FOUR-FOOTED MINISTERS IN FORMATION: A Training Manual on Dog Ministry

This work provides chaplains/directors of spiritual/pastoral care with a template for the setup, implementation, and maintenance of a comprehensive, all-volunteer program for the integration of canine companions into the spiritual/pastoral care of patients/residents in healthcare facilities. Based on a qualitative research study conducted over a nine-month period, this self-directed manual introduces a program that is preliminarily “road-tested,” safe, effective, and repeatable. As the author continues to be involved in the Four-Footed Ministers Pastoral-Care Program, new insights and observations will be available to enhance and improve the original publication.