Reconciliation with Tillie the Comfort Dog, by Pastor Rossow
As some of you know from past blog posts, also here and here, I have been critical of Lutheran Church Charities Installation of their Comfort Dogs as “Ministers of the Gospel”.
Since we had the CEO of Lutheran Church Charities at our conference today to speak to us about Mercy, the second of President Harrison’s emphases for the church, I thought it would be a good chance for me to reconcile with Tillie the Comfort Dog.
Below there is a photo giving the right hand of fellowship to Tillie. Of course, right after that I couldn’t help but de-install her, so I spoke the installation liturgy backwards and did the sign of the cross backwards. Everything is now right in the world.
Pastor Rossow give the Right Hand of Fellowship
And here’s the audio of the reconciliation:
More serious, we are happy to report that Lutheran Church Charities does NOT endorse the installation of their dogs as “ministers”. Some congregations have taken the comfort dogs and done so.
Tim Hetzner is currently speaking to the Brothers and is doing a wonderful job of encouraging us to receive the Mercy of God and share it with those in need.
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As the proud owner of a comfort dog (for my own personal use) and 5 comfort cats, I’m glad to see this.
TW
Well, Tim, I hope you don’t get any grief from the Domino Canis
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Right hand of fellowship or right paw of fellowship?
I am happy to hear that you are “reconciled” with Tilly. Did you follow the 12-step program or did you simply make confession of your sins and receive absolution “a lick to the face?”
I met Tilly in Houston! Sweet canine!
Tilly really is a sweet pooch. The Naperville chapter of the Brothers of John the Steadfast and members of Bethany Lutheran Church put on a great conference once again. The speakers all did an outstanding job, the food was fabulous, and the worship services were a blessing as always. I really enjoyed hearing President Harrison and meeting many of the attendees as well. Thanks to everyone for a great conference and thanks be to God.
BTW
Pastor Rossow,
Did you teach Tilly the secret BJS handshake?
It was a truly touching moment. There may have been tears.
I have the comfort dog’s business card. Her name is “Tillie.”
@Dave Lambert #8
Thanks Dave! I’ve corrected my spelling of Tillie’s name in the post.
Also, I added the audio clip of the reconciliation to the post — anyone who missed it should listen to the segment.
Isn’t anyone disturbed that some of these ‘ministers’ like Tillie are female? Just saying.
Could we say you’ve embarked on the voyage of reconciliation?
That was just ruff!
I have an extra calling card and I will put the magnetic strips on the back and she will join all of my collage magnets on my fridge . She is truly a beautiful dog and friendly. Along with that we got a larger John the Steadfast magnet and it will join the company of all.
@Norm Fisher #9
Thanks Norm!
Tillie must be a dogmatician (rather than a catechist).
So are these dogs considered Ministers of Religion-Commisioned? per official LCMS terminology
Hmmph! If you really want to make Tillie a “comfort dog,” teach her to make the sign of the cross . . . any dog can learn to “shake.”