Comfort Dogs

Comfort Dogs Attend Immanuel, Batavia Mission Fair On Sunday, January 20th

LCC Comfort Dogs Zeke and Chloe with handlers, Marissa Manor and Diane Brasfield joined LCC Staff members Dianna Bonfield and Vida Johnston for the annual Missions & Immanuel Fair at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Batavia. The mission fair highlighted 28 ministries that the members of Immanuel support. The Comfort Dogs had an opportunity to meet and greet the members and handler Diane Brasfield shared about her and Chloe's December trip serving in Newtown, Connecticut.

Last Updated on Sunday, 03 February 2013 19:34

K-9 Comfort Dogs Visit Immanuel Lutheran School in Bay City, Michigan

K-9 Comfort Dog Faith and Comfort Dog-in-Training Rachel accompanied by Trainer Linda Todd and Pastor Kelly Todd, visited Immanuel Lutheran School in Bay City, Michigan, on Wednesday, January 16, for a chapel service and classroom visits. Their visit was featured in the Bay City Times newspaper - Click here to read the article. In the article Immanuel staff member Betsy Bourassa said "Today our children got to see that compassion and love can be shared with one another, but it can also be shared through the use of the dogs."

Last Updated on Sunday, 03 February 2013 19:35

K-9 Comfort dogs have been invited to the Connecticut Second Company Governor's Horse Guard's special event "Ponies for a Purpose"

K-9 Comfort Dogs have been invited to visit the Connecticut Second Company Governor's Horse Guard, an active mounted cavalry unit under the direction of the Governor's Office and the Army National Guard, for a special event. "Ponies for a Purpose" is a Memorial Fund fundraiser in memory of Jessica Rekos, a child who died at Sandy Hook. “Ponies for a Purpose” is on Saturday, January 26 from 11 am-3 pm at 4 Wildlife Drive, Newtown, Connecticut.

Last Updated on Wednesday, 16 January 2013 09:52

Butter Report

Kathy and I have been to Crystal Pines, and this time we saw Elizabeth. We missed her last week. My handlers met on Sunday to make plans for the Comfort Dog Dance in February. Y'all come! After greeting at church, John took me for a long walk in a forest preserve. On Monday I spent time with Mary Jane . We visited Sue in the school office and five preschoolers in the activity center after T'ai Chi on Tuesday.

Last Updated on Wednesday, 16 January 2013 09:53

K-9 Comfort dogs Zeke, Wave, Tillie and Gunnar make a chapel visit at Immanuel Lutheran School, Elmhurst

The students of Immanuel heard a chapel message based upon Numbers 22 about Balaam's donkey and how God uses animals today to protect people from harm and to comfort them when they are suffering. Afterwards the students got to spend more time with the K-9 Comfort Dogs and learn how to approach all dogs safely.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 16 January 2013 09:54

Iowa Church and School "Paying it Forward" for East Coast Placement of K-9 Comfort Dog

Children and adults alike at Trinity Lutheran Church and School, in Davenport Iowa, were riveted as handler Deb Kinne and Comfort Dog Ladel accompanied by LCC staff member Marie Payes, visited a special assembly at Trinity to receive the donation.

Deb related her and Ladel's experiences visiting shelters for the victims of Superstorm Sandy and arriving in Newtown 36 hours after the tragedy at Sandy Hook elementary school. Ladel and Deb returned home to St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Hawthorn Woods, Illinois for the holidays and made the trip back to Connecticut when the Comfort Dogs were requested to return when school resumed. "Many of the children didn't want to get out of their parents' car until they saw the dogs," Kinne said.

Trinity, home of Comfort Dog Gracie, was the recipient of a large donation from U.S. Cellular. The students, members and staff desired to share the mercy and compassion of Christ with others and designated $5,000 of the funds received from an online voting contest in 2012 to the placement of a K-9 Comfort Dog in an east coast Lutheran church. Click here to visit Trinity's website

Last Updated on Wednesday, 16 January 2013 10:05

Divine Dogs Grooming in Newtown, CT Donates Services for LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Working There

The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs have been working hard every day comforting the children, teachers and staff at Sandy Hook Elementary School and Newtown High School. Cori McNerney of Divine Dogs 'A Heavenly Spa Where All Dogs Go' offered to groom our Comfort Dogs that are in Newtown. There was no charge for this service and the groomers at the spa were thrilled to be able to help the Comfort Dogs in this way. Dona Martin, LCC staff member currently with the Comfort Dogs in Newtown commented that they were great Christian women with a beautiful shop.

We at LCC are humbled by the outpouring of love and support for the K-9 Comfort Dogs and grateful to all who continue to support the ministry we are doing in Newtown and wherever the dogs are needed.

