At the request of his VA physician, LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Brutus and veteran handler Gene (LCC Squad) visited a veteran in his home. They learned that veteran James had trained Samoyeds as therapy dogs before experiencing his health issues. The visit was a joy for veteran James and his wife MaryBeth and Brutus enjoyed it also.

Despite threats of inclement weather, LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dogs Brandy, Flex, Reba, and Brutus (LCC Squad) were on duty at the Daily Herald Cruise Night last Wednesday. The turnout of classic cars was less than usual, the owners of these beauties are reluctant to bring them out even if there is a hint of rain. Nevertheless, the Kare 9s brought comfort and compassion to those attending. By the way, the Kare 9 handlers celebrated the 57th Wedding Anniversary of Kare 9 Handlers Marvin and Yoshiko Hanks.

Two weeks ago, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Gideon (St. Michael’s – Bloomington, Minnesota) met a police officer and his K-9 partner at National Night Out. Thank you to all police officers for all you do to protect and serve

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Tobias (Lord of Glory – Grayslake, Illinois) and Tara (LCC staff) joined in a discussion of pain management at Covenant Village in Northbrook, Illinois. They contributed to the discussion of pain in the heart, which can be very real. Those big brown eyes help to ease this type of pain. Petting a dog is proven to lower blood pressure and help our hearts to feel less troubled

Last week, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Martha (Bethany – Austin, Texas) brought comfort to the children and families in the 425th Judicial Court in Georgetown, TX. She also met a judge

Earlier in August, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Bethany (Trinity Lutheran – Danville, Illinois) met with the staff of the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Child Victims of Abuse and Neglect) office. They are going to work together to comfort as many of their child clients as they can.

May God bless their time together and may they bring the comfort these children so desperately need

Start your day with a free devotion from Tim Hetzner, President/CEO of Lutheran Church Charities. A new five-part devotional series "Confessions of a Secret Sinner" begins next Monday, August 20.

Last week was the training for one of LCC K-9 Ministries newest teams. The handlers and caregivers from Messiah Lutheran Church in Plano, Texas, traveled to Illinois to meet their LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Triton and to be trained as handlers.

The team began the first day of training as teammates and friends, and returned home as family. They spent many hours learning the handling skills needed to work with Triton Comfort Dog and about the mission of showing the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering and in need.

Back in May, LCC put out a need to fix a drainage problems we were having with our K-9 Agility Training area. Water was collecting in the center of the training area and we had happy, muddy dogs and unhappy trainers. You answered the call and the funds were raised to buy the dirt and sod. In order to do the work, we needed 4 consecutive days without rain. That took another 8 weeks but finally, in the middle of July, we were dry enough to get the work done! We now have happy trainers as well as happy (and clean) dogs!!!

A Huge Thank - You to our generous donors and to Steve Chester (B&C Auto Body) and Chris Thompson (Thompson and Son Excavating) who volunteered their time and equipment to literally move tons of dirt! You are all such a blessing to the LCC K-9 Ministry