In early January, an arson fire tore through an apartment complex in Milwaukee, WI, destroying the homes of 150 residents, including scores of children, who lost belongings, memories, and a sense of safety.

Stepping in to bring comfort and help amid the quiet ache of recovery, an LCC Care Team from St. Paul’s Lutheran Grafton, WI, served at a Red Cross-hosted Multi-Agency Resource Center, where they met survivors and distributed prayer shawls, hygiene kits, quilts, devotional materials, and gift cards.

Equally important, they offered presence — praying with residents and listening to their stories of loss, fear, and exhaustion.

On Monday, an LCC Care Team returned for another Multi-Agency Resource Center event to help survivors further navigate the heavy, lingering aftermath: sleepless nights, overwhelming uncertainty, profound grief.

As they had done a month before, the LCC Care team listened with wide open hearts, offering a steady, calm presence in the midst of fear and loss.

Each interaction served to remind the residents that they were not forgotten or invisible, but God loves them, sees their hurts, and walks with them amid trauma and heartache.

Along with spiritual care and the warmth of hope and human kindness, the team shared tangible goods to help survivors get meals, attend to hygiene needs, and stay warm.

Even as the shadow from the fire’s destruction looms, the mercy and grace of Jesus shines as they take fragile steps toward healing, restoration, and the promise of a new beginning.

One mother the team met has a 5-year-old and 2-year-old, who are struggling to grasp what’s happened and how to cope. Both children are wrestling with sleeplessness and are anxious the fire could return.

The team listened with compassion. They gave her gift cards, quilts, prayer shawls, and hygiene kits for to address some immediate needs and guided her to specific resources in Milwaukee that could support her family.

Spiritual First Aid™ diagnoses felt needs — spiritual, emotional, physical — and connects a hurting person or family with assistance that can reduce the long-term impact of the trauma.

Moments like these matter. Not because they erase the loss, but because they bring the start of stability, dignity, and care when families need help the most.

Gifts to LCC’s Emergency Family Fund go dollar for dollar to help LCC respond quickly to families’ urgent needs.

In a crisis, LCC can move without delay to provide immediate assistance — gift cards, basic needs, transportation, follow-up care — before red tape slows the response.

When emergencies happen near holidays, the need feels even heavier. Children are watching. Parents are desperate to hold things together. The window to help is small.

Because donors had already given, we were ready.
That readiness turned chaos into compassion.
Loss into presence.
Fear into moments of peace.

In 2026

Emergencies don’t wait for the “right” moment. Fires, floods, violence, and sudden loss will come again. The question is whether we will be ready.

Your gift to the LCC Emergency Family Fund ensures that when the next family faces crisis—tomorrow, next week, or next Christmas—we can respond immediately with care, dignity, and the love of Christ.

Together, we can continue bringing good deeds when they matter most.

Thank you for your prayers, your generosity, and your partnership in caring for families in their most vulnerable moments.

LCC is deeply grateful for this Care Team’s willingness to serve and offer comfort to those in need, Bringing compassionate care this week were:

Bev & Mark Brueggemann - St. Paul Grafton
Nancy Kellett - St. Paul Grafton
Deb Hammen - Beautiful Savior Mequon
Polly Morrison - St. Paul Grafton
Mark Roeder - St. Paul Grafton

This past Friday, Gethsemane Comfort Dog from Lord of Glory, Grayslake, IL, made her way through the busy terminals of Chicago O’Hare International Airport with a very special purpose: to help a family with a child with special needs find the courage to fly again.

United Airlines had reached out to the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs to assist with a tender and meaningful situation. Bella (Isabella) and her family hadn’t traveled by plane in years following a deeply unpleasant experience. This journey held special significance, as it was part of Isabella’s 16th birthday celebration. To help her feel safe and prepared, her family spent a month intentionally practicing for the trip—reading a photo book each day that walked through every step of the airport experience so nothing would feel unfamiliar.

They hoped that having a Comfort Dog walk beside Isabella—especially through TSA—would ease her fears and bring a sense of calm before takeoff.

When travel day finally arrived, Gethsemane was ready.

