The atmosphere around Shreveport, LA, felt like a big-tent revival last week with love, support, and compassion filling the Cedar Grove neighborhood.

Yes, the community had endured a horrific tragedy with eight children aged 11 and younger killed in a domestic dispute that marked the deadliest mass shooting in America over the last two years. But for three consecutive nights, friends and neighbors of the two heartbroken families gathered at the corner of West 79th and Linwood Avenue mourning by candlelight, singing hymns, and praying.

The grief was overwhelming, but still they praised God.

Lutheran Church Charities volunteers from Oklahoma and Mississippi were there representing LCC’s K-9 Comfort Dog, Cares, and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion ministries. They brought hearts and crosses for the community to sign. They listened to stories and remembrances of the children. They offered prayer and presence as K-9 Comfort Dog Persis (Christ The Redeemer – Tulsa, OK) nuzzled into new friends for pets and cuddles.

For this brokenhearted community, LCC’s presence helped them take a breath.

“We were moved most by seeing faith in motion,” said Patti Lee of Christ The Redeemer Lutheran in Tulsa, who, with her husband Chuck, deployed with LCC for the first time. “We spoke to so many aunts, cousins, and lifelong friends who were so grateful for our presence and for the crosses.”

Surrounded by a large crowd, Karen Miller, HMC coordinator for Trinity Lutheran in Meridian, MS, watched as the vigil progressed. So many people were lifting up the name of Jesus and calling on Him in their grief. Dozens raised their hands in worship and gave shouts of “Amen!”, leaning into their faith amid their sadness.

One young person, sitting in a wheelchair nearby, lifted her voice, singing songs of worship and praise. Tears rolled down her cheek. Karen sat down beside her and the two talked about what had happened that week and how God was faithful despite the sorrow.

“What a faith-filled community this is!” Karen shared.       

A pediatric nurse, Karen sought out other children at the vigil site. Many were attending, having known the victims from school, sports teams, or the neighborhood.

One young child climbed in Karen’s lap to talk. Another told Karen, “I believe that these kids [who were killed] are with God right now, and God is also supporting their moms.”

As the team was ministering children and grieving neighbors, Pastor Scott Burmeister of Christ The Redeemer Lutheran in Tulsa, OK, sought out volunteers from other supporting organizations to uplift them as they served.

“Each person we talk to has their own griefs — lifelong or current,” Burmeister said. “We all have grief experiences that need support.”

That makes the Hearts of Mercy & Compassion so important, he said.

“In circumstances like this heartbreaking tragedy, the community wants something to do. They want to participate in the healing. When they have the chance to write an encouraging message of love, they feel they have helped, even in a small way.”

The eight HMCs were moved from the vigil site to in front of the home where the tragedy occurred, each cross and heart collecting more messages, surrounded by balloons, pinwheels, and toys in memory of each child.

Early the next morning, the team visited the police precinct that had responded to the call. At shift change, the station conducts a roll call at 5 a.m. and 7 a.m.

The LCC team was present for both, presenting the officers a heart of gratitude, recognizing the difficult job they perform at the crime scene and around the neighborhood.

With a police escort from the station, LCC volunteers also brought an HMC to the 911 Dispatch Center where workers were grateful to be remembered. “They were so happy for our visit as they are often overlooked behind the scenes and may not know the outcome of the calls that come in,” Patti said.

Karen agreed, saying the dispatchers were very open to hearing encouragement. “The call center gets exposed to the trauma of the moment, and after, they connect the call to the first responder. But they do not always get to see how those emotional moments are resolved. It’s a hard job,” she shared. “They were thank for our team’s presence and the heart we gave them. We were blessed to see them, thank them, and spend a little time with them.”

A Week of Service and Impact in Lena, Illinois

Twenty-two LERT volunteers, alongside Deaconess Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, assessed 29 sites and completed work at 23 homes in Lena, Illinois over the course of the week. Their efforts brought both physical relief and emotional encouragement to residents recovering from the tornado’s aftermath.

Pastor Jason Shaw of St. John’s in Lena shared his sincere gratitude and blessings for the team’s service at his home and throughout the community. Appreciation was echoed by many residents who encountered the volunteers working across town.

Removing Danger, Restoring Safety

One team tackled a massive 40-foot-tall, 36-inch-diameter pine trunk left standing after the storm. Volunteers also cleared numerous hazardous “widow makers” from homeowners’ yards.