Last Updated on Wednesday, 16 January 2013 09:55

K-9 Comfort Dogs Remain in Newtown in Wake of Overwhelming Positive Response

The K-9 Comfort Dogs were originally scheduled to come home last weekend from their latest trip to comfort those affected by the school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. However, after visits to Newtown High School and the newly relocated Sandy Hook Elementary School, staff asked for the LCC Comfort Dogs to be in the school. In addition, students, teachers and town residents asked the Comfort Dogs and handlers to stay longer. LCC was able to arrange for dogs to stay this week and plans are underway to send more dogs as long as needed.

On Monday, January 7, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs returned to Newtown High School and Sandy Hook Elementary School. Additionally, the Comfort Dogs have visited area malls, stores, restaurants and other public locations. Everywhere they go they are enthusiastically greeted as people thank LCC for bringing the Comfort Dogs to town during such a difficult time. The healing process in Newtown will take a very long time and we expect the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs will continue to play an ongoing role in the recovery process.

LCC wants to praise the staff and school workers at Sandy Hook Elementary and Newtown High School for the excellent, caring, loving, professional job they are doing! You are an inspiration to ALL of us!

Click here to support the Comfort Dog Ministry

Last Updated on Sunday, 03 February 2013 19:36

K-9 Comfort Dog Louie in Joplin Makes Plans for January

Immanuel Joplin DCE Jason Glaskey and K-9 Comfort Dog Louie will be going to Messiah-Independence on January 28 for their school's Parent Teacher League meeting. We will also be going on January 24 to the Joplin Soroptomist Luncheon to talk about Comfort Dogs.
Last Updated on Friday, 11 January 2013 12:12

K-9 Comfort Dogs Visit Rockford Memorial Hospital Following Death of Staff in Helicopter Crash - Staff Sends Thanks to LCC

Comfort Dogs at Rockford Memorial Hospital

LCC staff Dona and Rich Martin, handlers Sue Piske and Vicky Buhl from Immanuel Belvidere, along with Pastor and Donna Hein from St. Paul Lockport, traveled to Rockford Memorial Hospital on December 26th. Comfort dogs Samuel, Luther, Ruthie and Kye greeted medical center staff who are dealing with the death of three of their fellow employees who died in the REACT helicopter crash on December 10 near Rockford, Illinois.

The staff appreciated the time spent with our team and our prayers go out to the families, friends, and coworkers. Another K9 Comfort team returned on Thursday, December 27, with Comfort Dogs Kye, Addie, Wave, and Maggie.

Update - This week LCC received a letter of thanks from the hospital expressing how much it meant to have the Comfort Dogs present. Click here to read Rockford Health System thank you letter

Last Updated on Friday, 11 January 2013 11:53

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs, Staff and Handlers Return to Newtown, Connecticut

On New Year's Day - at 3 am - 20 handlers and 10 LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs left the LCC offices in Addison, Illinois to travel to Newtown, Connecticut to be with the people of the town. Their first stop will be the high school. Visit plans for the week will include all those public servants who gave so much these past weeks (fire, police, public officials) and the often forgotten residents of senior centers and nursing homes. We will also be available for any staff, faculty, families and students of the elementary schools in the area.

Please keep all in Newtown in your continual prayers.

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs come to bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who suffer. Along with LCC president Tim Hetzner, the following K-9s, handlers and support staff are currently in Newtown:

K-9 Chloe (Lord of Life - LaFox, Illinois)
Bob Guetthoff

K-9 Puppy Isaiah (In Training)
Patti Milazzo (trainer)
Frank Milazzo

K-9 JoJo (Living Christ - Arlington Heights, Illinois)
Pastor Paul Klopke
George Schiestel

K-9 Kye and Addie (Immanuel - Belvidere, Illinois)
Sue Piske
Vicky Buhl
Renea Grashorn

K-9 Ladel (St Matthew - Hawthorn Woods, Illinois)
Deb Kinne
Lauraine Morajda

K-9 Luther (LCC - Addison, Illinois)
Katie Hetzner
Kylie Yocum

K-9 Moses (Christ Lutheran - Cairo, Nebraska)
Jaci Knuth
Nathan Knuth

K-9 Ruthie (LCC - Addison, Illinois)
Dona Martin
Rich Martin

K-9 Shami (St John - Darien, Illinois)
Toni Bazon

Support Staff
Mike Kinyon
Dave Marks Click here to support the K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry View photos from this visit
View photos from the December 2012 visit
Follow us on Facebook The K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry has been featured in several news pieces during their visit to Newtown, Connecticut. Click here for other stories in the news.

Last Updated on Monday, 07 January 2013 13:59

K-9 Comfort Dogs Arrive Home from Newtown, CT – Plans Being Made to Return

The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their handlers have all arrived safely home after spending a week bringing the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Christ to the people of Newtown, Connecticut who are suffering through a great tragedy. Comfort Dogs Luther, Ruthie, Chewie, Abbi, Prince, Barnabas, Shami, Maggie, Hannah and Chloe made the trip with LCC staff Tim Hetzner, Dona Martin and Tim Kurth and volunteers Pastor Tim Engel, Dan and Karen Fulkerson, Tim and Josiah Griffin, Toni Bazon, Barb Granado, Sharon Flaherty, Marcy and Laney Brooks, Sue Kessler, Bob Guetthoff, and Diana Brasfield.

