Some moments shake a community to its core. The loss of Jayceon DeLuna, a beloved freshman basketball player at Bowsher High School in Toledo, OH, is one of them.

Jayceon was deeply admired by peers and teachers alike, and his passing left a profound void, felt especially by the students who were closest to him. Grief ripples outward, touching lives in ways we cannot always see.

In the aftermath, the school became a place of mourning, reflection, and healing. Comfort dogs Claudia, Damascus, and Lazarus arrived quietly, bringing calm and presence to students navigating intense emotions.

The Power of Presence
When words fall short, presence matters.

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Claudia (Trinity - Toledo, OH), Damascus (St. Paul - Napoleon, OH), and Lazarus (LCC Staff) arrived alongside their handlers, stepping quietly into a space filled with grief, anger, confusion, and sorrow. Their mission was simple yet profound: to bring calm.

And calm is exactly what they delivered.

“We were greatly needed and so appreciated,” one handler shared. “By the end of the day many tears were dried and smiles started to appear.”

In the library, where counselors met with students in small groups, emotions ran deep. Some students spoke openly about their grief. Others sat in silence, overwhelmed. Many were navigating not just this loss, but past grief as well—a heartbreaking reminder that for some, this was not their first encounter with tragedy.

Yet, amid the pain, moments of connection emerged.

One young girl sat beside Lazarus, gently petting him as he lay close, eventually placing his paw softly on her arm. It was a quiet gesture, but in that moment, it meant everything. A handler described it simply as “a God moment.”

Nearby, another student, visibly upset, found comfort as Damascus stretched out in front of him. As he spoke about being in the “mad stage” of grief, his hand instinctively reached down to stroke her head—an anchor in a storm of emotion.

And Claudia offered steady, silent support to Jayceon’s sister, curling up beside her as she shared her fears and heartbreak with a counselor. No words, just warmth. Sometimes, that is enough.

A Community Holding On
Teachers, counselors, and administrators worked tirelessly to support students throughout the day. Their gratitude for the comfort dogs and their handlers was clear, but so was their hope that such a need would not arise again anytime soon.

Still, one truth remained evident: healing takes time.

“The word for today is calm,” one volunteer reflected. Another offered “comfort.” Another, “caring.” And perhaps most fitting of all: “steadfast compassion.”

These words capture not just what was given, but what is still needed.

Moving Forward, Together
As the day came to a close, something shifted. The tears did not disappear, but they softened. In their place, small smiles began to return. Not because the pain was gone, but because the community had taken its first steps toward healing together.

“All will be well with time,” one handler said.

Time, compassion, and connection—these are the threads that will carry this community forward.

And in the memory of Jayceon DeLuna, may they also serve as a reminder: to look out for one another, to speak up, to reach out, and to never underestimate the power of simply being there.

The halls of Prairie View Grade School in Elgin, IL, are filled with heavy hearts following a devastating car accident that has deeply impacted staff, students, and families alike. Two sisters, both dedicated educators at the school, were involved in the crash. One, a beloved third-grade teacher, remains hospitalized with injuries. The other, a special education teacher, tragically lost her life.

The loss of Maggie Espinosa has left an immeasurable void in the school community.

“With unimaginable heartbreak, we share that Maggie Espinosa was taken from us far too soon. She was a loving wife, devoted mother, and a truly beautiful soul who touched so many lives with her kindness, strength, and warmth. She was also a beloved teacher who taught so many of our children here in Batavia.”

“She leaves behind her husband, Jose Espinosa, and their five children, 10, 8, 4, and 2-year-old twins, who will now grow up without their mother’s love and presence.”

Maggie was more than an educator—she was a steady, compassionate presence for students who needed her most. Through her work in special education, she supported children across grades 3, 4, and 5, creating a space where they felt seen, encouraged, and valued.

Supporting Students Through Grief
In the wake of this tragedy, Sarah Nolan has mobilized support for both staff and students as they begin to process this loss. The impact has been especially profound among upper elementary students who worked closely with Maggie, as well as third graders coping with the injury of their own teacher.

