By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
Keren, the comfort dog, is visiting Fort Hays State University to comfort and relieve students' stress with her warm, fluffy hugs just before their midterm exams.
Keren visits FHSU three times each semester. She will offer emotional support on Monday at the Memorial Union.
Lutheran Church Charities Top Dog, Carol Kratzer, oversees Keren's ministry work and said students tend to perform better on their tests after Keren's visits.
"Many students talk about how much better they do after they pet her. They are more focused and are able to recall information in tests," Kratzer said.
"Keren's calm, attentive and loving deminer brings people in," she said.
Keren is one of 130 Lutheran Church Charities K-9 comfort dogs who support those in need across 27 states. She has been based at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Ellsworth since 2021.
Keren is a 5-year-old purebred Golden Retriever who started training at 8 weeks old and knows more than 35 commands for her role. In her free time, she loves playing with her ball.
Kratzer said Keren can sense someone in emotional distress, even without the handler's awareness. On one occasion, Keren focused on an individual who revealed they had recently experienced a significant loss.
"Part of the reason [Lutheran Church Charities] chooses golden retrievers is their empathy. Keren has taken us to people who needed her that we didn't even know we would be visiting," she said.
While Keren has three sisters, she is the only Lutheran Church Charities comfort dog in Kansas. She travels throughout the state, providing comfort in schools, hospitals, nursing homes and disaster areas.
She has also provided support during personal tragedies, including the community of Independence, Missouri, after the death of police officer Cody Allen earlier this year.
"She has done a number of disaster responses here in the state. She has been to Natoma three times and was in Andover after the tornado," Kratzer said.
In addition to Kansas communities, Keren also visited Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, following the 2022 shooting.
Numerous Lutheran Church Charities comfort dogs from across the country traveled to Uvalde for five weeks to accompany children to class when they were afraid.
"Our purpose of being there is just to listen. We're not there to necessarily solve any problem, just help them cope at that time," Kratzer said.
Kratzer said there are misconceptions about Keren and her services due to her affiliation with a church.
"She belongs to a church organization, but we're not here to convert you. We're here to share mercy and compassion," she said.
Lutheran Church Charities, established in 2008, provides services at no cost and relies on donor support. You can make donations here.
Keren is scheduled to return to FHSU after her Monday visit for finals week.
You can find more information on the Lutheran Church Charities website and follow Keren, the comfort dog, on Facebook.