The LCC Comfort Dog Ministry was honored to respond to a call to be present at the funeral service for 17-month-old Elsey Mae Howland, offering quiet comfort, steady presence, and unconditional love to a family and community walking through profound grief. Through stillness, companionship, and shared remembrance, the dogs helped create moments of peace in a service grounded in faith and love.

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Glory (Christ Lincoln - Lincoln, NE) and Phinehas (Trinity - Fremont, NE) attended the service together, each serving in a distinct yet deeply meaningful way. From the moment they arrived, their calm presence brought reassurance to an emotionally heavy setting and reminded those gathered that they were not alone.

Phinehas remained with the family throughout the funeral service, seeming to understand the importance of staying close. He stayed remarkably calm and attentive, offering quiet reassurance simply by being present. When Elsey's sister Everlee came over briefly during the service, Phinehas gently acknowledged her, meeting her where she was in that moment. A couple seated nearby also found comfort as Phinehas curled near their feet, extending his peaceful presence to others in need.

Glory sat quietly toward the back of the sanctuary, offering comfort to anyone who sought it during the service. Her steady presence provided a place of rest and reassurance during moments of deep emotion.
Elsey’s dad, Brandon, is a police officer, and the law enforcement community showed up with powerful support. Many men and women attended the service in uniform, standing together in solidarity with the family. During two special songs, the sanctuary lights were dimmed, and officers turned on their guardian lights. Red, white, and blue filled the room as everyone joined in a dance party—celebrating Elsey Mae in a way that reflected her love for lights, music, and joy.

Music played a meaningful role in honoring Elsey’s life. The congregation sang: You Are My Sunshine, Jesus Loves Me, Jingle Bells, Joy in the Morning, and That’s Who I Praise (Celebration). These songs captured both the innocence of childhood and the hope found in faith, blending tears with smiles as Elsey’s life was remembered.

Those in attendance were deeply moved by the strength of Elsey’s parents. Their willingness to stand and speak was a powerful testament to their faith and courage in the midst of unimaginable loss. It served as a gentle reminder that there are no perfect words and no clear answers to the “why.” In moments like these, all that can be done is to hold tightly to faith and to surround the family with steady, loving support.

This service carried immense emotion—some openly expressed and others quietly held. Team members who attended the visitation felt the weight of the moment and the challenge of remaining composed while serving others. That burden was eased by how beautifully the service honored Elsey and by the family’s strong, visible faith. There was a deep sense of peace in knowing that Elsey is safely held in the arms of Jesus.

As we remember Elsey, the words of A.A. Milne echo gently:
“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”

Elsey’s life, though brief, was a celebration of love, joy, and enthusiasm. Her vibrant spirit continues to live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who were touched by her light. The LCC Comfort Dog teams Glory and Phinehas were honored to be part of a service that so beautifully reflected faith, hope, and love.

“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.”
—Isaiah 40:1

On Wednesday, January 14, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams traveled to Riverdahl Elementary School in Rockford, IL, offering comfort and reassurance to students and staff during a difficult time for the school community following the loss of a fifth-grade student.

Despite snowy weather and challenging travel conditions, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Abednego (Immanuel - Crystal Lake, IL), Bethesda (St. Matthew - Hawthorn Woods, IL), Eunice (LCC Staff), and Samson (Zion - Marengo, IL), and their compassionate handlers made the journey determined to be present and offer support. 

Throughout the visit, the teams spent time in several classrooms filled with fourth- and fifth-grade students, as well as with faculty and staff. The impact was immediate and deeply meaningful. One handler shared how they witnessed visible transformations: sad, tearful faces slowly turning into bright smiles as the comfort dogs made their way through the rooms. One moment stood out in particular—a young boy who was clearly crying when the team entered his classroom was smiling by the time they left. Moments like these reflected the love of Christ shining through the comfort dogs and their handlers.

The visit proved to be significant not only for the children, but also for the teachers and staff. While the students enjoyed the gentle presence of the comfort dogs, many adults expressed just how much they themselves needed consolation. One staff member noted that even if the changes in students weren’t always immediately visible, the visit still helped tremendously. For many children, death is not yet fully understood, and the confusion and emotional weight surrounding recent events had been frightening. The calm, loving presence of the comfort dogs offered relief, stability, and a sense of safety.

