New K-9 Comfort Dogs Arrive from Training in Dwight
The newest dogs soon to join the K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry arrived yesterday from the Dwight Correctional Facility. Rich and Dona Martin traveled to Dwight where they dropped off three puppies (Delilah, Phoebe and Susannah) that will be trained over the next nine months. They brought home Addison (Addie), Maggie and Zipporah (Zippy) who will now enter the final phase of preparation before they are ready to be placed in congregations. If you church is interested in getting a K-9 Comfort Dog for your ministry please contact Tim Hetzner at (866) 455-6466 or by emailing
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
On Saturday, October 20, trainer Alex Brooks took nine K-9 Comfort Dogs and their handlers through advanced training at his facility in Des Plaines, Illinois. LCC has arranged with Alex and trainer Patti Milazzo to provide monthly advanced handler trainings for all Affiliate Members in the Chicago area. The next trainings are set for November 11 and December 8.
Last Updated on Thursday, 01 November 2012 07:56
K-9 Butter of St. John Algonquin Checks in for the Week
Last Thursday I attended the third session of Healing 101 and stopped in at the Ladies of St. John's meeting to check for crumbs. I found women still milling around the tables of Narimon jewelry. Liz and I went to Crystal Pines on Saturday. We greeted quite a few people--a man recovering from a leg amputation, patients waiting to play their horse racing game, and a woman hoping to go home to her apartment in Chicago. I greeted at Saturday evening church and the Ministry Fair with John. Sunday morning I was there again after the early service and at the Fair. Cheryl took me to the 10:30 service and the Fair. I spent time with Mary Jane on Monday.
Last Updated on Thursday, 01 November 2012 07:57
K-9 Comfort Dog Shami Touches the Lives of Autistic Children
Last week K-9 Comfort Dog Shami from St. John Darien, along with handler Toni Bazon, visited a classroom with autistic children. The response of the children was so remarkable the teacher wrote to explain what happened.
Shami came to visit our classroom last week. I have five students that have Autism. Out of the five four of them are considered "nonverbal". When Shami came into the room, one child in particular stated more spontaneous language than he has all school year, as he kissed, hugged, and lay next to her. To watch a child unfold before your eyes, there are no words to describe that moment. God worked with Shami so that we could see another side to this little boy that we haven't seen before. It was incredible. I look forward to seeing the work Shami continues to do in our class!
We praise God for the ways in which He touches the lives of children and adults through the K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry. Toni reports that Shami will return to this classroom on October 25.
Click here to "Like" Shami on Facebook
Last Updated on Thursday, 01 November 2012 08:02
LCC President Tim Hetzner Speaks at Lord of Life Darien
Tim Hetzner was invited to speak to the Senior Group at Lord of Life in Darien. They were interested in supporting the Disaster Response work LCC has been doing in the Gulf region ever since Hurricane Katrina. One member of the group has already gone down as a LCC volunteer following Hurricane Isaac. The group was also interested in learning more about the K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry. LCC staff member Rich Martin, along with K-9 Comfort Dogs Howe and Olympia, attended the event with Tim.
Last Updated on Thursday, 01 November 2012 07:57
K-9 Comfort Dog Moses Appears on ABC TV Nebraska Affiliate Morning Show with Pastor Keylon and Jaci Knuth
On Friday morning, October 19, K-9 Comfort Dog Moses from Christ Lutheran Cairo, Nebraska accompanied by Pastor Glen Keylon and handler Jaci Knuth visited the studios of the ABC affiliate in Grand Island, Nebraska. They appeared on NTV The Good Life and talked about the K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry, the work of Christ Lutheran and all that Moses has done since arriving in Nebraska just over two months ago. Moses looked wonderful on TV. Pastor Keylon and Jaci did a wonderful job witnessing Jesus and telling the story of the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry.
Click here to see the full interview Click here to donate to the K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry
Last Updated on Friday, 19 October 2012 12:34
The Latest Butter Report
Last Thursday I attended the second session of Healing 101. Kathy and I went to Crystal Pines on Saturday. She spent a long time listening, talking, and praying with Elizabeth who was very unhappy. Thank you to Robin and her family for my weekend sleepover and for taking me to church on Sunday. After T'ai Chi on Tuesday we visited with Mary Jane.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 17 October 2012 15:36
LCC Staff and K-9 Comfort Dogs Travel to Wisconsin for School Assembly
Last Wednesday, October 10, LCC staff members and K-9 Comfort Dogs traveled to St. Peter-Immanuel in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Two hundred students gathered in the gym for a K-9 Comfort Dog assembly. The students loved learning more about the K-9's and the ministry work they do with their handlers. Following the assembly they visited with K-9's Olympia, Ruthie, and Chewie. LCC staff Dona and Rich Martin, along with LCC volunteer Lynn Buhrke, followed the visit with a presentation to the Ladies Guild where they were met with a warm welcome.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 17 October 2012 15:34
Rich and Dona Martin Present K-9 Handler Training in Normal, Illinois
On Saturday, October 13 LCC staff members Rich and Dona Martin traveled to the Central Illinois District where they presented a K-9 handler training at Wittenberg Lutheran Center. Accompanied by LCC staff Deaconess Tiffany Manor, who serves in CID, and K-9 Comfort Dogs Zeke (who serves Tiffany), Olympia, and Ruthie, met with a group of prospective handlers. The group included Pastor Bill Jensen with his wife Cindy. Training included the history of the Comfort Dog Ministry, the spiritual needs of those in need, K-9 etiquette, and hands-on training with each K-9. These handlers are now well-equipped to serve the students and community of the Bloomington-Normal area. Well done new handlers!