For many children, grief is confusing and difficult to express. Familiar routines feel different, and the absence of a trusted adult can be deeply unsettling. That’s why the school has focused on providing spaces where students can talk, reflect, and simply be supported.

Comfort in Quiet Moments
Amid the sadness, small moments of comfort have made a difference. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Abednego (Immanuel - Crystal Lake, IL), Eunice, and Samson (Zion - Marengo,IL) and  have been present, offering calm companionship to students and staff navigating overwhelming emotions.

One handler reflected on the experience of being in Maggie’s classroom:

“I can tell you she was a very well-loved teacher and a young mom of five children… It was heartbreaking to see her things and jacket where she left them, all her lessons, encouraging signs and projects—and most of all, her heartbroken co-teacher who shared the room with her.”

Holding On to What Matters
Tragedy has a way of bringing into focus what matters most—connection, compassion, and community. At Prairie View, those bonds are evident in the way staff are supporting one another, students are being gently guided through grief, and a beloved teacher’s legacy is being honored.

Though Maggie Espinosa is no longer physically present, the impact she made—in her classroom, in her students, and in her own family—will continue to be felt for years to come.

As this community mourns, it also comes together—leaning on one another, remembering, and holding space for healing.

In the early hours of a Wednesday morning, an ordinary day was shattered by an unthinkable tragedy. A crash near the intersection of Highway 67 and McMahon Road in Oconomowoc, WI, claimed the life of 10-year-old Jack Oudenhoven, a fourth-grade student whose presence had touched classmates, teachers, and his entire school community.

In an instant, hallways once filled with laughter were overcome with grief. Students struggled to understand the loss of a friend. Teachers faced the impossible task of guiding young hearts through sorrow while carrying their own. Families, staff, and first responders were left grappling with the weight of a moment that would never be forgotten.

And yet, in the midst of heartbreak, something remarkable began to emerge—strength, resilience, and a community coming together to begin the slow process of healing.

A Community in Mourning
 
Jack was more than a name in a report. He was a fourth grader, a friend, a classmate, and a beloved son. Described as “smart, well-liked, and athletic,” he left an imprint on everyone who knew him. Even in loss, his family chose generosity—honoring his life through the gift of organ donation.
 
Grief swept through classrooms, hallways, and homes. For many students and staff, this was their first experience with such a profound tragedy. Emotions were raw, and the need for comfort was immediate.

The Quiet Power of Presence
 
Within 24 hours, five LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams arrived: Charity (Brookfield - Brookfield, WI), Gethsemane (Lord of Glory - Grayslake, IL), Mary and Rejoice (St. Paul's - Janesville, WI), and Shadrach (Prince of Peace - Palatin, IL). Over two days, they became a source of peace in a place filled with heartbreak.
 
“The delight on the students’ faces was evident when we saw them today… The transition from the sadness that they were feeling into their excitement in being able to be with the dogs was evident. It truly was a healing time.”
 
In classrooms filled with grief, small moments of light began to break through.

Strength on the Front Lines
 
“My words are ‘strength’ and ‘resilience’ for those 4th grade teachers on the front line. I watched them be present and strong for the kids… then crumble in tears… then come right back to the kids like warriors.”
 
They carried the weight of their students’ grief while managing their own.

Moments of Healing
 
Two of Jack’s close friends arrived in tears. After spending time with Shadrach, they began to open up, sharing memories and stories.
 
Another moment came from a younger student, who simply said: “Jesus has Jack now.”

Transformational Impact
 
“Transformational.”
 
When the teams arrived, emotions were overwhelming. As the day progressed, something shifted. Teachers rallied. Students smiled.

Moving Forward Together
 
No act can undo the loss of a young life. But in the days following tragedy, this community demonstrated what it means to come together—to support, to grieve, and to begin healing.
 