The library became a special gathering place during the four-hour visit, with some students stopping by three or four times just to spend a few more moments with the comfort dogs. These repeat visits spoke volumes about how much comfort the children found simply by sitting with them.

Abednego demonstrated his remarkable sensitivity, instinctively recognizing those who needed extra attention. He made a point to connect with staff members, ensuring they felt seen, supported, and deeply loved.

This visit to Riverdahl Elementary was a powerful reminder of the healing presence that comfort dogs can provide. Through gentle companionship, quiet moments, and unconditional love, Abednego, Bethesda, Eunice, and Samson, and  helped bring peace, hope, and a touch of sweetness to a day when it was greatly needed.

Few people impact a community the way Brookwood Elementary School Principal Luke Braden did.

First, as a physical education teacher at Brookwood Middle School in Genoa City. Then at neighboring Wilmot Union High School as varsity volleyball coach. Then as associate principal. Next came a return to Genoa City as the principal of Brookwood Elementary, where he served since 2017.

His family has lived in the community for more than 20 years, where their four children now attend Badger High School and Brookwood Middle School. 

So when Principal Braden passed away from a battle with cancer, the community was overcome with grief. “The weight of his death has been heavy on us all,” one colleague explained.

In response, LCC organized emergency site visits to all three Genoa City schools this week. All three were impacted — Brookwood Elementary where Principal Braden taught, Brookwood Middle where his youngest son attends, and Badger High School where his oldest three children go.

In all, twelve LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Teams from Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin arrived to be a comforting, peaceful presence over two days as students, teachers, and school workers needed moments to mourn, grieve, and rest in quiet stillness. As LCC handlers and ministry partners interacted with them, it became clear that the heaviness of Principal Braden’s passing wasn’t the only emotional need. 

On Monday and Tuesday, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Bethesda (St. Matthew Hawthorn Woods, IL), Gethsemane (Lord of Glory Grayslake, IL), Michael (LCC Staff), Shadrach (Prince of Peace Palatine, IL), and Tobias (Lord of Glory Grayslake, IL) visited Brookwood Elementary where Luke Braden was principal.

Principal Braden’s habit of sharing dad jokes was on the mind of staff members. One shared how much she’ll miss hearing them during morning announcements. “She gave him a calendar of dad jokes for Christmas and was overcome with grief when thinking that he didn’t make it through that calendar,” a handler for Gethsemane shared.

Another staff member recalled that Principal Braden once dressed as Elf on the Shelf and sat upon the school roof to wave at students. “He loved the students that much and fully embraced his role as an elementary school principal,” she said.

“I personally was overwhelmed by the number of people who approached with a smile on their face but quickly began crying when they hugged Gethsemane,” her handler recalled. “A couple of teachers continued to come back to her throughout the day. I think the dogs had a profound impact on a community grieving the loss of a treasured man.”

A handler for Bethesda agreed. “I felt for all the students that were obviously very upset about Mr. Braden’s passing, but it felt so much better watching them be transformed during the interaction and leaving with smiles on their faces!”

Comfort Dog handlers at Brookwood Middle School observed the same.

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Eunice (LCC Staff), Grace (LCC Staff), Jael (Trinity Hobart, IN), and Samson (Zion Marengo, IL) brought their wagging tails and soft fur on Monday, while Charity (Brookfield Brookfield, WI) and Mary (St. Paul Janesville, WI) came to the school on Tuesday.

They found a campus community who loved Mr. Braden when he was their principal years earlier and was a father to one of their own. The Bradens youngest child attends Brookwood Middle. 

“[Mr. Braden] was a special man!” one of Samson’s handlers said. “The middle school staff and 6th graders especially held him in very high regard. We were honored to be there to support them.”
On its Facebook page, Genoa City Schools recognized that the four-legged visitors had arranged the visits on “very short notice” and “their gentle interactions provided moments of peace, reassurance, and connection — often when words were difficult to find.”

