will be returning weekly to support and love the students.
Heavenly Father, bless us to be examples of Your love, compassion, and kindness to all those You place in our path.
September 1
September 1, 2021 - Summertime Slow Down
As Amos enjoyed a relaxing moment on the porch this weekend, it occurred to us that right now it's about as summery as summertime gets. It's that perfect time when we enjoy the warm weather and slower pace a little bit extra before it's gone. Lord, let us savor the quiet times and simple pleasures that are Your gifts to us. Because we have You, we have everything!
"You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore." Psalm 16:11
August 25
August 25, 2021 - Returning to School
Amos will join some of his elementary school friends this week as they return to school. It's been a while since Amos has visited students and educators in person and we are ready to bring his calming presence, comfort, and friendship to help the children with this transition. As we start the new school year, there are many emotions, possibilities, and worries ahead for our students, caregivers, teachers, and staff. We ask God to bless their journey and to help us remember that He is with us always. "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
August 18
August 18, 2021 - Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program
Last weekend Amos and his veteran handlers were honored to attend the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program in Crystal City, Virginia along with Kezia Comfort Dog. They were able to meet over 300 Air National Guard members and their families as they received pre-and post-deployment services. Some of the children talked about the challenges their families face with having pets in military life and they were so happy to spend time visiting Amos!
We pray for our nation's military members and ask God to watch over, protect them, and guard their families and loved ones back home.
August 11
August 11, 2021 - National Night Out
The first Tuesday in August is National Night Out, a community-building campaign that brings neighbors, law enforcement, and other first responders together to promote partnership and spend the evening outside together. This year Amos and one of his police handlers were invited to return to St John's Lutheran Church in Alexandria to bring comfort and connection to their community-building event. We were blessed to be able to share our ministry while spending time with friends, neighbors, and first responders for fun community fellowship.
"...so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it." 1 Corinthians 12:25-27
August 4
August 4, 2021 - Comfort Dog Ministry Meeting
This Sunday, August 8th, Team Amos will meet in the Great Room following the 9:30 am worship service for our monthly meeting to connect, refresh our training, and share ministry experiences and plans. This month we continue to focus on ways to involve the congregation as ministry partners in the Comfort Dog Ministry. Will you join us?
Our ministry is one of mercy, compassion, presence, and the proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering and in need. While there are many ways to help, the most important role of a ministry partner is to be present and to pray with or for those approaching Amos. No skills or prior experience are necessary. Through our ministry, we are witness to a loving God who places the people we need to meet in our path and we provide comfort with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Lord, we pray that you help us to embrace your calling for our lives.
July 29
July 29, 2021 – Vacation Bible School
It's Vacation Bible School week at church and Amos has another incredible opportunity to share God's love with others! On the first night we met several new friends who do not go to our church while also welcoming back many friends that Amos has missed seeing. Through a pat on the head, shared smile or a furry hug on arrival, Amos's presence is just one way that the children experienced God in action at VBS. This week is a celebration that God knows us and we are treasured!
We thank God for his unconditional love as we remember each day to see Him at work in our lives.
July 21
July 21, 2021 – Camp Highroads
Amos has returned to making weekly visits to Camp Highroads, a weekend adventure provided by Jill's House and tailored for kids with intellectual disabilities. The campers and staff were so excited to visit, hang out, and snuggle with Amos, and we love the time spent connecting with the children and staff who support them. During our visit, one staff member held out until she couldn't resist any longer. When she finally came over to pet Amos she told us that she was afraid of dogs, but there was just something about Amos that drew her in to be near him.
"I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears." Psalm 34:4
June 30
June 30, 2021 – Lutheran Women's Missionary League
This week Amos traveled to Lexington, Kentucky for three mission full days at the Lutheran Women's Missionary League (LWML) Convention. The LWML are great supporters of the LCC Comfort Dog Ministry and were eager to meet Amos, Abraham (NY), Myra (IL) and Benjamin (IL), and to acknowledge all that we do as the hands and feet of Jesus. We heard many stories from around the country of how comfort dogs have impacted lives. We prayed with others who came to us for comfort and shared the love of Jesus with all who were drawn to stop and pet or hug the comfort dogs.
"That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me" John 17:21
June 9
June 9, 2021 – Playtime
Did you know that Amos’ schedule includes time with his handler to play, relax, and de-stress after every visit? God wants us to make time for ourselves, to slow down, recharge, and reconnect with Him each day.
“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” John 15:4
May 26
May 26, 2021
This week's theme for the monthly Team Amos meeting was "How do you go out and love others who need your light?" Handlers and ministry partners shared our comfort ministry experiences over the last year as we continued to see and bring comfort wherever we go. We know that God calls on us to serve and we are reminded that He is close to us even in our uncertainties.
We are ready to serve! We are ready to welcome new team members! If you would like to learn more you can talk to any team member or reach out to us via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
"Comfort, comfort my people, says your God." Isaiah 40
May 5
May 5, 2021
Amos enjoys his regular Monday visits in the classrooms at Open Arms where he builds relationships that help the children grow their faith. This week the Giraffe class presented the pictures they painted of Amos and read the cards they had written to him. The children always make Amos smile from one big fluffy ear to the other.