Last Updated on Wednesday, 17 October 2012 15:25
ABC 7 Chicago Reports on the Impact of the Closing of Dwight Correctional Center and the K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry
Sunday, October 7, 2012 On Sunday, October 7, 2012, ABC 7 Chicago's Stacey Baca reported on the impact of the closing of the Dwight Correctional Facility and the training of LCC's K-9 Comfort Dogs Click here to visit ABC 7 Chicago's website
K-9 Comfort Dog Butter Reports on Her Busy Schedule
Last Thursday I attended the first session of Healing 101. It was good to see so many of my friends there. Debbie took me to Crystal Pines on Saturday. I greeted at church on Sunday. Then Cheryl, Liz, and I spent time in Riverside Park. Two ladies from Eastgate enjoyed petting me. Have you seen the 9-11 Firemen's Memorial down there? After T'ai Chi on Tuesday we visited with Mary Jane.
Last Updated on Tuesday, 09 October 2012 15:09
Animals Blessed at First St. Paul
On Saturday October 6, LCC staff Dona and Rich Martin joined members of First St. Paul Chicago for the Blessing of the animals. Pastor Tom Johnson met with Scotties, Poodles, Cats, Gerbils, and K9 Comfort Dogs Olympia and Ruth in the courtyard next to the church.
Last Updated on Tuesday, 09 October 2012 15:05
Shami Loves Reading Day!!
Our Comfort Dogs are multi-talented! Shami works as a reading tutor for the African American Literacy group! Lace school and St. John's Darien
are among the groups that provide tutoring support for the students who attend the program. The group meets on Wednesday each week. During this time, Shami meets and greets the students, and they then have the opportunity to sit and read with her. Shami is very patient and supportive, and loves to listen to the students read!
Last Updated on Tuesday, 09 October 2012 15:02
Immanuel Lutheran East Dundee Mission Day
Immanuel Lutheran East Dundee held a Mission Day on Saturday October 6 ,2012. One part of the event was visiting two nursing homes in the area. The K-9 Comfort Dogs were invited to come along to cheer up and greet the residents. K-9 Comfort Dog Wave gets some love from residents at Sherman West Nursing Home.
Last Updated on Tuesday, 09 October 2012 14:59
LCC Comfort Dog Prince Getting Ready to Retire from Portage High School
At the end of the current school year, Comfort Dog Prince will have served at the Portage High School, Portage, Indiana, for four years with his handler, Mr. Tim Kunstek. At the age of 8, having worked with thousands of students, Prince will prepare to go into semi-retirement.
Mr. Kunstek has seen the difference that Prince has made in his work with at-risk youth, grief groups, and students with emotional or physical challenges. Prince is loved by both students and staff and helps to lighten the moods of folks who can often be described as "stressed out".
"Prince is able to reach students in ways that I can't to help them open up and talk to me," Mr. Kunstek explains. "He helps me be a better counselor."
Even though Prince will no longer be a daily presence at Portage High, the need for a Comfort Dog in the Portage Township Schools is still very great. So Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Portage, IN, Prince's home congregation, is raising funds to purchase a new Comfort Dog from LCC. This new dog will continue the work that Prince has been doing since May 2009.
This work includes helping students cope with:
grief
divorce
abuse
homelessness
suicide
emotional and mental challenges
anger and violence issues
physical handicaps
depression
bullying
Holy Cross is not asking Portage Township Schools for funding so that the Comfort Dog is not considered to be a school mascot. The dog helps Mr. Kunstek and Holy Cross bring the Mercy and Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Christ into the Portage school community.