Despite freezing cold weather, Gethsemane and her handlers arrived eager to serve. Almost immediately, her presence made an impact. As the team stepped into an elevator, Gethsemane gently pulled toward a woman nearby. The woman knelt down, wrapped her arms around her, and began to cry. “I miss my baby,” she whispered. It was the first reminder of the day of what Comfort Dogs do so beautifully—drawing people in and offering a safe moment to release what they’ve been carrying.

The team met United staff members Laurie and Linda, who were absolutely wonderful, and then met the special family—Bella, her brother Thomas, and their parents, Amber and Dad. The handlers introduced Gethsemane to the children and shared Comfort Dog stuffies, instantly creating smiles and easing nerves. Amber was a rockstar throughout it all—steady, encouraging, and incredibly prepared.

Together, they walked through security, with Gethsemane gently leading the way so Bella could follow with confidence. The elevator was especially hard, and Bella grew nervous, but Gethsemane stayed right by her side, offering a steady presence and a soft coat to pet—helping Bella regulate and breathe through the moment.

While waiting at the gate, the magic continued. An older woman in a wheelchair passed by twice, each time stopping because she wanted just a little more time with Gethsemane. Make-A-Wish families were also nearby, and one unforgettable moment stood out: a toddler, about two or three years old, who giggled, smiled, and wrapped Gethsemane in the biggest, purest hug. The joy on that child’s face lit up the entire space.

Gethsemane and her handlers were then invited into the airport operations and control room, which looked much like a 911 dispatch center. Staff members kept coming over—petting her, asking questions, and sharing stories. They truly couldn’t get enough of her calming presence.

They also visited the pilots’ and flight attendants’ lounge, where a woman who had just returned from maternity leave approached Gethsemane with tears in her eyes. She quietly shared her gratitude, explaining that Gethsemane helped her through the day in a way she deeply needed.

The visit came full circle when Gethsemane and her handlers walked Bella and her family all the way onto the plane. Watching Bella step forward—supported, brave, and no longer alone—was incredibly moving. Along the way, Gethsemane comforted kids from Make-A-Wish, touching countless hearts, reminding everyone she met that sometimes all we need is a little courage… and a warm paw to help us find it.

Gethsemane and her team touched more hearts that day than they could have imagined.

On January 19 and 20, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams Eden (Peace Lutheran, Columbus, NE), Glory (Christ Lutheran, Lincoln, NE), and Phinehas (Trinity Lutheran, Fremont, NE), were present at the visitation and funeral of Larry Wegner in West Point, NE.

Larry, a single man, lived a life overflowing with service. He was a faithful volunteer at St. Paul Lutheran Church and School, where he devoted countless hours to supporting the ministry, school activities, and—most especially—the children he loved so dearly. He served as an usher, attended Sunday Bible study, and quietly took on many behind-the-scenes roles, always ready to help wherever he was needed. Larry also served on the St. Paul Lutheran School Board, including a term as president, and was an active member of the Booster Club. Whether working the Fair Stand, cheering from the sidelines, or faithfully standing as a crossing guard, Larry was a steady, encouraging presence in the community.

Because of the deep impact Larry had on the school, students were invited to participate in his funeral service. From the balcony, the children sang during the service and later joined their families. At the close of the service, they stood in the aisle and sang once more—a tender, emotional moment that allowed them to honor a man many knew as a quiet, dependable source of kindness.

One of Phinehas’ handlers shared, “What stood out most to me was how the comfort dogs simply brought peace to those who needed it. Larry was clearly a very special person in their lives, and it was obvious how deeply loved he was. One mom described him as the grandpa of the school, which perfectly captured his gentle presence and the comfort he shared.”

A handler from Eden’s team added, “Larry Wegner was truly a pillar of strength in his church, school, and community. A moment I’ll never forget was when a mother and her preschooler told me that her five-year-old said now Larry and his grandmother could be dancing together in heaven. It was a beautiful reminder of Scripture’s call to have faith like a child.”

Throughout the visitation and funeral, the Comfort Dog teams offered calm companionship and a tangible reminder of God’s peace—a fitting tribute to a man who spent his life offering those same gifts to others.