In the midst of sorrow, there was strength.
In the face of heartbreak, there was resilience.
And in the smallest moments of connection, there was hope.

The Midwestern States Crime Prevention Conference, presented by the Ohio Crime Prevention Association, brought together law enforcement professionals and community partners focused on one shared goal: building safer communities.

Among the many impactful sessions, one stood out for its unique blend of compassion and real-world application:

Comfort Dogs – Serving Together
Led by Nancy Borders, Top Dog, Trinity, Toledo, OH, and Linda Lewis, the session highlighted how LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams are actively supporting officer wellness, crisis response, and community care while offering practical ways agencies can begin partnerships immediately.

Practical Support That Meets Real Needs
The presentation focused on simple, actionable ways Comfort Dog teams can integrate into existing systems of care.

From roll calls to crisis scenes, Comfort Dogs are already making an impact in:

Officer Wellness
Regular visits—before and after shifts, during wellness days, and following critical incidents—help officers decompress and process stress in healthy ways.

“Comfort Dogs give officers a moment to breathe… and something positive to take home to their families.”

Dispatch & First Responders
911 dispatchers and first responders, often overlooked in wellness efforts, benefit from brief but meaningful interactions that help reset during high-pressure shifts.

Schools
By building relationships before a crisis, Comfort Dogs help create environments where students and staff feel safe, open, and connected.

Crisis Response
From school tragedies to community loss, Comfort Dogs provide a calming presence in moments of shock, grief, and uncertainty—helping people process what words often cannot.

Victim Support
Whether in interviews, courtrooms, or waiting rooms, Comfort Dogs create a safe, comforting space for individuals experiencing trauma.

A Message That Resonated
The impact of the session deepened when a retired police officer and military veteran shared personal insight into the realities of stress and trauma in law enforcement.

His message was clear:
even those trained to be strong and composed need space to process—and permission to do so.

“Even strong, reserved officers need an outlet for stress and trauma… and Comfort Dogs help open that door.”

Impact Beyond the Breakout Session
The influence of the Comfort Dog teams extended far beyond the classroom.

Throughout the conference:

• Attendees returned again and again to spend time with the dogs
• Conversations shifted from casual to deeply personal
• Barriers came down—quickly and naturally
  
  

Some attendees simply sat on the floor beside a dog, moving from one to another, taking in moments of peace during a busy conference.

“It was hard to tell who enjoyed it more—the attendees or the dogs.”

Handlers also noted meaningful moments:

• One attendee later looked up the Bible verses connected to the dogs’ names
• Others were surprised to learn this support was available in their own communities
• Many openly shared stories of stress, loss, and resilience

A Shift in Perspective
For some team members, the conference itself was eye-opening.

What initially seemed like an unexpected venue—a crime prevention conference—quickly revealed a deeper truth:

“Now I understand… prevention isn’t just about stopping crime. It’s about caring for people.”

By simply being present, the Comfort Dog teams helped:

• Build awareness of the ministry
• Form new community and law enforcement connections
• Demonstrate how emotional support plays a role in prevention

Moving Forward Together

The response from attendees confirmed something powerful:

Comfort Dogs are more than a moment of comfort—they are a bridge.

A bridge between:

• Stress and relief
• Isolation and connection
• Crisis and healing 

As these partnerships continue to grow, Comfort Dog teams will play an increasingly vital role in supporting both those who serve—and the communities they protect. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve and for the support of conference leadership, including a letter of appreciation from Dan Katt, Conference Co-Chair.  CLICK HERE to read the letter.

Five LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams—Samson (Zion - Marengo, IL), Bethesda (St. Matthew - Hawthorn Woods, IL), Julia (King of Glory - Elgin, IL), Rejoice (St. Paul - Janesville, WI), and Eunice (LCC Staff)—along with their ministry partners, gathered at Immanuel Lutheran Church in East Dundee, IL last Tuesday. They came to offer comfort and support to the family of Commander Edward J. Landers.

