CAMBRIDGE, New York — Nestled in a forest, after leading morning prayers, Brother Luke returned to his residence, welcomed by a unique choir. Lucy and Iso, two lively German shepherds, eagerly greeted the Orthodox monk, excited for their morning walk with 10-week-old Pyrena.
For almost 60 years, the monks of New Skete in upstate New York have bred German shepherds and hosted weekslong training programs for all breeds of dogs. This not only supports their spiritual journey but also sustains the community financially.
“Dogs teach us about God—about love, forgiveness, and connection,” Brother Luke explained while Lucy sniffed fallen leaves and Iso stood guard. “In the mess of life, dogs exhibit God’s love better than we do.”
From Catholicism to Orthodoxy: New Skete’s Transformation
The New Skete community, today consisting of 10 monks and an equal number of adult German shepherds, began with Franciscan friars seeking a more contemplative spiritual path. Brother Marc, one of the founders and now 82, leads the monastery’s choir with Brother Luke. Inspired by the Second Vatican Council, they adopted simpler spiritual practices similar to the early Egyptian ascetics, from whom the term “skete” is derived. The monks officially embraced Orthodoxy over 40 years ago.
In the late 1970s, a gift of a German shepherd named Kyr revolutionized their lives. Kyr became a beloved member of the community, bringing warmth and easing tensions among the celibate brothers. After his passing, the monks began breeding and training German shepherds, which helped sustain the monastery financially.
Training Dogs—and Humans—at New Skete
The monastery’s training program emerged after visitors admired their well-behaved dogs. An editor encouraged the monks to share their training philosophy, which was much gentler than most methods at the time. Their books and TV series garnered widespread popularity, and today they train around 120 dogs a year.
Brother Christopher, who joined in 1981 and now directs the training program, described the deep spiritual lessons learned from working with dogs. “They don’t lie and mirror our true selves back to us,” he said. Their training philosophy emphasizes balance—allowing dogs to be dogs while building a strong emotional bond with their owners.
Though most of America’s 100 million dogs don’t need professional training, many owners seek help with behavior issues. New Skete is unique among the International Association of Canine Professionals for being a religious institution. Their spiritual principles infuse the training, echoing a long tradition of animals in spirituality.
Monk Life and the Lessons from Dogs
Whether through breeding or training, the monks believe dogs help them connect with creation and embrace the present moment. Brother Christopher reflects, “A relationship with a dog can awaken a deeper connection with all of creation. That’s humbling.”
For Brother Luke, who had no experience with dogs before joining New Skete in 1995, the German shepherds have been eye-opening. “They’re forgiving, natural, and exactly as God intended. We have a lot to learn from them,” he noted.
Amid their daily responsibilities—offering community services, hosting visitors, and deep prayer—the monks cherish the simple affection from their canine companions. Most monks keep their dogs in their rooms, returning to wagging tails and loving eyes.
“That experience of unconditional love is profound,” Brother Christopher shared. “It touches something deep within us.”