LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Amos
Amos is a five 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
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
Team Amos Updates
November 2023
November 15, 2023 - Veterans Day
Team Amos attended the Veterans Day assembly at Mill Run Elementary School to honor our nation's heroes of past and present. Our hearts were moved to hear students sharing what "veteran" meant for them. It was a great time of honoring and remembering all the sacrifices they made for us, and we are so thankful for their service to our country.
November 8, 2023 - Sharing Christ at Local Schools
Team Amos is blessed to be serving again this year in the local schools in both Fairfax and Loudoun County Public Schools. We are grateful to have added a fifth school visit to our schedule, and now have weekly visits at Open Arms CCDC, Bull Run, Legacy, Mill Run, and Meadowland Elementary Schools.
Each day as Jesus's ambassadors we witness that our visits build lasting bonds with staff and students. Amos' presence in the classroom creates a comfortable setting that encourages interactions and sharing. His positive vibes rub off on students and help them improve their behavior. Amos is also a great source of calm and stress relief for the staff who appreciate the chance for a snuggle and a smile to boost their day.
With God’s help, students and educators see Christ in us, and we can show them who He is.
November 1, 2023 - Confirmation Sunday
This past Sunday was Reformation Sunday, and we are reminded to be more loving to others because God's grace and mercy were given to us in Jesus Christ.
It was also confirmation Sunday for students who have completed their confirmation instruction. We shared joy together with the confirmands for this important day in their lives.
October 2023
October 25, 2023 - Maple Grove in the Ashby Ponds
When we visit our friends at Maple Grove in the Ashby Ponds community each week, we enjoy quality time catching up and connecting. Sometimes, we are honored to see visiting family members who enjoy the special treat of meeting and petting Amos.
We listen to the special memories that are shared with us and delight in the smiles and joy from the quiet time spent petting and snuggling Amos. Our friends like to share how much they look forward to visits with Amos and tell us to hurry back to see them. We help to remind them of how they are truly loved.
"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:35
October 18, 2023 - Oktoberfest in Springfield, VA
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Springfield, VA invited the LCC Comfort Dogs to attend their Oktoberfest neighborhood block party last Saturday. Amos and Kezia comfort dogs answered the call and joined the community for an afternoon of fellowship.
The rain did not dampen the festivities outside nor our ability to meet people as they all managed to find us offering snuggly, fluffy hugs while we stayed dry inside. We had the most amazing day meeting new friends, talking about our ministry, and sharing Jesus’s love with those who came out.
October 11, 2023 - Stars and Stripes Honor Flights
On Saturday morning, members from the OSW congregation joined Team Amos to welcome three planes arriving at Dulles International Airport on Stars and Stripes Honor Flights from Wisconsin. As always, the veterans do not know there will be a welcome waiting for them when they arrive to visit their memorials in DC. This surprise makes for an emotional arrival, as we provide the love and appreciation that our nation's heroes truly deserve.
We offered hugs, handshakes, smiles, and cheers to each of the 221 WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans. As we thanked them for their service or connected in a veteran-to-veteran moment, the veterans and their guardians experienced God's love through our presence. Together as a church family, we were doing more than serving others; we were loving them.
"Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people" Ephesians 6:7
September 2023
September 27, 2023 - Gifts from God
Often during our visits with Amos, people comment that Amos is so patient and calm. They remark how loving he is, that he makes them feel special, and that he seems to love his job. The truth is that Amos does love his "work" and it shows.
In our ministry with Amos, we are reminded that we are each uniquely created by God for a special task that only we can do. When we open our eyes to see that each person is a gift created by God, we can experience God's plan for us to use the gifts He has given for His purpose.
"There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, NIV
September 20, 2023 - Loudoun Out of the Darkness Walk
Last Saturday, Amos attended the Loudoun Out of the Darkness Walk organized by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Amos and the team were present to bring comfort, give support, and share love with those who are affected by suicide loss, as well as those who are currently struggling or have loved ones facing such challenges.
As we met with volunteers and participants, we helped to share love and hope throughout our community.
September 13, 2023 - Welcoming New Families!
This week at church, Amos welcomed many new families and friends arriving for worship. It was exciting to meet them and share more about Our Savior's Way and our ministry.