Ed was a devoted family man and faithful member of Immanuel. Answering a calling to serve, he became a Navy pilot and dedicated 20 years to his country. After retiring from the military, Ed went on to author several books and continued his passion for flying as a pilot for Northwest Airlines, piloting international flights aboard a Boeing 747.

His wife, Barb Landers—formerly a handler for Levi Comfort Dog—is planning to play an active role in welcoming the next LCC K-9 Comfort Dog to Immanuel.

Through time spent with the dogs, handlers, and ministry partners, family and friends of Commander Landers were able to share heartfelt stories of his life, career, and adventures. These moments brought smiles, comfort, and cherished memories.

It was a true honor to provide support to the family of a man who gave so much in service to his country and others.

Grief settled heavily over Sterling Public School in Nebraska after the tragic loss of Chloe Jane Paulson, a 16-year-old sophomore whose life was cut short in a car accident on March 23, 2026. Chloe was a vibrant and deeply involved student. She earned honor roll recognition and participated in volleyball, basketball, speech, band, choir, and cheerleading—leaving her mark on nearly every corner of school life.

Her absence is deeply felt by students, staff, and especially her family, including her two younger brothers in 8th grade and 3rd grade, who share the same school building and now navigate unimaginable loss within its walls.

In response, an Emergency Site Visit (ESV) was requested by Felicia Martin, Director of Health Services. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams Glory (Christ Lincoln - Lincoln, NE) and Phinehas (Trinity - Fremont, NE), arrived ready to offer presence, compassion, and a quiet kind of healing that words often cannot provide.

“When we get an ESV request, we usually have to quickly change our whole day. That happened this time too—it felt like we were meant to be there,” one handler shared.

Though it was their first time in the Sterling community, a sense of familiarity met them at the door. “When we walked into the school and saw counselors we already knew—we had worked with most of them from another ESV a few months back—it felt comforting right away.”

From the youngest students to staff and crisis counselors, the weight of Chloe’s loss was unmistakable. “From the kindergartners to the 8th graders to the staff and Crisis Response Team counselors, it was evident from the moment we arrived that Chloe’s death had a profound impact.”

In such a small school—where the sophomore class includes just 17 students—connections run deep. Everyone knew Chloe. Everyone felt the loss.

Throughout the day, students processed their grief in different ways. Some gathered in the library, exhausted after sleepless nights. Others shared stories, tears, or simply sat in silence. Phinehas moved gently among them, offering quiet companionship.

“We never know how the day will go,” a handler reflected. “Some students were in the library resting because they hadn’t slept, and Phinehas quietly stayed with them, just being there. Others shared memories of Chloe, while some sat, cried, and petted the dogs. Everyone was thankful we came.”

One powerful moment unfolded in that same library. As the team entered, a librarian encouraged a student to sit with the comfort dog, Glory. The student hesitated only briefly before sitting down. Glory instinctively curled up, resting her head in the student’s lap.

No words were spoken.

The student began to cry.

Later that afternoon, she returned. This time, she shared that Chloe had been her best friend since first grade. In that quiet space, with Glory beside her, she found the ability to speak her grief aloud.

“I feel our presence helped give Ellen (and others we saw) some peace in the moment,” the handler said.
Another interaction offered a different kind of insight. An eighth-grade student lingered nearby, asking thoughtful questions about what comfort dogs do and how they help.

“I asked her how she felt when she saw Phinehas,” the handler recalled. “She said it made her happy and want to snuggle him. I told her—that’s comfort.”

Their conversation deepened. The student asked if it was difficult to be around so many people who are hurting.

“That made me pause,” the handler shared. “She’s only in eighth grade. I told her yes, sometimes it is hard to see people hurting, especially when they’ve lost someone. But just being there in that moment can help them feel a little less alone.”

They sat together for about 20 minutes, talking quietly.

“At the end, I asked her name. She smiled and said, ‘Faith.’ In that moment, it felt like a little Godwink just for us.”

