|
“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” — Hebrews 6:19  When a School Hurts, Love Shows Up The halls of Crete High School in Crete, NE, felt different when the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams arrived. Not loud. Not rushed. Just heavy. Crete is a close-knit place—771 students, about 50 staff—and when the community lost one of its own, a junior named Tommy, the loss rippled through every classroom, every hallway, every heart. Tommy had grown up here. He was known, involved, loved. For many students, this was the first time they had ever experienced the death of someone their own age. So we came quietly. Gently. Seven comfort dogs. Seven handlers. One shared calling—to step into the ache and sit with it. “You Could Feel the Difference” The handler for Phinehas Comfort Dog (Trinity - Fremont, NE) put it simply—and beautifully: “Each team did an amazing job engaging with both students and faculty, reflecting compassion and grace in every interaction. Jay and Michael (school crisis counselors) could not get over how well both the dogs and handlers are trained, and how beautifully we all work together. They truly love this ministry and the way it reaches hearts.” It showed. Students didn’t just come once. They came back. Again and again. Faculty slipped in between classes. Hearts that were tight slowly softened. “We know we made a difference today as we watched many students and faculty return multiple times to spend time with the dogs, allowing their hearts to calm and find comfort from what was troubling them.” This wasn’t about fixing grief. It was about sitting with it—and letting Jesus do what only He can do. Faith, Spoken and Worn Boldly One moment stood out for Eden Comfort Dog's (Peace - Columbus, NE) handler, shared through Michael, school crisis counselor: “Students have been openly sharing their faith through all of this.” Verses were printed on hoodies and shirts. Students talked freely about what those verses meant to them—why they mattered now. In the middle of heartbreak, faith wasn’t hidden. It was alive. Visible. Shared. Small Moments, Eternal Impact For Joanna Comfort Dog's (Christ Lincoln - Lincoln, NE) handler, the kindness of the students left a deep impression: “After a very tough week, I was impressed with the kind, polite, and appreciative students. That says so much about the caring staff and teachers here.” One teacher stood quietly, tears streaming as she petted Joanna. Another shared stories of Tommy—how involved he was, how everyone seemed to know him because this is a small town where kids grow up together. Michael told us about a memorial the students organized themselves the Sunday before—by the school flagpoles. Two boys stood holding their Bibles as they led the gathering. They even prayed for the staff and faculty who would be walking with students through the days ahead. That kind of maturity. That kind of compassion. It stops you in your tracks. A Boy, Seven Cards, and the Word of God Later, a student lingered with Joanna, studying her card and the Bible verse printed on it. After hearing what it meant, he left—only to return. He sat down again, proudly holding all seven dogs’ cards. Together, they read verses. Looked up meanings. Shared Scripture. He didn’t want the moment to end. He even asked if he could take Joanna home with him. Sometimes ministry looks exactly like that—Scripture in small hands, hope spoken softly, a dog’s head resting on a knee. “She Helped Her Smile Again” One of the most tender moments came when an interpreter brought a small group of students to meet Joanna and Glory Comfort Dogs (Christ Lincoln - Lincoln, NE). One girl was encouraged to sit so Joanna could climb into her lap. She hugged Joanna tightly. Afterward, the interpreter quietly shared that the girl had been deeply depressed that morning—but that moment had changed something. “I told her that helping people smile is Joanna’s specialty.” In that chair, in that hug, Jesus was unmistakably present—His arms wrapped around a hurting heart, offering comfort without words. Remembering Tommy As Nicodemus Comfort Dog's (The Rock - Seward, NE) handler reflected, the shock had begun to fade—but the reality had settled in. A group of juniors stood nearby. When asked if Tommy had been their friend, they nodded. They had grown up together. Tommy was the jokester—the one who made everyone laugh. When asked for a favorite memory, they answered in unison: “Third grade.” And then they laughed together. Teachers, counselors, paraprofessionals—everyone leaned in with care. Even the principal made sure Nicodemus paid him a visit, not wanting to miss out on what he called a gift to his school. Students returned repeatedly. One even used a hall pass just to sit privately with the dogs. The dog cards became treasures—students collecting all seven, talking about the biblical names, the verses, the meaning behind each one. The Word was planted everywhere. Anchored, Together We left Crete High School knowing this: Light had met darkness—and darkness did not win. Through seven dogs, faithful handlers, courageous counselors, and a community willing to grieve together, Jesus showed up. Quietly. Powerfully. Hope held. Hearts softened. And love did exactly what it was sent to do. A Life That Still Speaks Tommy Doan, 18, passed away on January 30. Born in Vietnam and raised in Crete from the time he was one, Tommy lived fully. He worked hard, made honor roll every semester, and poured himself into music, sports, friendships, and family. He played drums, piano, guitar. He traveled with joy and energy. He loved the Huskers. He loved life. He had an easy smile and a way of bringing people together. Though his time here was far too short, the love and joy he gave remain—and always will. The Teams Who Answered the Call
Our point of contact was Jay Quinn, School Counselor, alongside Michael, a Licensed Mental Health Practitioner in Student Services. Both watched closely as love unfolded on four paws. Comments are closed.
|
Categories
All
Archives
March 2026
|
RSS Feed
Location |
|