At Badger High School, where the three oldest Braden children attend, it was finals week, and the weight of Mr. Braden’s passing was heavy.

But the presence of LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Charity (Brookfield Brookfield, WI), Mary (St. Paul Janesville, WI), and Samaria (Shepherd of the Hills Greenville, WI) was a welcome relief, even fueling emotions that had been pent up.

“Even though we were there for [Principal Braden] who had passed, we met a boy who broke down for other reasons,” one of Mary’s handlers shared. “He had spent time with the counselor. I think Mary helped him open up and grieve. Kids have such a heavy burden when those who are supposed to love them are not there.”

Allison Braden bonded with Samaria, her handler said. “Samaria would put her head on the girl’s shoulder. When she was touching Samaria on each side below her ears, they just stared at each other. [Samaria] has an awesome awareness of need.”

On Facebook, Badger High School expressed its thanks, acknowledging the comforting presence during a time of crisis, loss, and stress.

Luke Braden was a Badger through and through. Growing up in Genoa City, WI, he graduated Badger High School before attending University of Wisconsin-Madison as a Wisconsin Badger. His education career began back in Genoa City as a physical education teacher at Brookwood Middle School before he moved over to neighboring Wilmot Union High School, where he served as varsity volleyball coach and associate principal. During this time, he earned a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from Aurora University. Mr. Braden also earned licenses in School Administration and Director of Curriculum and Instruction. Since 2017, he had led Brookwood Elementary as principal.

A year ago, the Eaton Fire tore through Southern California, leaving behind charred homes, fractured neighborhoods, and lives forever changed. For the families who survived, the rebuilding has been slow—and the scars, both seen and unseen, remain. But amid the hardship, one constant has endured: LCC and our K-9 Comfort Dog teams are still here, walking alongside the people of these communities.

Meeting People Where They Are
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Isaac (Redeemer - Spokane Valley, WA), Rahab (St. Andrews - Stockton, CA), and Zechariah (First Good Shepherd - Las Vegas, NV) spent the week visiting survivors and first responders, offering quiet comfort and gentle presence. At a luncheon in Altadena, families gathered, most having lost everything. Only one family had returned to their home; the others are still waiting, still hoping, still grieving.

Julie, one of the handlers, knelt beside a mother who sat quietly with Isaac. For a moment, she could let down her guard. Tears welled up as the weight of isolation and loss settled in. “It’s nice to just sit here and feel safe,” the mother whispered. “To be able to cry without holding it all in.”
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Rev. Chris Singer, LCC President/CEO, spoke to the group, sharing his own experiences with loss after a hurricane. Survivors nodded, some wiping tears, finding solace in the understanding of someone who had walked a similar path. “Walking alongside fire survivors is holy ground,” Rev. Singer said. “Their stories carry grief, courage, and hope all at once—and it is a privilege to listen and remind them they are seen, heard, and deeply loved.”

Comfort for Those Who Carry Others’ Burdens
The dogs also visited the people who witness tragedy daily. At the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office, staff paused to pet the dogs, to breathe, to feel a moment of relief. One pathologist had already performed seven autopsies just two hours into his shift. A staff member who had lost her home, moved five times, and welcomed twins in the chaos, said quietly, “It’s just… nice to have this moment. To feel a little peace.”

At Monterey Park Police Department, officers greeted the dogs with familiar smiles. Some remembered the teams from past visits. “It’s like reconnecting with a friend,” one officer said. “Even for a few minutes, it makes a difference.”
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In Alhambra, the team honored the memory of Officer Alec Sanders, killed in the line of duty. Colleagues shared stories and memories while petting the dogs, visibly moved. One officer said, “You don’t just show up and leave—you stay. You care. And that means everything.”

Redemption, Presence, and Healing
​One word to describe this deployment: Redemption.
Those we visited felt redeemed as people, not logged and forgotten victims or statistics. Blessed. Blessed to be able to drop what we are doing and go. Surrender—trust in the Lord and it will happen.