The team was invited to town by Pastor Rob Morris and the people of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Newtown. They started the week visiting with parents and children at the church after their Christmas Pageant. Throughout the week Comfort Dogs and handlers were invited to spend time with children and parents at Newtown Youth Academy, Newtown High School and the Sandy Hook memorials.

The K-9 Comfort Dogs attracted a lot of media attention because they brought smiles to so many in the middle of immense sadness. Students and teachers at Newtown High School were so thankful and said the Comfort Dogs changed the mood of the whole school. The handlers were very grateful for the opportunity to bring the joy of Jesus’ love to so many people.

The community of Newtown will be going through the healing process for a very long time. The LCC K-9 Comfort dogs will be returning to Newtown, leaving Chicago at 3AM on January 1st to be there on January 2nd as all the children return to school. They will be there to greet children as they return to school. Click here to see which dogs will make the trip.

Click here to support the K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry View photos from the K-9 Team
Follow us on Facebook The K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry has been featured in several news pieces during their visit to Newtown, Connecticut. Click here for other stories in the news.

Last Updated on Tuesday, 01 January 2013 21:03

LCC Comfort Dogs Making a Difference in Newtown

On Saturday, December 15, five Comfort Dogs and seven handlers arrived at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Newtown, Connecticut. By Monday morning nine dogs and 14 handlers were serving the bereaved community of Newtown with the Mercy, Compassion and Presence of Christ. (click here for the list of K-9s currently in Newtown) The Comfort Dogs have attended church services, memorial services, vigils and have spent time with the children of Newtown and their parents. The reaction to the presence of the Comfort Dogs has been overwhelming. Children and adults alike have smiled for the first time in days as they reach out to pet or hug a dog. They begin to relax and as that happens they start talking to the handlers about their fears and pain.

Your generosity has allowed LCC to serve the families in Newtown. Your continued support enables us to continue to serve in Newtown and beyond.

Please continue to keep in your prayers the families and victims from the shootings.

How you can help:

Keep everyone in Newtown, Connecticut in your prayers
Keep Christ the King Lutheran Church in your prayers
Please consider financially supporting this trip and mission to the families affected - click here to donate

View photos from the K-9 Team
Follow us on Facebook The K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry has been featured in several news pieces during their visit to Newtown, Connecticut. Click here for other stories in the news.

Last Updated on Wednesday, 26 December 2012 14:58

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs arrive Saturday night at Christ the King, Newtown Connecticut

LCC Comfort dogs and handlers (click here for the list of K-9s currently in Newtown) arrived safely in Newtown late Saturday evening. Upon arrival they went to Christ the King and met with Pastor Robert Morris (pictured).

They will be with the congregation this morning and will then head into town. The Comfort Dogs and handlers will be at Newtown High School this evening for a gathering that President Obama will be attending.

Please continue to keep in your prayers the families and victims from the shootings.

How you can help:

Keep everyone in Newtown, Connecticut in your prayers
Keep Christ the King Lutheran Church in your prayers
Please consider financially supporting this trip and mission to the families affected - click here to donate

View photos from the K-9 Team
Follow us on Facebook

Last Updated on Tuesday, 18 December 2012 12:51

K-9 Comfort Team Leaves for Newtown, Connecticut

Updated: LCC has received news that a first grade girl who attended Sunday School at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Newton, Connecticut lost her life along with 26 other children and adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Another first grade boy, grandson of former Christ the King Pastor Greg Wismar, was also at Sandy Hook but was not injured. Our prayers go out to all the families and friends of this tragedy. Pastor Morris of Christ the King has been with the family and District President Yeadon is onsite.

LCC President Tim Hetzner, along with Tim Kurth, Dona Martin and Lynn Buhrke, departed at 6 am this morning for Newton, Connecticut with K9 Comfort Dogs Ruthie, Luther, and Chewie. Their first stop will be Christ the King Lutheran Church in Newton. The team will work in cooperation with Rev Robert Morris and Christ the King Lutheran Church to bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus to all those who have been traumatized by this horrific event at the Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Joining the LCC staff team in Connecticut are Pastor Tim Engel and Dan & Karen Fulkerson with K-9 Comfort Dogs Barney and Prince from Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Portage, Indiana. Laney and Marcy Brooks are also on their way to Newtown, along with Barb Granado, Sharon Flaherty, and K-9s Hannah and Maggie. Toni Bazon and K-9 Shami from St. John Darien will arrive in Newtown on Sunday evening.

How you can help:

Keep everyone in Newtown, Connecticut in your prayers
Keep Christ the King Lutheran Church in your prayers
Please consider financially supporting this trip and mission to the families affected - click here to donate

View photos from the K-9 Team
Follow us on Facebook

Last Updated on Sunday, 16 December 2012 11:51

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