By Karen McBride
Canines for Christ brings joy to patients and volunteers by sharing God’s love. The animal therapy ministry visits people in cancer centers, children’s homes, nursing homes, hospitals, prison ministries, and other places where people are in need of God’s comforting words and the unconditional love and affection dogs bring.
Animal therapy is known to lessen the effects of depression, lower anxiety, lower blood pressure, improve cardiovascular health, 
and even release endorphins that have a calming effect. The rhythmic movement of petting an animal can aid in therapy, producing an automatic response.
When the volunteers are visiting, the patients receive the added blessing of communication, reducing their loneliness and boredom that can happen with extended stays in hospitals. The visits help to lessen the feelings of isolation and alienation.
“When you combine these benefits with the presence of Christ Jesus offered with kindness, compassion, love, and hope from our C4C volunteers, the results are powerful,” said Randolph.
Chaplain Larry Randolph has been an active speaker to churches, rotary groups, civic organizations, and radio and TV outlets. His extensive list of credentials includes Commissioned Chaplain with Corporate and Community Chaplains of America, Rapid Response Chaplain for Billy Graham Ministries, Member of American Association of Christian Counselors, Volunteer Chaplain for Tampa Fire and Rescue, and many more.
His love for serving the Lord inspired Randolph to start Canines for Christ in July 2007. At the time, he did not own a dog but took a step out in faith and borrowed his daughter’s dog to start the ministry. It has spread across the United States and has grown to over 300 volunteers in the Tampa Bay region.
The teams visits over 60 centers in the area including Brighton Gardens, Connerton Court New Tampa, Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital, John Knox Village, James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, Magnolia Manor Assisted Living, Shriners Hospital for Children, Hope Lodge at Moffitt Cancer Center, and Juveniles for Jesus Prison Ministries.
If you are looking for a way to serve the Lord and are interested in becoming a volunteer, you must complete an application, have a certificate of health completed by your veterinarian, provide the AKC Canine Good Citizen or Therapy Dog Certification, and sign a liability waiver. Dogs must be two years old to enter the ministry, well-mannered, and non-aggressive.
For more information, go to www.k9forchrist.org, call 813-968-3983, or find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/c4ctherapydog.