Answering the Call: Bringing God’s Comfort to a Grieving School

Corvallis, Oregon — LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Isaac (Redeemer - Spokane Valley, Washington), along with his handlers and ministry partners, responded to an Emergency Site Visit (ESV) at Zion Lutheran School following a heartbreaking tragedy.

Beloved kindergarten teacher Caroline Moses lost her life on Sunday, October 19, after being swept out to sea by a sneaker wave off the Oregon coast. As teachers, students, and staff returned to school on Wednesday, Isaac was there to greet them—offering calm, warmth, and comfort in the midst of deep sorrow.

Isaac and his team met with teachers during their staff meeting and attended the school’s chapel service. Caroline’s family—her husband, his parents, and their two sons—also joined the service and spent meaningful time with Isaac afterward. Caroline’s boys, who both attend Zion Lutheran, were each given an Isaac Stuffie and spent time hugging Isaac and sharing their hearts with the team.

Later, Isaac visited the classrooms of Caroline’s sons as well as the kindergarten class she had lovingly taught. Teachers spoke about the pain of losing a friend and colleague, finding quiet comfort in Isaac’s gentle presence.

Team Isaac shared, “We could really see God at work through Isaac, especially as the family spent time with us and expressed their grief. It was a blessing to witness how God used Isaac to provide a safe and peaceful space for the family and school community to share their sorrow and receive the unique comfort that only a comfort dog can offer. Many told us they couldn’t believe we had traveled so far just for them—giving us the opportunity to share that our church and ministry teams, the family of God, were praying for them and lifting them up in their sadness.”

Please continue to keep Zion Lutheran School, Caroline’s family, and the entire Corvallis community in your prayers as they walk together through this season of loss and healing.

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