In the wake of an unexpected and deeply personal loss, St. Peter’s Lutheran School in Eastpointe, MI, opened its doors to the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry, welcoming four trained comfort dogs and their handlers to support a grieving school community.

The request came from Principal Beth Jablonowski, who shared that the mother of a fourth-grade and seventh-grade student had died suddenly. The family is closely connected to the small K–8 school, with the 7/8 grade teacher and church secretary both related to the mother. The loss sent shock waves through the tight-knit school and church community.

“Today was a rough day to get through here at our school,” Jablonowski said, expressing gratitude and relief that the comfort dog teams could be present for students, staff, and the grieving family.

Responding to the request, four LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams arrived: Damascus (St. Paul - Napoleon, OH), Eternity (Cornerstone - Carmel, IN), Honey (St. Paul Westlake - Westlake, OH), and Magdalene (Cornerstone - Carmel, IN).Their mission was simple yet powerful—to be present, to listen, and to offer calm, compassionate support during a time of sorrow.

Quiet Moments of Comfort for a Grieving Family

For Damascus Comfort Dog handler, the visit was her first emergency support response, and the experience left a lasting impression.

“One moment that stuck out was when we were with the family, and Damascus edged toward the dad, who was petting her,” she shared. “That really touched my heart to see her ‘in action’ and know he needed comfort.”

She also recalled the young son, who quietly stayed close, petting Damascus again and again.

“They all seemed so grateful. What a blessing to be a part of this today,” she said, adding that she would continue to hold the family and St. Peter’s community in prayer.

Small Interactions, Big Impact

Magdalene Comfort Dog’s handler reflected on how even the smallest moments can change a child’s day.

“I was struck by how well behaved and polite all of the children were,” she said. One interaction in particular stood out when a young girl approached Magdalene quietly.

“I told her she had beautiful long braids and asked how long it took to make her hair look so nice. She gave the biggest and brightest smile. It was as if that one little comment changed her day,” she shared. “It reminded me how important it is to truly notice someone.”

She later shared that many students returned multiple times during recess just to spend more time with the dogs.

“One girl came over especially to thank us for being there, and a young boy told me he wished the dogs could come back next week,” she said. “We came to bring caring and love, and we felt love returned back to us.”

A Community United in Care

Eternity Comfort Dog’s handler reflected on the teamwork and faith that made the visit possible.
“I am grateful for all the ‘Yes’s that made serving on an ESV possible,” she said. “From gentle hugs to silent caresses, we saw God’s kingdom come in little voices and hands.”

She described the day as filled with moments of quiet healing—lap hugs, shared prayers, and reassuring presence.

“We trust this family—and especially the father—to You, Jesus, to supply all their needs in the weeks and months ahead,” she added.

In another reflection, she emphasized the sense of purpose guiding the team.

“From bringing joy and a break in the school day for some to genuine presence and caring for the family and friends of the deceased, we were the hands, feet, and paws of Jesus,” she said.

Support for Students, Staff, and a Close-Knit Church Family

For Honey Comfort Dog’s handler, the visit marked Team Honey’s first emergency response deployment.

“It was a blessing to be a part of sharing comfort with the faculty, staff, and students of St. Peter,” she said. “The adults we met seemed to need God’s help the most, many commenting on the difficulty of this sad experience within their church family.”

She noted the closeness of the community and how the dogs helped reinforce a sense of God’s presence.
“Honey and her K-9 colleagues seemed to reinforce to the folks at St. Peter that the Lord is present, He understands their loss and suffering, and He will help them get through this together,” she said.

The students, she added, responded with tenderness and joy.

“Older students seemed more subdued, and bonded with the comfort dogs—many hugs and kisses,” she said. “The kids were a joy.”

Healing Through Presence

Throughout the day, teachers and staff repeatedly expressed gratitude for the teams’ presence. Extra support was focused on the two grieving students, their teachers, and the school secretary who was related to the deceased mother.

Handlers said the visit was a reminder of the ministry’s purpose: to show up in moments of pain with compassion, faith, and quiet comfort.

As one handler reflected, “We were right where we needed to be.”

In the midst of grief, St. Peter’s Lutheran School found moments of peace, smiles, and connection—helped along by four gentle golden retrievers and the people who walked beside them in faith.