Moments like these—simple, human, deeply meaningful—are where healing begins. Not in fixing the pain, but in sharing it. In sitting together. In remembering. In allowing space for both tears and small glimpses of comfort.

As the Sterling community continues to grieve, they do so side by side—students, staff, families, and friends holding each other up through heartbreak. The presence of the comfort dogs did not erase the pain, but it softened the edges, offering connection in a time of overwhelming loss.

Our thoughts and prayers remain with Chloe’s family, her brothers, her friends, and the entire Sterling Public School community. In the midst of sorrow, their closeness—and their care for one another—shines through.

With six families displaced and the school closed for more than a week while serving as a relief zone, Grace Christian Academy in Kankakee had one request.

“We would like some joy to come through our doors!”

In response, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Caleb (Immanuel – Valparaiso, IN), Jael (LCC Staff), and Michael (LCC Staff) visited the campus last week to give students and families a few moments of peace.

Circled around the three K-9 comforters, the students began petting and talking to the dogs. A lot had happened and there was much to share.

“They were comfortable talking about their own personal experiences and handling the trauma,” one handler recalled. “A couple of the older students told me about the damage to their homes, but they assured me that it was going to be OK. It was almost as if they were worried that I would be concerned rather than thinking about their own problems.”

The handlers also shared prayers and words of comfort with a pre-kindergarten teacher who relayed a harrowing story about a father who protected two of his daughters at the last moment by crawling into his home’s crawl space.

“He decided to take the girls into the crawlspace, opening up the trap door and dropping the girls in and then climbing in after them,” a handler said. “Soon after, he heard a loud whooshing noise, which was his home above him being completely destroyed. Had he not gone to the crawlspace all three of them would be gone.”

Kankakee has a long road of recovery ahead. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog ministries stands ready to return with as much care and encouragement as is needed.    

For Mr. and Mrs. G of Kankakee, IL, the damage started on their block — but the real destruction of homes and a church was just down the street.

The powerful EF-3 tornado that tore through Illinois and into Indiana on March 10 had left their home among the 500 in Kanakee County that were damaged or destroyed. From their basement, they could hear the 150 mph winds slamming limbs against the house, and when it was all over, the tree damage was astounding. How would they ever clean this all up?  

But this week, some “angels in orange” were in their yard with the 64-foot Nifty Lift and rigging to remove dangerous trunk splits, hanging limbs, and leaning trees. “[They] were sent by God to restore hope to us and our community.”

LCC Disaster Response and Luthern Early Response Team volunteers continued a second week of tree cutting, debris removal, and cleanup work in Kankakee, Aroma Park, and St. Anne out of home base St. Paul Lutheran Church in Kankakee.

Since March 12, about 70 LERT helpers from 25 LCMS churches in the Northern Illinois district have completed 547 volunteer hours at 29 homes and the church building.

With national storm relief groups leaving at the end of the week, LCC is making plans to stay.

Invited by Pastor Roger Drinnon of St. Paul Kankakee, LCC Disaster Response anticipates more requests for assistance and stands ready to respond. 

LCC volunteers have been helping church members and community residents take the first steps of the long road to recovery. In hard-hit neighborhoods like Aroma Park, teams are not just cutting limbs and clearing debris — they’re salvaging belongings, listening to survivors’ stories, offering prayer, and bringing comfort in moments of deep loss.

The National Weather Service calculates that the Illinois/Indiana tornado was a half-mile wide at its strongest and cut a swath on the ground for about 37 miles. It touched back down again in Indiana for another 22 miles. The storm resulted in three deaths and scores of injuries.

One St. Paul family had a downed oak tree in their front yard so large that LCC volunteers had to use the 36-inch saw to cut the trunk into slices that could be safely moved the street for pickup. Other homeowners had tree damage and no resources to clear them on their own. LERT volunteers stepped in.