The newest dogs soon to join the K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry arrived yesterday from the Dwight Correctional Facility. Rich and Dona Martin traveled to Dwight where they dropped off three puppies (Delilah, Phoebe and Susannah) that will be trained over the next nine months. They brought home Addison (Addie), Maggie and Zipporah (Zippy) who will now enter the final phase of preparation before they are ready to be placed in congregations. If you church is interested in getting a K-9 Comfort Dog for your ministry please contact Tim Hetzner at (866) 455-6466 or by emailing
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
On Saturday, October 20, trainer Alex Brooks took nine K-9 Comfort Dogs and their handlers through advanced training at his facility in Des Plaines, Illinois. LCC has arranged with Alex and trainer Patti Milazzo to provide monthly advanced handler trainings for all Affiliate Members in the Chicago area. The next trainings are set for November 11 and December 8.
Last Thursday I attended the third session of Healing 101 and stopped in at the Ladies of St. John's meeting to check for crumbs. I found women still milling around the tables of Narimon jewelry. Liz and I went to Crystal Pines on Saturday. We greeted quite a few people--a man recovering from a leg amputation, patients waiting to play their horse racing game, and a woman hoping to go home to her apartment in Chicago. I greeted at Saturday evening church and the Ministry Fair with John. Sunday morning I was there again after the early service and at the Fair. Cheryl took me to the 10:30 service and the Fair. I spent time with Mary Jane on Monday.
Shami came to visit our classroom last week. I have five students that have Autism. Out of the five four of them are considered "nonverbal". When Shami came into the room, one child in particular stated more spontaneous language than he has all school year, as he kissed, hugged, and lay next to her. To watch a child unfold before your eyes, there are no words to describe that moment. God worked with Shami so that we could see another side to this little boy that we haven't seen before. It was incredible. I look forward to seeing the work Shami continues to do in our class!
Tim Hetzner was invited to speak to the Senior Group at Lord of Life in Darien. They were interested in supporting the Disaster Response work LCC has been doing in the Gulf region ever since Hurricane Katrina. One member of the group has already gone down as a LCC volunteer following Hurricane Isaac. The group was also interested in learning more about the K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry. LCC staff member Rich Martin, along with K-9 Comfort Dogs Howe and Olympia, attended the event with Tim.
On Friday morning, October 19, K-9 Comfort Dog Moses from Christ Lutheran Cairo, Nebraska accompanied by Pastor Glen Keylon and handler Jaci Knuth visited the studios of the ABC affiliate in Grand Island, Nebraska. They appeared on NTV The Good Life and talked about the K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry, the work of Christ Lutheran and all that Moses has done since arriving in Nebraska just over two months ago. Moses looked wonderful on TV. Pastor Keylon and Jaci did a wonderful job witnessing Jesus and telling the story of the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry.
Last Wednesday, October 10, LCC staff members and K-9 Comfort Dogs traveled to St. Peter-Immanuel in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Two hundred students gathered in the gym for a K-9 Comfort Dog assembly. The students loved learning more about the K-9's and the ministry work they do with their handlers. Following the assembly they visited with K-9's Olympia, Ruthie, and Chewie. LCC staff Dona and Rich Martin, along with LCC volunteer Lynn Buhrke, followed the visit with a presentation to the Ladies Guild where they were met with a warm welcome.
On Saturday, October 13 LCC staff members Rich and Dona Martin traveled to the Central Illinois District where they presented a K-9 handler training at Wittenberg Lutheran Center. Accompanied by LCC staff Deaconess Tiffany Manor, who serves in CID, and K-9 Comfort Dogs Zeke (who serves Tiffany), Olympia, and Ruthie, met with a group of prospective handlers. The group included Pastor Bill Jensen with his wife Cindy. Training included the history of the Comfort Dog Ministry, the spiritual needs of those in need, K-9 etiquette, and hands-on training with each K-9. These handlers are now well-equipped to serve the students and community of the Bloomington-Normal area. Well done new handlers!
On Saturday October 6, LCC staff Dona and Rich Martin joined members of First St. Paul Chicago for the Blessing of the animals. Pastor Tom Johnson met with Scotties, Poodles, Cats, Gerbils, and K9 Comfort Dogs Olympia and Ruth in the courtyard next to the church.
Our Comfort Dogs are multi-talented! Shami works as a reading tutor for the African American Literacy group! Lace school and St. John's Darien
are among the groups that provide tutoring support for the students who attend the program. The group meets on Wednesday each week. During this time, Shami meets and greets the students, and they then have the opportunity to sit and read with her. Shami is very patient and supportive, and loves to listen to the students read!
Immanuel Lutheran East Dundee held a Mission Day on Saturday October 6 ,2012. One part of the event was visiting two nursing homes in the area. The K-9 Comfort Dogs were invited to come along to cheer up and greet the residents. K-9 Comfort Dog Wave gets some love from residents at Sherman West Nursing Home.
At the end of the current school year, Comfort Dog Prince will have served at the Portage High School, Portage, Indiana, for four years with his handler, Mr. Tim Kunstek. At the age of 8, having worked with thousands of students, Prince will prepare to go into semi-retirement.
