And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?
ESTHER 4:14B
Stories. Fur. Real life…Welcome.
If you came for books, devotionals, or dog pictures, you won’t be disappointed.
The Comfort Dog Gave Me Pink Eye: Lessons from the Book of Esther……Now Available!
In the aftermath of 1 October, the largest mass shooting in the history of our country, Faith Lutheran Middle & High School pioneered a school therapy dog program to help survivors and others impacted by the shooting. Esther became a symbol of hope for a school community in the darkest of days. Named for the Old Testament book of Esther, this fuzzy quirky dog lives up to her namesake. She captured the heart of a city while unknowingly teaching about healing, comfort, and stepping into your calling even when things seem impossible.
With Biblical lessons gleaned from the story of Esther and humorous anecdotes about life with a temperamental celebrity dog, this book offers practical strategies for those looking to create a therapy dog program, those dealing with trauma recovery in themselves or loved ones, and anyone who is searching for the courage to answer God’s call.
The Book
Be ready to laugh, to cry and to really want a comfort dog. It happens to the best of us.
The Author
She runs all of the miles, drinks all of the coffee, and pets all of the dogs. She does not have it together.
The Inspiration
Perfectly well-behaved and serving a vital purpose by day, and a total trampoline jumping-kicking-superman punching-weirdo when the work day is over.
There’s more.
Join us for everyday adventures…
What People Are Saying
“Courtney Burns…immediately made me laugh, then brought me back to the moments of crisis that lead to Esther joining our staff…This is an emotional and hilarious feel-good story of the influence a comfort dog like Esther can have on a community in crisis or one that simply needs the everyday love a dog can provide.”
— Daniel Buikema, Faith Lutheran High School Assistant Principal
“Courtney Burns is a gifted writer. She engages you with her authenticity and then makes you belly laugh through her storytelling. I believe every school will want their own Courtney and Esther after reading this powerful story of healing for such a time as this.”
— Kim Malloy, CIO of the Center for Relational Health and Wellness
“Courtney provided great information to our students, faculty, and parents in regard to mental health and social emotional learning. She gave great examples of how to handle life challenges as well as incorporating the Gospel in, with and through all her material. I appreciated her candidness that we are all dealing with a lot right now, but to know to rely on our Lord and Savior and community of school and church during these challenging times. I would highly recommend having her speak to your school, congregation or student body.”
—Jon Doyle, Principal of Christ Lutheran School
“Courtney Burns is one of those rare people whose writing I can’t wait to read. Whether it’s a Facebook post, a blog, an email at work, or a book about how a dog can transform a school community, she has a true gift for wit, sarcasm, insight, and humor.”
— Dr. Steve Buuck, Faith Lutheran Middle School & High School CEO
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