One family came over and said, "We saw you on the church's website!" Two other visitors from Chesapeake asked, "Amos, do you remember us?" They were friends that Amos met at Chesapeake Community of Hope Church when Amos was deployed to serve their community after the Walmart shooting last November. Amos was so glad they came here to visit us. Also, two of Amos' handlers who retired to Florida two years ago were back in town to visit Amos, and it was a joyful reunion.
We are thankful for the wonderful connections that God allows us to encourage our faith and remind us that He is always with us.
September 6, 2023 - Maple Grove in Ashby Ponds
The Labor Day weekend traditionally marks the official end of summer and provides an opportunity to honor the contributions of workers that benefit us all. During this extended weekend, Amos enjoyed some extra time off and also visited his friends at Maple Grove in Ashby Ponds. His friends look forward to our visits on these "Amos Sundays," and we praise God for each day that He allows us to serve as His workers.
Our monthly team meeting is scheduled for this Sunday, September 10th, in the Great Room following worship services. Our primary focus will be planning our fall schedule to better serve the needs of those God places in our path. If you have time available, as little as two to three hours per week, we invite you to join us in this ministry! Feel free to stop by our team meeting or
August 2023
August 30, 2023 - Back to School!
It is Back to School season, and Team Amos is praying for all students, educators, staff, and families. We ask for God’s presence in the lives of all those who support learning so that they may experience a safe and supportive school year.
Our next team meeting is September 10th, and will focus on planning our fall schedule to best serve the needs of everyone that God places in our path. The number of schools waiting for us to be able to assign volunteers to visit with Amos has increased. School visits can range from 1 to 2 hours per week and reach 150 to 300 students and staff with our presence, friendship, and love. If you have time available, especially during the school day, we would love to help you join us in service!
August 16, 2023 - A Time to Replenish
God wants us to plan for times of replenishment and this month Amos and his team are finding additional time to rest and revive.
"He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:29-31
August 9, 2023 - Jill's House Camp Highroad in Middleburg
This past weekend marked the conclusion of the summer camp series at Jill's House Camp Highroad in Middleburg. Amos loves to be a part of the weekend adventures by joining campers in the late afternoon as they wind down and prepare for dinner. This special time brings the campers delight as they pet and hug Amos while sharing stories with the volunteers and with each other. We are already looking forward to the fall when the camp resumes and we can see our friends again!
"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11
August 2, 2023 - Stellar VBS!
At VBS last week, Amos had a wonderful time meeting with families and greeting the children as they learned to shine Jesus' light and grow in their relationship with Him. Our congregation is truly blessed to have so many volunteers sharing God's love.
We know that every person we encounter is loved by God, and we try to seize every opportunity to reflect His love through our presence. Whether it is a welcoming smile, a listening ear, or the message on Amos' bandana, it is God's love that shines through us.
This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine."
July 2023
July 26, 2023 - The Bereaved Parents USA 2023 Gathering Conference
The Bereaved Parents USA 2023 Gathering Conference was held in Virginia this year. Comfort Dogs Kezia and Amos were present to support and comfort the attendees in their journey with grief and loss.
Many attendees said they looked forward to finding the Comfort Dog Teams because they know that the LCC Comfort Dogs are at the annual gathering. As they hugged the dogs tightly, Amos and Kezia felt their sadness, listened to their whispers, and absorbed their tears. Some shared cherished memories of their loved ones and, when the moments were too hard, the dogs were understanding and patient.
Our presence was a reminder that we are not alone in grief and we are encouraged to hold onto God’s promises when we struggle with heavy burdens, knowing He will carry us through.
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18, NIV
July 19, 2023 - Installation Celebration of Pastor John Scott
Team Amos is honored and thankful that the congregation had the opportunity to meet all of the comfort dogs in the LCMS Southeastern District as we gathered for worship and Pastor Scott’s Installation Celebration on Sunday. We are grateful for our time together in joy and celebration.
After worship services, we went out in the community to make friends and share Jesus’s love with our neighbors. There was a lot of love and laughter, as well as smiles all around!
When Amos was first placed at OSWLC, he was the second comfort dog in our district and now we’ve grown to include five dogs and counting! God is truly opening doors and helping us grow in service to those he places in our path.
