Published July 08. 2025 02:55PM
Healing Hounds with Heidelberg Union Church held a program at the senior center meeting earlier this year at New Life Lutheran Church, New Tripoli.
Healing Hounds are certified through the national organization, Healing Hounds Service Dogs.
According to Healing Hounds Service Dogs national organization website, their mission is to train high quality customized service dogs for people with a variety of disabilities and needs.
Healing Hounds is headed by Pastor Michelle Funk, Heidelberg Union Church, Slatington.
She and her colleagues will take their “pups” to any facility in need of the special talents of their companions always keeping a 2-foot separation between their dogs and those they are visiting.
Funk shared with the group that there are different categories of support dogs, service, emotional support and therapy, each providing a different support to humans.
Lori Lenhart, New Tripoli, pets “Daffy” a member of the Healing Hounds during a recent visit to the weekly senior group meeting at New Life Lutheran Church, New Tripoli.
The Rev. Michelle Funk, Heidelberg Union Church and leader of Healing Hounds tells members of the New Life Lutheran Church, New Tripoli, senior group meeting how their “Best Friends” provide service to those in need of their care.
PRESS PHOTOS BY LOU WHEELAND“Daffy” (short for Daphne) a nearly 200 pound Bernese Mountain Dog takes it easy during a recent visit with members of the New Life Lutheran Church’s senior group. More photos on A2.
“Muggles” a 2-year-old Cavapoo multitasks as both a Healing Hound and a certified church therapy dog at Heidelberg Union Church where her ‘human,” Michelle Funk is the pastor.
“Muggles” is being held by her “human,” the Rev. Michelle Funk, Heidelberg Union Church and leader of Healing Hounds at the New Life Lutheran Church’s senior group meeting.
Healing Hounds “Daffy” a nearly 200 pound Bernese Mountain Dog enjoys an ear rub from Bill Kelly, a member of the New Life Lutheran Church senior group during a visit. Owner Monica Respet looks on.
Linda Weber, Healing Hounds, holds her dog “Scout” a 4-year-old Australian Shepherd as Carol Pandel, New Tripoli, enjoys petting him, during a recent visit to the New Life Lutheran Church senior group.