Throughout the deployment, this sense of redemption echoed in every interaction. Survivors and first responders were reminded that they are more than statistics. They are human beings whose pain, hope, and courage are seen and valued. As one survivor put it:

“People show up when something happens, bring some help, and go away. You guys show up, spend time with us, and you stay in touch. You come back and check in on us.”

A Year Later, We’re Still Here
A year after the Eaton Fire, LCC’s presence continues. Through quiet moments with the dogs, shared prayers, and open hearts, families and first responders are reminded that they are not alone.

Showing up—again and again—matters. It comforts. It heals. It tells people, in ways words alone cannot, that they are seen, heard, and deeply loved.

Because even a year later, LCC is still standing with Southern California. Still showing up. Still walking alongside those who need it most.

Handler and caregiver Dan Cinquegrana believed in the power and impact of the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry. After his wife Linda trained to be Top Dog for K-9 Comfort Dog Lily (Good Shepherd, Old Bridge, NJ), Dan himself went through training so he could walk alongside her in this ministry of care and comfort.

At Christmastime a few weeks ago, the Cinquegrana family received that same compassionate warmth after Dan passed away.

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Abraham & Beloved (Trinity, Hicksville, NY), Amos (Our Savior’s Way, Ashburn, VA), and Kezia (Emmanuel, Baltimore, MD) and their teams were honored to attend Dan’s wake, where they met old friend Lily.

The comfort dogs offered a quiet, peaceful presence for the Cinquegrana family and friends during the time of mourning, sharing the compassion and steady love that Dan knew so well. 

Dan served with the United States National Guard (1992-1996) and later used his military experience as a Kare 9 handler for Lily. 

His dedication to Lily and to LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry reflected his servant heart and deep faith, family members remembered. With Lily, Dan brought Christ-centered comfort to countless individuals facing grief, crisis, and uncertainty. His legacy lives on in every life touched through that ministry, they said.

Dan attended training and became a handler and caregiver in 2018, a few years after Linda began serving as Top Dog for Lily at Good Shepherd. Together, with their hearts for people, they pioneered the early years of K-9 Comfort Dog ministry work on the East Coast.

Lily’s presence at the wake was especially meaningful, honoring the bond she shared with Dan and the love he so faithfully gave. Lily is now 12 years old.

Alongside her, Abraham, Amos, Beloved, and Kezia stood as a reminder that no one walks through grief alone.

One year after the tragic accident that claimed the life of five-year-old Finn Katona, the halls of Lannon Elementary School in Lannon, WI, carried both the weight of remembrance and the quiet strength of a community that continues to heal together.

On the first anniversary of Finn’s death, Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry returned to Lannon Elementary with a simple but powerful purpose: to be present.

There was no agenda to fix what cannot be fixed, no attempt to rush grief or force words where none are needed. Instead, four Comfort Dog teams, Charity (Brookfield - Brookfield, WI), Hagar (Faith - Appleton, WI), Mary (St. Paul's Janesville, WI), and Tobias (Lord of Glory - Grayslake, IL), came to simply exist in the space alongside those who were still carrying loss. Their calm presence created room for reflection, connection, and compassion as staff and approximately 40 students affected by the tragedy marked the difficult milestone together.

Strengthening a Resilient Community
The Comfort Dog teams were thoughtfully divided between two familiar spaces: the counselors’ office and the large staff lounge. These were places where staff could step away, take a breath, and be supported, and where students could interact gently with the dogs in a setting that felt safe and familiar. Principal Brian Balfany, whose deep care for both staff and students is evident throughout the school, served as the ministry’s point of contact and welcomed the teams back with gratitude.

One handler reflected on how clearly God was already at work within the Lannon community:
“Our ministry of presence has opened my eyes to how our God of Comfort ‘shows up’ constantly and continuously to heal His hurting and grieving people. He clearly is at work through the staff, students, and families of the Lannon school community. He is using their love and care for each other, creating a resilient, close community. Our presence helps strengthen their community, reminding them that God and His church sees and values them.”

Healing Happens in the Small Moments
Throughout the visit, healing revealed itself in quiet, meaningful interactions. In the guidance office, students sat with Charity and Hagar, reading books aloud as the dogs listened attentively. The guidance counselor, who clearly loves the Comfort Dogs, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the visit and the peace it brought to her students.

