Always Ready to Respond: LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs at Sola Salon Studios, Mt. Pleasant, WI

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
— Psalm 34:18

When sudden tragedy strikes, the weight of grief can feel unbearable. There are no easy words to fill the silence—only the promise that we do not walk through sorrow alone. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry exists to bring that reminder of God’s presence and peace, simply by showing up, listening, praying, and offering comfort through the gentle touch of a dog.

Responding When Tragedy Strikes: What is an Emergency Site Visit (ESV)?

When a crisis or tragedy occurs, an Emergency Site Visit (ESV) allows our Comfort Dog teams to respond quickly—often within hours or days—to bring emotional and spiritual support to those affected. These visits are coordinated with local churches, community leaders, or workplaces to offer care and presence when words are not enough. Our mission is simple but powerful: to bring the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.

A Call for Comfort in Mt. Pleasant, Wisconsin

Last week, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Mary and Rejoice responded to an ESV at Sola Salon Studios in Mt. Pleasant, WI, where a community was mourning the sudden loss of one of their own.

On Thursday, a beloved stylist collapsed suddenly at work due to a brain aneurysm. Despite immediate efforts by those nearby—including one co-worker who courageously performed CPR—she passed away on Saturday. The tragedy deeply shook the entire Sola Salon community of 38 independent stylists and salon professionals.

Our Comfort Dogs were invited to visit the salon to bring comfort, love, and calm to those grieving and processing what had happened.

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Comfort in the Midst of Grief

The visit revealed a community both deeply connected and hurting. The salon’s landlord, Christina, knew every tenant personally—their families, pets, and stories. She wanted each one to receive a moment of peace after such a traumatic loss. As Mary and Rejoice made their way through the circular hall of studios, Christina introduced them to stylists, nail technicians, and barbers—each processing the loss in their own way.

One stylist, Paul, had been the first to respond when his colleague collapsed. It was a particularly heavy burden for him—he had lost his wife exactly one year earlier on that same day. Though he kept busy with work and told others he was “okay,” the Comfort Dogs’ gentle presence brought a much-needed moment of relief and a small smile amid his pain.

Another new tenant, whose father is a pastor working just a few doors down, shared that she had been holding back tears all morning. When Rejoice leaned into her, she quietly stroked the dog’s soft fur and finally allowed herself a moment to rest and breathe.

Even Christina, who had once served as a 911 dispatcher and had experienced tragedy many times before, admitted how much she needed that visit too. “Death is never easy,” she said, “but it can feel even more overwhelming when it’s so unexpected.”

God’s Presence in Every Moment

It was clear that this was not just a visit—it was a sacred encounter. God weaved people and moments together for a purpose far greater than any of us could see. The Comfort Dogs’ calm presence opened hearts, softened sorrow, and reminded everyone that God is near.

Please keep the Sola Salon Studios community, Christina, and especially Paul, in your prayers. May they find God’s peace, comfort, and hope in the days ahead.

The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their handlers stand ready—always prepared to respond when tragedy strikes—to bring the light of Christ into the darkest places.

To learn more, or to request an ESV for your community, visit lutheranchurchcharities.org/k-9-comfort-dogs-about.html