A young mother expressed deep relief, explaining how difficult it had been to keep her children indoors, unable to play outside due to the risk of falling limbs.

At another home, volunteers removed several damaged evergreens. The homeowner, who is ill, spent time sitting on his bench watching the work and speaking with volunteers. While he called them a blessing, his presence and gratitude were equally uplifting to the team. To God be the glory.

Complex Work, Grateful Hearts

Crews worked extensively at Pastor Shaw’s property, clearing fallen trees along a creek. A specialized lift team removed a suspended limb, a dangling trunk, and a hollow split tree—serious hazards that could have caused significant harm.

At another site, a large topped pine tree was cleared from a children’s play area. Both families expressed heartfelt thanks for the care and professionalism shown. One homeowner even shared a poem about community, saying the volunteers had become part of her “village.”

In one backyard bordering a tornado-damaged school, volunteers removed 14 damaged trees. Though the homeowner mourned the loss of his trees, he remained grateful his family was safe.

A Community That Notices

During the final day in Lena, volunteers completed a technically demanding lift operation requiring careful rigging. All dangerous limbs were safely removed, bringing peace of mind to the homeowner.

The community’s appreciation was evident everywhere—even at a local gas station, where a cashier recognized the team and said, “You’re the lift team! Thank you so much for what you are doing here!” The warmth and gratitude of Lena residents made the experience especially meaningful for the volunteers.

Comfort Dogs Bring Calm and Connection in Lena Schools

In addition to cleanup efforts, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry served students and staff across Lena schools, meeting at Lena Elementary before deploying to the elementary, junior high, and high school campuses.

Teams included Bethesda (St. Matthew - Hawthorn Woods, IL), Mary (St. Paul's - Janesville, WI), and Samson (Zion - Marengo, IL) at the elementary school; Gethsemane and Tobias (Lord of Glory - Grayslake, IL) at the junior high; and Charity (Brookfield - Brookfield, WI), Shadrach (Prince of Peace - Palatine, IL), and Rejoice (St. Paul's - Janesville, WI) at the high school. School counselor Lauren Dick shared, “Please send our deepest gratitude to all of the comfort dog teams… all of the kids truly loved it and I really think it made such a difference having them present with us.”

At the junior high, one student arrived frightened and in tears but धीरे warmed up, eventually sitting for over an hour with Gethsemane curled beside her, finding comfort after her home had been damaged. Another student, focused on helping a friend during the storm, returned later noticeably lighter after spending time with the dogs.

At the high school, students supported one another while also taking time to connect with the Comfort Dogs. One quiet student, who had waited off to the side, simply wanted to share a picture of his own dog—an interaction that meant just as much as any words.

At the elementary school, a tearful student was gently brought by a teacher to sit with Mary Comfort Dog. Surrounded by friends and comforted by the dog’s presence, her tears soon faded. Across all المدارس, the presence of the Comfort Dogs created moments of peace, connection, and healing.

Compassion Beyond the Cleanup

In one particularly moving case, volunteers assisted a homeowner who had lost six trees, including cherished fruit trees. She shared her heartbreak—not only over the loss but also due to financial strain after her husband’s recent layoff and ongoing insurance struggles.

After completing the work, the team surprised her with a new apple tree and a plum tree—the same variety she had used for a cherished family recipe. Overcome with emotion, she shared that she would remember the team’s kindness every time the trees bloomed.

Extending the Mission to Roscoe

LCC LERT volunteers, joined by Jason Johnson, LCC Regional Crisis Director – West Coast, began serving in Roscoe out of St. Andrew’s in Rockton, Illinois. This community was also impacted by the tornado that struck on Friday, April 17. Teams quickly got to work, serving at multiple sites and helping homeowners remove storm-damaged trees and debris. At each location, families expressed sincere gratitude as their properties were made safe again—many relieved to no longer worry about additional damage or injury from unstable limbs.

Work continued with two small teams serving at three additional sites, where both physical labor and compassionate listening made a meaningful difference. One homeowner, Mrs. K., had six trees blown down, including beloved fruit trees she had nurtured for years. A self-described “tree hugger,” she was deeply emotional over the loss and shared that her family had already been under strain due to her husband being laid off for two months. With ongoing insurance challenges adding to their burden, the loss felt overwhelming.

