• Sarah Schmitt

Canines4Christ: Paws for The Salvation Army

Tampa, FL (October 18, 2024)- The Salvation Army utilizes a variety of tools and resources, to show Jesus’ love in the hearts of communities. The value of human engagement and emotional support amid the chaos of disasters is vital to both survivors and first responders. Feelings of release and reset expounded as loving on a pet can offer aid to weary spirits and mental resolve. Dunkin, a service dog, is a recognized Salvation Army disaster response worker and always ready to serve. He proudly wears a Salvation Army disaster patch on his “pet me” vest. His presence reenergizes those on site and those working on the efforts of Hurricane Milton response.

 

Canines4Christ is a therapy dog ministry with a drive to love people, utilizing loving dogs. In Lakeland, FL, the love of Christ was shown through Tina, an ordained minister, and Dunkin, her beloved golden retriever. Tina’s love for canine ministry comes from her family motto: “trauma is in the blood.” Her husband’s experience as a firefighter, her daughter’s an emergency room trauma nurse, and Tina’s working experience as a schoolteacher during the Parkland school shooting, lead to canine ministry. This ingrained family dedication to service lead Tina to becoming a trained handler, providing comfort and support to those having trouble and crisis with Dunkin by her side.

 

Dunkin’s compassionate interaction offered renewed energy to the Incident Management Team at Lakeland, bringing extra love and laughter. They visited the Tampa mobile feeding unit crew, engaging with onsite volunteers, and survivors alike. The ministry of presence through The Salvation Army’s honorary emergency disaster volunteer team member “refreshed and lifted spirits after days of heartache and worry.” Dunkin’s wagging tail and playful spirit bonded those needing love, wanting to “just give pats,” and even boosted opportunities for Tina to stand along the side of windows for prayers. Dunkin’s playful connections stirred hope and compassion.

 

The presence of therapy animals like Dunkin can be a powerful source of inspiration and strength during hardship, reminding everyone of the healing power of compassion and connection. Canines4Christ is an international ministry with over 1200 members in 38 states and eight foreign countries.

 

For further information or follow up, https://k9forchrist.org/ to follow Dunkin’s ministry pawprints and Tina in their Salvation Army response testimony https://pupmedics.org/ If you are interested in creating your emergency disaster response profile visit https://disaster.salvationarmyusa.org/volunteer/new/

 

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