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Jun 21, 2025
AAOR Joins First-Responders Panel at 2025 Canines 4 Christ International Conference
San Antonio, TX — June 21, 2025 Against All Odds Rise (AAOR) was honored to sit on the First Responders Panel at this year’s Canines 4 Christ International Conference, held June 19–22 at Hotel Valencia in downtown San Antonio. The four-day gathering brings together chaplains, therapy-dog handlers, public-safety professionals, and community ministries committed to sharing Christ’s hope and healing alongside their canine companions. (canines4christ.ticketleap.com)
Canines 4 Christ is an AKC-recognized, Christian therapy-dog ministry with more than 1,200 volunteers serving in 38 states and eight countries. Their mission is “to have the love of Christ shine through us and our canines … by providing a ministry of presence that actively engages with people who need love, hope, and compassion.” (k9forchrist.org)
A Conversation Focused on Healing and Trust
Friday’s First Responders Panel featured representatives from law-enforcement agencies, fire departments, chaplaincy programs, and community organizations. Emery Johnson, AAOR’s CEO, shared practical insights on bridging the gap between officers and residents through education, dialogue, and shared service projects.
“When community members meet officers in calm, caring environments—sometimes with a therapy dog wagging at their feet—walls come down and real conversations begin,” COO Maurice Moseley explained. “That’s exactly the spirit we saw at today’s panel.”
Conference attendees heard stories of therapy-dog teams comforting first responders after critical incidents, visiting schools following traumatic events, and accompanying outreach groups like AAOR during neighborhood programs.
Alignment of Missions
AAOR’s presence underscored the organizations’ shared commitment to unity. CEO Emery Johnson noted, “Our vision has always been to build lasting trust between citizens and officers. Partnering with Canines 4 Christ shows that faith-centered compassion—whether delivered through a handshake or a wagging tail—can transform fear into fellowship.”
Key Takeaways
Trauma-Informed Support: Panelists highlighted how therapy dogs help first responders decompress after high-stress calls, creating space for honest conversation and mental-health resources.
Community Engagement: AAOR showcased its Voices for Unity series and Unity in Action programs as models for sustained, grassroots dialogue.
Faith in Action: Speakers emphasized that compassion rooted in Christ can unite diverse stakeholders around the common goal of safer, healthier neighborhoods.
Looking Ahead
AAOR will continue collaborating with Canines 4 Christ teams at upcoming Unity in Action events, offering residents a chance to meet therapy dogs, ask officers questions, and experience fellowship across traditional boundaries.
Follow our news page and social channels for photos from the conference and updates on future joint initiatives. Together, we rise—so every community can rise, too.