The team worked efficiently to remove the fallen trees, helping restore order to her yard. But the most meaningful moment came afterward. During prayer and a group photo, volunteers surprised her with a new apple tree and a plum tree to replant. Overcome with emotion, she shared that the plum tree was the same variety she once used to make a cherished family recipe of plum dumplings. She expressed joy and gratitude, saying she would think of the team each year when the trees bloomed.

Moments like these reflect the heart of the mission—going beyond cleanup to truly care for those affected. Every family served in Roscoe expressed heartfelt thanks, not only for the skilled work, but for the kindness, compassion, and hope restored through simple, thoughtful acts.

Serving with Purpose

From clearing dangerous debris to restoring hope in small but meaningful ways, the volunteers’ work went far beyond physical labor. Whether through skilled chainsaw work or the quiet presence of a Comfort Dog, lives were touched in lasting ways.

Every family and student served expressed sincere gratitude—not just for the help received, but for the compassion shown.

On April 25, the first Stars and Stripes Honor Flight of the season took off from Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee, WI, and the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were there to send off the veterans, and to welcome them home when they returned.

The Comfort Dog Ministry teams created a warm and meaningful atmosphere for the 50 veterans preparing for their journey with LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Charity, Gethsemane, Mary & Rejoice, Sage, Samaria, Samson. Alongside their handlers, these dogs offered comfort, calm, and heartfelt connection during a day filled with emotion and reflection.

The group of veterans represented multiple generations of service. Among them were two World War II veterans, ages 97 and 102, 11 Korean War veterans—including one who served as a translator for U.S. troops—and 37 Vietnam War veterans. All wore matching dark blue polos, a symbol of unity as they embarked on their Honor Flight.

After departing on a single flight, the veterans arrived at Dulles International Airport, in Dulles, VA, where other LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams were waiting to greet them. Amos and Kezia Comfort Dogs, along with their handlers, welcomed each veteran with gratitude and respect, helping to set the tone for a memorable and meaningful experience.

One handler reflected on the powerful moments shared during the greeting:
“We were honored to be able to meet and shake the hands of each of the veterans as they arrived to their surprise greeting at Dulles. As we looked them in the eyes and thanked them for their service we could see their emotions, pride in their service and joy in being welcomed by a grateful crowd. They were excited for their day and many were so humble that they thanked us for being there.”

The presence of the comfort dogs brought smiles, eased nerves, and opened the door for genuine connection. For some veterans, the interaction carried an even deeper meaning:

“I have a lot of smiles from today, but the best part is when a veteran came up to us happily proclaiming ‘these are Christian dogs!’ These veterans truly received God’s light shining on them as they were honored, appreciated and seen. What a special way for them to begin and end their journey.”

A city in shock will mourn together again tonight. 

Eight children, aged 3 to 11, were killed early Sunday morning in a domestic dispute in Shreveport, LA, in the nation’s deadliest mass shooting in more than two years. The community will gather at 6 p.m. for a candlelight vigil in the Cedar Grove neighborhood where the incident occurred.

Lutheran Church Charities will be there. 

Upon the invitation of Rev. Eric Johnson, President of LCMS Southern District, and Pastor Paul Ernewein, District Disaster Response Coordinator, LCC is responding to this heartbreaking tragedy by deploying a team of volunteers from Oklahoma and Mississippi representing LCC’s K-9 Comfort Dogs, Cares, and Hearts of Mercy & Compassionministries. Together, they will bring presence, conversation, prayer, and an additional layer of wraparound care and comfort for the community.

The team, which will include K-9 Comfort Dog Persis (Christ The Redeemer – Tulsa, OK) will set up eight hearts and crosses for the community to sign, with the HMCs eventually going to the mothers and families to have for their grief journey. 

“We want them to know that they are not alone in this time of deep sorrow — and they are deeply loved,” said Sarah Sekki, Director of LCC’s HMC ministry.  

Seven of the victims were children of the suspected gunman. The eighth was a cousin. Two women, including the man’s wife, also were shot but are expected to survive. 

At a Sunday news conference, Shreveport mayor Tom Arceneaux asked the public to pray at church services later that morning and described the overwhelming magnitude of the incident, saying it had devastated the entire community. “We have hurting families, we have hurting police officers, hurting coroner’s personnel, a hurting fire department. This is maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had,” he said.  