“Each family expressed their thanks for the gracious assistance and caring shown to them,” said Kathy O’Day, director of LCC Disaster Response. “We were thankful for the beautiful weather — finally!”

At the mayor’s house in Aroma Park, IL, it was another two-day job. The mayor himself helped the team drag limbs and sort through debris, thankful for all the work done to make his yard safe again for his family and friends.

“He told us that he knew the lives of this tight-knit community would be changed forever and the destruction was difficult to see, knowing that so many people are displaced,” O’Day said.

Over the weekend, large properties in Kankakee and Aroma Park also were two-day sites due to the number of trees downed and damaged. One homeowner told the team she couldn’t believe the progress they made — but she was particularly touched by the joy they showed in serving.

A month ago, on February 24, Ukraine marked the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion of its nation, which has resulted in hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian people killed. Lutheran Church Charities continues to send support to Lutheran Mission in Ukraine, which is providing food and spiritual care in-country to residents in the war-scarred region.

LCC President/CEO Rev. Chris Singer and missionary Pastor Oleksiy Navrotskyy have corresponded with one another during this time. Last week, Pastor Oleksiy shared that he had traveled to Germany to visit his own family members who are refugees and to bring back food and supplies to Ukraine.

On the first Sunday after his return, his church had 165 people attending, up from the usual 120 average. His congregation was eager to receive some humanitarian aid, and Pastor Oleksiy was happy to oblige, handing out 330 take-and-bake pizzas.

The war has taken a toll on Pastor Oleksiy and his congregation. He shares, “I wrote [my last] letter while being under heavy thoughts and feelings about the date [of the Ukraine war anniversary]. My letter to you was depressive, motivated by personal pain and anger, and the helplessness of war trauma.”

Rev. Singer believes LCC supporters and friends should read for themselves Pastor Oleksiy’s description of daily life in Ukraine and the hope they have in Christ. Rev. Singer’s response follows.

“The Ukrainian people need our support and prayers,” Rev. Singer said. “If the Holy Spirit is moving you to help, please direct your financial support to the LCC Ukraine Relief fund. Thank you.”

How can an LCC K-9 Comfort Dog team leader act as salt and light in a hurting world? 

Last week, 54 Top Dogs wrestled with the question and other topics as the Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Ministries staff welcomed them to LCC’s Northbrook, IL, headquarters for training and encouragement. Together, they studied Jesus’s words in Matthew 5 as they renewed their commitment to their ministry callings. 

The gathering attracted leaders from 50 K-9 Comfort Dog teams, representing 42 churches in 16 states. 

Over the course of two days, the group worked in small groups to share about obstacles and challenges they have walked through recently, prayed for one another, and discussed how to strengthen relationships on their teams, energize their congregations, and uplift their hometown communities. 

Top Dogs who attended said the gathering was just what they needed.

“This conference really filled my bucket and gave me so many things to bring back to my team. So much practicality, and yet so much love shared and relationships built as well,” one top dog stated.

Another said: “It was such a joy reconnecting with familiar faces and meeting so many wonderful new people. My heart — and my social battery — is full.”

A third shared, “I am so thankful that I have had the opportunity to witness God’s love poured out from everyone this weekend. As we reflect on our own ‘Why’ this will forever be one of mine. You all truly shine His light! Stay Salty!”

Top Dogs step into leadership with humble hearts. They are strong, compassionate, caring, supportive, and faith-filled leaders. Much of what they do happens quietly behind the scenes, but their faithfulness makes a powerful difference. 

They attend special training, help launch the ministry in their congregations, coordinate schedules, communicate details, go on visits, and lovingly support their teams. They regularly go above and beyond to bring Christ’s love to those in need.
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At LCC, we know that Top Dogs are the heart behind each team, offering their time, energy, and prayers so others may experience comfort and hope. They serve not for recognition, but out of love for Jesus and a desire to care for His people. 

LCC is grateful for their servant hearts and steady leadership. What a blessing they are to this ministry and to everyone God places in their path.