July 12, 2023 - Installation Celebration
We are looking forward to this Sunday, July 16th, as Our Savior's Way officially welcomes Pastor John Scott and his family at the Installation Celebration. We are very fortunate to have five comfort dogs from the surrounding area travel to join us and share in this special occasion.
Teams Abraham, Faith, Kezia, Seth, and Solomon will be joining our very own Team Amos. Their presence symbolizes the unity of our communities as we come together to celebrate. Together, we serve as part of a National Comfort Dog ministry, with 130 comfort dogs placed by Lutheran Church Charities in 27 states.
We hope you will join us and meet these amazing Comfort Dogs on Sunday between morning worship services. The Comfort Dogs always warm the hearts of those we see—and we can't wait to see you there!
July 5, 2023 - Mifflintown, PA
Amos received an emergency request to travel to Mifflintown, PA to support the community, its law enforcement officers, and first responders after they experienced a traumatic event on Saturday, June 17th. One state police officer was killed and another critically injured following a series of shootings that deeply impacted this small, rural community.
On Saturday, Amos and Kezia Comfort Dogs joined them for a Community Comfort event organized to support one another in healing. As we met and prayed with them we were reminded of the importance of turning to God and turning to each other. In the midst of tragedy, there was overwhelming love and faith in God’s word given to us in Romans 12:12: “Rejoice in Hope. Be Patient in Suffering. Persevere in Prayer.”
Please join us in praying for the State Troopers who bravely protected the public of Juniata County, PA, especially Trooper Rougeau and Lt. Wagner, their families, and the community of Mifflintown.
June 2023
June 28, 2023 - Summer Days - Open Arms Monday
During the summer months, Amos adjusts his schedule to visit Open Arms every Monday, which is a wonderful way to start the week! Our time together is filled with moments of sitting, petting, sharing, reading, and singing, which are all meaningful ways we can share God's abundant love. We are privileged to show the students how to use the gifts God has given us to live and grow in faith.
"Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6
June 21, 2023 - Stars and Stripes Honor Flight
Over the weekend, Team Amos had the privilege to welcome the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight at Dulles International Airport, arriving from Milwaukee, WI. This marked the final Honor Flight arrival for the Spring season, with a full schedule of flights set to resume in the fall.
Saturday's arrival included one WWII Navy veteran, as well as veterans from the Korean, Vietnam, and Gulf wars. Also, we were blessed to "enlist" the help of our OSWLC veterans Mark (USN), Philip and Kimberly (USAF), Scott (USMC), and George (USCG) to join us and welcome the veterans. Many special moments were shared among the veterans, their guardians, and our volunteers as they experienced Jesus' love through us.
It was truly an honor to have the opportunity to welcome these heroes to Washington, DC, and express how grateful we are for their service.
June 14, 2023 - Summer is Here!
This past Sunday, we had our final monthly Comfort Dog Team Meeting until the fall. With a busy summer schedule ahead, we are making plans and adjusting our routines to accommodate volunteer vacations and travel. Due to the warmer weather, our walks with Amos are now scheduled for the cooler morning and evening hours, so that we can all beat the heat.
We encourage you to also look for opportunities to change your pace and enjoy God's goodness, while always finding ways to be in His presence. Blessings on your summer!
From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised." Psalm 113:3
June 7, 2023 - Visiting Maple Groves
Our regular visits to the Maple Grove community at Ashby Ponds are truly blessings from God. Residents mark their calendars for our visits and their faces light up with joy when Amos appears at their door.
During our most recent visit, we met a gentleman in the elevator who immediately recognized Amos. He shared that his wife now lives at Memory Care, where Amos regularly visits as well. He wanted to express how much Amos' visits meant to them. This reminded us how much God is impacting people's lives through this ministry.
Later in the day, another resident approached us to pet Amos. He remarked how Amos always draws a crowd. As he spoke to us four others joined our group, and we all shared a joyful time of conversation, chatting, and catching up like old friends.
Through our presence, we bring a sense of connection, comfort, and the love of Jesus. Our service goes beyond meeting the physical and emotional needs of the residents, it fosters a spirit of gratitude and thanksgiving to God: "For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God" (2 Corinthians 9:12).