Another handler shared:
“This school is so close knit. It is very clear that the principal really cares about his staff and the students.”

For some students, the return of the Comfort Dogs felt like reconnecting with old friends. Tobias was remembered fondly from the previous year. One child excitedly shared how much he had missed Tobias, while another bonded instantly over a shared love of football—good-natured jokes about wearing a Bears jersey in Wisconsin led to laughter, connection, and wide-eyed amazement when the child learned the team had traveled all the way from Illinois, near Six Flags, just to be there.

Principal Balfany summed it up simply and powerfully:
“There was power in your presence last year, and it brought some positivity to the tragedy.”

God at Work Through Presence
Handlers are often reminded that Comfort Dog Ministry touches not only those they serve, but also those who serve alongside the dogs.

“I am always amazed at how God uses the Comfort Dog Ministry,” one handler shared. “He always puts us with the people He sees that need us. He also ministers to the handlers and ministry partners, helping us grow in our faith and flexibility. Watching and absorbing the love, gentleness, and compassion staff and students have for the Comfort Dogs is so heartwarming, and the conversations are very rich.”

On a day marked by grief and remembrance, Charity, Hagar, Mary, and Tobias offered something sacred—steady presence, unconditional love, and a reminder that no one walks through sorrow alone.
​
As Lannon Elementary continues to honor Finn’s memory, the strength of its community shines through. Through the simple act of showing up, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry once again bore witness to God’s comfort at work—quietly, gently, and faithfully—right where it was needed most.

LCC Cares Ministry recently received a request to send a Care Team to support the staff and residents of Transformation Village in Asheville, North Carolina. Last year, the state was severely impacted by Hurricane Helene, prompting Lutheran Church Charities to deploy Lutheran Early Response Teams (LERT), Care Teams, and K-9 Comfort Dog teams to walk alongside communities during a time of crisis. During that deployment, team members spent time with residents at Transformation Village, a transitional living community serving unhoused women and children.

Today, the staff and residents continue to navigate the long-term effects of flooding, challenging life circumstances that have led to homelessness, and the grief surrounding the loss of a former resident. Over the weekend, an LCC Care Team returned to be present with them, as well as with the staff and residents of Safe Haven, the on-campus emergency shelter that serves as a pathway into Transformation Village.

The Care Team included Parish Nurse Heidi Thin (Faith Lutheran Church – Sussex, WI), Dawn Werner (Holy Cross Lutheran Church – Collinsville, IL), Sue Beck (Hearts of Mercy & Compassion team member from Brookfield Lutheran Church – Brookfield, WI), and Jessica Ganzen (Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry Coordinator for the HMC Team at Faith Lutheran Church in Appleton, WI).

Through the use of Spiritual First Aid, the team created safe and compassionate spaces where staff and residents could share their stories, process their experiences, and receive caring support, prayer, and scripture to offer encouragement as they continue their journey toward healing. Three Hearts of Mercy & Compassion were presented during the visit: the first heart was given to Transformation Village, the second heart was given to Wendy, a staff member who is grieving the recent loss of her mother, and the third heart was given to the staff at Safe Haven, the on-campus emergency shelter for Transformation Village.
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Reflecting on the visit, Jessica said, “God sure is on the move in this place.” Sue Beck, an HMC team member from Brookfield Lutheran Church in Wisconsin, also shared how grateful she was to serve and how blessed she was by the experience.

In 136 years, it had only rained 10 times at the Tournament of Roses Parade, and not in the last two decades. But on January 1 as the floats were lined up in the dark hours of the morning, the skies opened.

What followed as daylight dawned could only be described as a steady downpour.

But wrapped in a plastic poncho, Lutheran Church Charities President/CEO Rev. Chris Singer was onboard — as an invited float rider on the Lutheran Hour Ministries parade entry and with the elements.