LCC volunteers will be present Thursday morning for the 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. roll calls of the Shreveport Police Department – Area 4 Substation, which responded to the incident. The team will present Hearts of Gratitude to the station at each event, then they will attempt to visit the 911 Dispatch Center and Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office.  

LCC sends volunteer ministry teams as a reminder to struggling communities that people across the nation love and support them. LCC seeks to provide those impacted by natural disaster or tragedy with opportunities to process their trauma and receive messages of love and hope, ultimately finding the solace that can only come from Jesus. 

Mr. F was a new homeowner — just three weeks — when the tornado swept through. 

The EF-2 monster, 750 yards wide, packing 130 mph winds, tore his home apart. The roof and soffit were dislodged. The gutters blown off.  Windows blown out. He had interior damage too. On top of it all, he was hit by flying glass. 

Every tree on his property fell or was badly damaged. Dangerous, hanging limbs loomed overhead. When LERT-trained LCC Disaster Response volunteers showed up this week, they spent all day felling seven leaning trees, clearing debris, and making his yard safe again.  

It was an all-hands effort, with Mr. F’s aunt helping pick up limbs and trash. By the end of the day, she couldn’t express enough gratitude, hugging the crew as tears streamed down her face. They presented her and her nephew a cross cut in a slice of the tree and a cross in the stump in the yard — reminders of God’s faithfulness even amid the storm.

This ended the first week of cleanup and recovery for Lena, IL, which saw the tornado leave a path of destruction 8.5 miles long through the center of town, zigzagging around neighborhoods, and past the community’s elementary and junior high school. Students and teachers had sheltered inside, traumatized but thankful to be alive. 

Homes and businesses were a crumpled mess, trees shredded, and power lines down. But they were still together — and they weren’t alone.

Neither would nearby Roscoe, IL. On Tuesday, the village's mayor, Carol Gustafson, invited LCC LERT to assist residents in their community affected by an another EF-1 tornado that struck on April 17. LCC Team Leaders Ed Boerman and Dean Ulrich will meet with Troy Taylor, Village of Roscoe Public Works Director, this morning to assess damage and determine how LCC LERT teams can begin to serve this week.

Back in Lena, at another property, the tornado had felled multiple trees beside a ditch running by the front yard, blocking the flow of water, leaving a pool of water inching toward the house. 
The storm had been destructive — but the aftermath was about to get worse. 

Working quickly, LERT-trained LCC Disaster Response volunteers moved the downed trees, cleaned up the limbs, and trimmed the overgrown bushes creating the blockage. Soon, water was flowing through the culvert again; there would be no flooding in this yard. 

That evening, when the homeowner returned from work, he sent the crew a text: “Your team went above and beyond what I could have imagined. Thank you!”

The line of severe storms was part of a powerful system that also dumped more than a half-foot of rain on already soggy sections of southern Wisconsin, where LCC Disaster Response teams are helping families dry out. Widespread flash flooding inundated the region, particularly Janesville, where a local church had four feet of water on its first floor. 

Six rivers in Wisconsin remained at record flood stage levels after the weekend, prompting evacuations and road closures in more than a dozen counties.   

LERT responders in both states are bringing care, compassion, and the presence of Christ to these hurting communities who are in the midst of cleaning up.  

In Lena, IL, Rev. Jason Shaw, Pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church, has invited LCC to assist in recovery efforts and deploy caring volunteers to be with those who have been deeply affected by the devastating storm and provide emotional support. After Sunday services, St. John’s members went out around the town to clear debris as Deaconess Kathy O’Day, Director of LCC Disaster Response, met with Lena officials, who referred homeowner sites to the ministry.

Starting Monday, LERT crews were addressing about a dozen sites around Lena, including the Winslow-Lena schools, where students and teachers are still shaken after the storm. They were inside the school building when the tornado hit, keeping doors closed with their feet. 

LCC’s K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry is working with the principals and counselors of the schools to arrange on-site visits when the classes resume. Comfort Dogs Mary (St. Paul – Janesville, WI), Samson (Zion – Marengo, IL), and Bethesda(St. Matthew – Hawthorn Woods, IL) will meet with students and teachers at the elementary school, while Gethsemane(Lord of Glory – Grayslake, IL) and Tobias (Lord of Glory – Grayslake, IL) will visit the middle school. Comfort Dogs Charity (Brookfield – Brookfield, WI) and Shadrach (Prince of Peace – Palatine, IL) will spend time with high schoolers.    

