Doors are opening once again.

When Miriam, Emmanuel Lutheran Church’s comfort dog, passed away unexpectedly last fall, the team wasn’t sure what came next.

Miriam had become a beloved member of the community, providing comfort not only to local residents, but throughout the nation in her short 3 1/2 years of service.

As team members reflected on the many times Miriam offered comfort to hurting souls and served as a bridge for them to share the hope and love of Jesus, they knew the answer in their heart.

So, the search began… Praying and weighing their options, the team began to consider the two-year timeframe to train and acquire a new dog through Lutheran Church Charities comfort dog ministry (LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs) as well as the extensive costs involved and a decision was made to pursue a different path, top dog handler Keith Leimbach said.

They reached out to military and police dog trainer Mackey Kelly of Canis Major Inc. in Cogar, who has over 30 years of experience, Leimbach said.

The wheels were set in motion in January to find the right dog for their ministry.

On the lookout for the perfect fit, Kelly found Bailey, a 3 1/2 year-old female golden retriever, in April and began her training as a comfort dog.

“Bailey’s personality and disposition are ideally suited for this,” Pastor Tim McCarty said.

“Even the trainer said, ‘This is God’s dog…she was made for this,’” Leimbach added.

After 10 weeks of training, Bailey found her new home and a new mission at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in early July.

Since then Bailey has continued her training with team members, but has already been making an impact.

“We’re really happy with her…she’s just real easy to have along and just wants to be petted,” McCarty said.

Following in Miriam’s footsteps, Bailey is now continuing to share comfort and hope in many of the same ministries.

Previously, the comfort dog team’s service included visits to Cimarron Nursing Center, Homestead Assisted Living and Memory Care, Kingfisher Compassion Clinic, Kingfisher High School and Jacket Academy, a Norman boys’ shelter, a homeless ministry in Oklahoma City and as needed in juvenile cases of Canadian and Kingfisher County court as well as other opportunities.

In the short two months Bailey has been with Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Leimbach said she’s already been active in several of the ministries and the team is excited to be able to return to some of the other opportunities Miriam’s presence provided.

After Miriam’s passing, some ministries were put on hold, Leimbach said, but team members were able to continue others including regular visits to the boys home in Norman.

“They were really happy that we decided to get another dog and they kept asking when she would be here,” Leimbach said.

“Once Bailey arrived and met the boys, she just laid on the floor, with the boys sitting all around petting her… she just soaked it all up.”

Previously, Miriam and her team were also deployed to national crises through LCC.

The team responded to the mass shooting that occurred at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, in which 19 students and two teachers were killed and another mass shooting in Allen, Texas, in which 15 people were injured, with eight victims losing their lives.

Without the LCC affiliation, Leimbach said Bailey’s service will probably be more focused locally and within the state, but many people are aware of their ministry and serving in national crises is always a possibility if they are called to do so.

Since the beginning, Emmanuel Lutheran’s comfort dog ministry has consisted of eight dog handlers and between 11-13 ministry partners, many of whom are in their retirement years.

“We’re not interested in going to the ends of the earth as much as if we were 20 years younger,” McCarty said.

“God has planted us in a mission field and it’s right here.”

As with Miriam, Emmanuel Lutheran Church’s goal is to reach out to people in need through Bailey’s service.

“The ultimate goal for us is sharing the love of Christ with people and getting to talk to them,” McCarty added.

“Bailey allows us to get into those places and bring them comfort, but also the gospel.”

As before, Leimbach said, “Bailey is available to comfort whoever needs it, but we only go where we’re invited, so if there’s a need please contact us.”

Bailey has a Facebook page and will soon have her own business cards expressing the Bible verse 2 Corinthians 1: 3-4 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”

A community meet-andgreet event is planned from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church east parking lot.

“The community is invited to come out and meet Bailey and have their picture taken if they want,” Leimbach said. “We will also have cookies, fruit, tea, water and lemonade available.”

Emmanuel Lutheran Church will also host the third annual fun run and walk at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, starting in the church parking lot.

This year, the Miriam Memorial Fun Run/Walk will serve as a tribute to Miriam, while also signifying the passing of the leash to Bailey, as the congregation continues its efforts to be the hands and feet of Jesus through its comfort dog ministry.

Proceeds from the event will benefit Kingfisher County Meals on Wheels.

Through their experiences, Leimbach said they’ve discovered how unique the ministry is and how people tend to let their guard down with the dog and open up more than they would otherwise.

“It brings them comfort and maybe they feel like the love and trust they have for the dog…a bit rubs off on us and they sometimes end up telling us their life story,” Leimbach added.

“We are very thankful for all the support we’ve received in the past and if anyone is in need of comfort, please contact us.”