In the wake of a heartbreaking tragedy that claimed the life of a second-grade student, the Bennet, NE, community leaned into one another for strength, comfort, and healing — joined by six teams from the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry whose quiet presence made a profound impact.

Charles "Charlie" Kohl, a 7-year-old second grader at Bennet Elementary, was killed on Monday, January 19 in an ATV/UTV accident near Bennet. 

Bennet Elementary, a K–5 building serving about 300 students, is especially close-knit. Charles has three siblings who also attend the school, deepening the ripple effect of the loss throughout the building and the broader community.

District OR-1 schools were closed on Tuesday, January 20, to allow students, staff, and families time to grieve and to access mental health resources. The district’s crisis response team, along with counselors and psychologists from neighboring districts, were on hand to support those affected.

It was into this space of grief that six LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry  teams arrived — Eden (Peace - Columbus, NE), Glory (Christ - Lincoln, NE), and Phinehas (Trinity - Fremont, NE) — each accompanied by their trained handlers, ready to serve simply by showing up.

“Just Being Present Was Where We Were to Be”

For Glory Comfort Dog handler Kim Eitzman, the day underscored the power of presence over words.

“Being present counts,” she said. “Having calm, warm dogs there is exactly what the students and staff needed.”

Eitzman described seeing the entire school community — from lunchroom staff to custodians, teachers, counselors, and students — all carrying the weight of the loss together.

“They’re all affected when something tragic happens. And yet they are together, dealing with it together,” she said. “I saw God with the teacher that needed to start her day with the dogs. No words, just pets. I saw God in a student being calmed by braiding a golden’s hair. Like I said… just being present was where we were to be.”

A Rapid Response Rooted in Unity

Phinehas Comfort Dog handler Dawn Gilfry reflected on how quickly the teams mobilized.

“It never ceases to amaze me when an emergency site request comes in,” she said. “In less than 24 hours, six teams responded with a simple but powerful ‘Yes, Lord, send me.’ That alone is a testament to God at work.”

Before entering the school, the teams gathered at the flagpole to pray together. It was there they were met by Superintendent Mr. Hart, who paused in awe at the sight of six golden retrievers waiting patiently.
“He thanked us sincerely for being there to support the staff, students, families, and the entire community,” Gilfry said. “When I asked if he would like to join us in prayer, he immediately said yes.”

In a small town like Bennet, Gilfry noted, tragedy touches everyone.

“A student teacher shared that she babysits for many families in the area and knows just how deeply this will affect them,” she said. “The weight of loss touches far beyond the walls of the school.”

She recounted conversations with staff members already burdened by multiple recent losses, and how sometimes the most meaningful response was simply to listen — or offer a hug.

“No matter the tragedy, when we are called to serve and bring comfort to those who are hurting, God opens doors — especially the doors of hearts — allowing us to meet people exactly where they are,” she said.

As the teams left, a message from school administration confirmed the impact of their presence: “Thank you very much for all your support and prayers! We greatly appreciate it!”

“In that moment, I knew that simply being there for a few hours made a difference,” Gilfry said.

Small Moments, Lasting Comfort

Eden Comfort Dog handler Warren Hellbusch said he witnessed healing already beginning among both staff and students.

“Our K-9s bring such a calming effect on everyone they’re around,” he said. “I noticed a fourth-grade student taking some of Eden’s golden glitter back to her classroom when leaving, as it was bringing her comfort.”

Nicodemus Comfort Dog handler Sara Moll echoed that sentiment, noting how even brief interactions mattered.

“The gratitude from the school staff — across every department — was overwhelming,” she said. “Often, just the sight of us walking through the halls was enough to bring a smile to their faces.”

For some children, the dogs created a safe space to process what had happened.

“One young girl, the best friend of the Kohls’ daughter, shared memories as she petted Nico,” Moll said. “Another young boy processed the events by giving us a factual account while stroking his fur.”

A Community Walking Forward Together

As Bennet Elementary prepares to resume classes, the loss of Charles Kohl will continue to be felt deeply. But through shared grief, compassionate support, and the steady presence of comfort dogs and caring adults, the community is taking steps forward together.

