Comfort Canines For Christ
"It's Not About The Dogs"
Canine Ambassador
Thor
Thor is an English Cream Golden Retriever. He was born April 22, 2019, in Weeki Wachee Florida at Sunny Shores Golden Retrievers. The year before he was born, Marlene, a middle school social studies teacher, was beginning to look forward to her retirement. Scott and Marlene knew they wanted to be active in a ministry after they retired but were not sure where God would lead them. During that year, one of Marlene’s colleagues purchased a beautiful Golden puppy and recommended the breeder to Marlene, who had always wanted a Golden Retriever.
That June, Scott and Marlene drove to Weeki Wachee and came home with an eight-week-old, roly poly puppy, who they named Thor. By August, Marlene and Thor started puppy class. On the very first lesson, the trainer commented that Thor was already displaying a calm and compliant nature and would make an excellent therapy dog. That same week, Marlene was listening to Moody Radio and heard about how therapy dogs could be used in ministering to a hurting world. Knowing there are no coincidences, Scott and Marlene decided that very week to pursue this ministry.
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After several months of training, Thor passed his Canine Good Citizenship evaluation with flying colors. That was in February of 2020, just weeks before Covid seemed to stop everything. During those weeks and months, Scott and Marlene found a group of local therapy dog handlers who were providing practical training in conducting therapy dog visits. Thor started visiting the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, conducting outside visits in July of 2020.
Three years later, “Team Thor '' has made many weekly visits to skilled nursing care, assisted living, and memory care facilities. During these visits, Thor spends precious one on one time loving his “friends.” He and Marlene share Animal Assisted Activities such as “tricks,” and Scott and Marlene share The Good News of the Gospel with residents. God was not done guiding Team Thor. After researching and connecting with Comfort Canines for Christ, they knew God was once again directing their paths. Team Thor is honored to become a part of this amazing group of believers, who also have a passion for sharing the love of Jesus with those they serve.
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