Canines for Christ
Therapy Pup/Partners Provide Comfort, Counsel
By Camp Bow Wow
There’s a reason dogs are called man’s best friend. Just petting a pup has long been known to decrease blood pressure, increase positive endorphins and break down barriers.
Non-profit Canines for Christ capitalizes on the human/canine connection to provide comfort and support in situations of need. They’ve been present for victims’ families and volunteers after the Kerrville flood and encourage San Antonio police officers at shift change. Wherever they go, a Canines for Christ team offers furry hugs and prayer to lighten any mood.
Started in 2007 in Tampa, Fl., by Larry Randolph, local Board President/VP Chaplains Jill and Ross Powell took over leadership in 2023 and run the organization from their Pleasanton home. Canines for Christ offers training, fellowship and serving opportunities to handlers and their pups through 37 chapters across the country as well as those in the UK, Canada, South Africa and potentially South Korea. The group currently numbers 1060 teams.
Certified Canines for Christ teams visit those in hospitals, hospice, nursing homes and schools. Some serve in the court system, sitting with people testifying. Others have been specially trained for crises, like those who responded in Uvalde and love on Montana firefighters.
“You name it, when we are invited to come into a space, we are there!” Jill said. She added that Canines for
Christ partners with organizations on the ground when tragedy strikes to make sure they are serving in appropriate spaces.
Jill has partnered for four years with Rocco, one of five dogs the Powells own in Texas. She was drawn to Canines for Christ due to its emphasis on faith-based service coupled with the dogs’ therapeutic presence. “You can’t have fulness without Jesus,” Jill said. “It’s a beautiful kind of dance. You love God, you love people, you love dogs. It can’t get better than that.”
After the Kerrville floods, Jill and Rocco attended the funeral for the Tivy High School coach. “There’s a little bit of happiness that’s wrapped up in a dog in this really heavy time that shifts the atmosphere,” she said. “It’s beautiful to me if we can bring some peace and joy even for a moment. We are about a ministry of presence and relationship. We’re faith-based first, therapy second.”
Canines for Christ also supports the San Antonio Police Department, where Jill’s son is an officer. They attend roll call as officers prepare to start their work. They offer stickers depicting Rocco supporting SAPD superheroes, wristbands and other swag. As they pet Rocco, Jill reminds them that Canines for Christ is there to encourage them and pray with them if they’d like. She and Rocco also support the SAPD CSI and Wellness Units.
Canines for Christ is always welcoming new teams. The website lists resource teams, trainers and tips to get started. All dogs must pass a two-step evaluation to qualify. The first is a temperament test, which begins by documenting a dog’s internal desire to want to be with and love people of all kinds. Canines for Christ enlists local trainers to check a dog’s response to ways they might be handled, including rough petting and tail pulling. Then the dog must pass the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Evaluation that tests basic obedience. Once the pup has been deemed ready, their human partner will fill out the application, provide vaccine records and a headshot picture. New members receive a welcome box with brochures describing the junior handler program, crisis response, reading buddy, and first responder care teams. Canines for Christ also has merchandise available - patches, shirts, stickers
and lanyards.
Canines for Christ chapters provide ongoing opportunities for training, because “if you don’t keep training a dog, they will lose it,” Jill cautioned. Teams brush up on basic commands like sit, down, stay, come, and leave it, as well as learn advanced skills like lining up to a wheelchair or “paws up” to gently place paws up to reach someone in a hospital bed. Trainers also teach tricks like shake or high five as icebreakers.
If you are looking for an opportunity to combine your love for God, dogs and serving, get in touch will Jill through Canines4Christ.org. She’d love to help you
join their paw-sitive pack.