“We’re getting ready to go down [the route] and wave to everybody,” an upbeat Singer said on a Facebook Live stream as the parade began. “We’re so thankful for Lutheran Hour Ministries and the opportunity to be here with Lutheran Church Charities. What a blessing it’s going to be — even though it’s raining. … Lo and behold, I’m in it! I’m in the middle of history!”

LHM’s float committee invited Singer to ride with its CEO Kurt Buchholz for the 2026 event, which marked LHN’s 75th appearance in the parade.

The float, made of small flowers and dried plant material, was themed “Bringing Christ to the Nations.” It featured a Team Jesus blimp flying over the world and coming forth from the church as Jesus celebrates with 12 modern-day disciples with the message “ALL WELCOME.”

What a beautiful witness to the Gospel and the mission of sharing Christ’s love with the world! Millions tuned in to watch the broadcast of the 5.5-mile parade down Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, CA.

“We give thanks for this opportunity to proclaim God’s love on such a grand stage,” Singer said. “May this moment encourage hearts, strengthen faith, and remind us all that we are called to shine His light wherever He places us.”

This years’ float was designed and built over the course of several months, from the initial design to the scaffolding to the finished product.  More than 4,000 volunteer “Petal Pushers” decorated not only the Lutheran Hour float, but many of the floats that will be featured in the parade.

On its website, Lutheran Hour Ministries stated: “Team Jesus serves as a reminder that it takes all to fulfill the callings Christ has place upon us to do the work of bringing Christ and His redeeming love to the world. LHM invites you to meet or meet anew the source of hope and joy that cannot be taken away. Come, see, hear, and experience the goodness of Jesus Christ.”

The halls of Clinton Rosette Middle School felt different.

In DeKalb, Illinois, a community was trying to find its footing after the heartbreaking loss of one of its own—13-year-old Jayden Wesley Blumenberg. Lockers still lined the corridors, bells still rang, classes still met. But beneath the routine, there was a quiet heaviness shared by students, teachers, and staff who were grieving a young life taken far too soon.

Jayden was many things to many people. A son. A brother. A friend. A teammate. He loved fishing and basketball, and from 2023 to 2025, he proudly wore his Clinton Rosette Middle School jersey, growing stronger and more confident with every season. Those who loved him remember his joy, his laughter, and the way he cherished time with his friends. His absence left a space that words alone could not fill.
So alongside counselors and school staff, a different kind of support arrived—one that didn’t require conversation, explanations, or answers.

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs came quietly into the school, padding softly through the halls, ready to offer comfort simply by being present. Tobias and Gethsemane from Lord of Glory in Grayslake, IL, Mary and Rejoice from St. Paul's in Janesville, WI, Abednego from Immanuel in Crystal Lake, IL, Samson from Zion in Marengo, IL, Shadrach from Prince of Peace in Palatine, IL, Julia from King of Glory in Elgin, IL, and Eunice, LCC staff dog. Each came with a handler, but it was the dogs who did what they do best—meeting grief where it lives.

In the media center, one of Jayden’s friends sat quietly, not searching for words or conversation. He simply needed space. Rejoice noticed him before anyone else did. With gentle certainty, she rested her head in his lap. He stroked her fur in silence, the weight of his grief easing just enough to breathe. Later, when he saw Rejoice again in the hallway, recognition flickered across his face. He stopped, petted her once more, and lingered a moment longer. He wasn’t ready to talk—but he wasn’t alone.

Down another hallway, during a break between classes, Gethsemane sat patiently as a teacher approached and sank down onto the floor beside her. Without hesitation, Gethsemane stood and placed her head on the teacher’s shoulder. Tears came freely then. “That hug was just what I needed today,” the teacher said. Gethsemane leaned in closer, offering warmth and weight, until the teacher managed a soft laugh, joking that the dog was trying to crawl right into her skin. For a moment, grief loosened its grip.

Shadrach followed Jayden’s class schedule, stepping into classrooms that felt especially heavy. In Spanish class, a boy struggled to hold himself together, tears falling despite his efforts. He didn’t want to talk yet. He didn’t have to. He let Shadrach climb gently into his lap, and as he wrapped his arms around the dog, his breathing slowed. “Jayden and I were close,” he shared quietly. The words came when he was ready.