As one handler reflected, the mission remains simple — and sacred: to comfort, to show up, and to remind people they are not alone.

The halls of Jefferson High School in Rockford, IL,  were quieter than usual last week as students and staff mourned the loss of 14-year-old freshman Izamary, who was killed in a tragic car accident on Friday, January 17. In response to the devastating news, school social worker Teisha Hoppe requested support from the Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry to help the school community process its grief.

On Tuesday, January 21, multiple LCC Comfort Dog teams arrived at Jefferson High School, offering a calm and compassionate presence during a time of deep sorrow. The teams included Abednego Comfort Dog (Immanuel - Crystal Lake, IL), Bethesda Comfort Dog (St. Matthew - Hawthorn Woods, IL), Gethsemane Comfort Dog (Lord of Glory - Grayslake, IL), Mary & Rejoice Comfort Dogs (St. Paul's - Janesville, WI), and Samson Comfort Dog (Zion - Marengo, IL).

“We mostly went classroom to classroom today, visiting with the freshman classes—many of the classes that Izamary used to attend,” one handler shared. “We saw so many smiles once they saw the dogs walking around the hallways. I even got pulled into classrooms as teachers saw us walking by.”

While some students were less visibly affected, others struggled openly with their emotions. Tears were seen among both students and staff, especially in the library, where smaller groups gathered with the dogs.
“In the library, students were able to relax with the dogs and really feel their emotions,” a handler explained. “Most of them were talking about Izamary. One group was petting Rejoice and talking about the details of the crash. They were upset that they didn’t know if she was suffering in her last few moments. They said she didn’t deserve that. Even in all the grief, they were comforting each other.”

Teachers, too, leaned on the dogs for support. One educator who was deeply affected by Izamary’s passing was quietly brought into a classroom to sit with Rejoice.

“She sat down on the floor, and Rejoice just laid down next to her and plopped her head into her lap,” the handler recalled. “You could see the tension in her shoulders melt away. We didn’t speak much—we just sat quietly together until the bell rang.”

Another handler described sitting with a biology teacher who pointed out the empty desk where Izamary once sat. “He remarked what a good student she was and how grateful he was to feel the comfort of our LCC dogs,” the handler said. The teacher even shared the biblical story of Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego with his class, drawing meaning from the dog’s namesake.

Students shared memories of Izamary throughout the day. One group recalled attending a party with her, describing her as bubbly and outgoing. Others said they wished they had taken the opportunity to know her better. A teacher noted that Izamary was also a volleyball player, adding another layer to the loss felt within the school.

The dogs’ impact was especially visible in one-on-one moments. A Bethesda handler described comforting a visibly distraught student who was crying quietly beneath her desk.

“I asked if she wanted to shift her chair and if Bethesda could put her legs on her lap,” the handler said. “She didn’t hesitate. Bethesda stayed there for about five minutes. The girl’s breathing slowed, and she stopped crying. It was such a blessing to witness.”

Samson’s handler shared a similar experience with a group of girls who surrounded the dog. One student was particularly upset, and her friends gathered closely around her. “They loved Samson,” the handler said, noting how the dog helped foster connection and support among the group.

Gethsemane’s team encountered a student who was overwhelmed with emotion throughout the day. “She just kept crying as she adored Gethsemane,” the handler explained. “Each time we saw her, she became more composed.” Later, the same student asked to escort the team to another student who had been close to Izamary and had also recently lost her eight-year-old brother. “She wanted to be sure that girl received comfort too. It was incredibly sweet.”

The Comfort Dog teams also visited Guilford High School, where Izamary’s cousin, 18-year-old Leslie, attends. Abednego, Bethesda, and Mary provided support there, as Leslie was having a particularly difficult time coping with the loss.

Throughout the day, Jefferson High School’s support staff guided the teams, ensured safe movement during passing times, and regularly checked on both handlers and dogs.

“This school district has gone through incredible loss,” one handler said, “but they have such heart for their people.”

Due to the ongoing need for support, Rejoice Comfort Dog was invited back to Jefferson High School the following day to spend time with students during seventh and eighth periods who needed additional comfort.

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.