In Wisconsin, Rev. Greg Hovland, Pastor of Saint John Lutheran in Portage, WI, and the South Wisconsin District Disaster Response Coordinator, was working with LCC’s Mark Brueggemann, Regional Crisis Manager for South Wisconsin District, to provide floor fans and dehumidifiers to congregations. They also have reached out to the North Wisconsin District to offer assistance.

LCC President/CEO Rev. Chris Singer issued a special appeal to help the communities in both states recover and rebuild.   ​

On Friday, April 17, the students and staff at Hallsburg Independent School District in Hallsburg , TX, felt the absence of a familiar and cherished presence, Becky Allen. News of her tragic car accident had reached families the night before, with letters sent home to help parents guide their children through a loss too heavy for words alone.

By mid-morning, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Martha (Bethany - Austin, TX) and her dedicated team arrived, bringing with them a gentle kind of support. At the center of it all was Martha, a comfort dog whose calm eyes and slow, steady steps seemed to say more than anyone else could.

Students gathered cautiously at first—some clutching tissues, others holding tightly to friends. Teachers and staff lingered nearby, carrying their own grief quietly. Martha didn’t rush. She simply sat, leaned in, and let the students come to her. One by one, small hands reached out. Some students knelt beside her, burying their faces into her soft fur. Others just sat close, finding comfort in her quiet presence.
Bethany, Martha’s handler, spoke gently with those who needed words. Austin stood nearby, offering reassurance in small ways—a nod, a smile, a listening ear. They didn’t try to fix the sadness. They just made space for it.

As the hours passed, something subtle began to shift. The tears didn’t disappear, but they softened. Laughter—quiet at first—returned in small bursts. Stories about Becky were shared: her kindness, her patience, the way she made students feel seen. Grief, once heavy and isolating, became something shared.
Later, Bethany reflected on the day.

“People were grieving when we got there,” she said. “They seemed better when we left. We were very well received. Glad we were able to help.”

When the team finally packed up to leave, Martha paused at the door, as if sensing the weight she had helped lift. Behind her, the school still mourned—but it no longer felt quite as alone.

At Crean Lutheran High School in Orange, California, the community is navigating an incredibly difficult season after the tragic loss of a beloved senior, Ryder. As a well-known football player, his presence touched many, especially the 88 young men who stood beside him as teammates, friends, and brothers.
In moments like these, words often fall short. Grief shows up in silence, in tears, in confusion—and in the quiet need for comfort.

Answering the Call for Compassion

In response to this profound loss, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams were invited to step in and serve. Requested by counselor Ellie Beavis, the visit marked a first for Crean—an opportunity for students and staff to experience this unique ministry in action.

The teams present included Micah (Light of the Valley - Elk Grove, CA), Rahab (St. Andrews - Stockton, CA), Salome (Faith Community - Las Vegas, NV), and Zechariah (First Good Shepherd - Las Vegas, NV) Comfort Dogs, each bringing their own presence of peace, compassion, and care.

For many, it was their first encounter with the simple yet powerful presence of comfort dogs—offering calm, safety, and unconditional love during a time of deep sorrow.

A Ministry of Presence

This ministry is not just about dogs—it’s about being present. It’s about listening without judgment, offering a steady hand, and creating space where healing can begin.

Through gentle interactions, quiet companionship, and heartfelt conversations, students began to open up—many for the first time. The comfort dogs became a bridge, allowing emotions to surface in a way that felt safe and natural.

Moments That Matter: Stories from the Visit

The impact of the visit was felt in deeply personal ways:

• One young football player, overwhelmed with emotion, found solace sitting beside a comfort dog. Afterward, he expressed heartfelt gratitude, sharing how much it meant that the teams showed up for them.
• A student named Azalea, still grieving the recent loss of her own dog, returned multiple times to spend moments with Micah. She shared that she felt “seen” and comforted in a way she hadn’t expected.
• Staff members, including counselors and school leaders, witnessed firsthand how powerful this ministry can be—not just for students, but for adults carrying the weight of leadership and care.
• Even small gestures, like a student baking cookies as a thank-you, reflected the growing sense of connection and appreciation.

Healing the Team, One Step at a Time
For Ryder’s teammates, the journey through grief is especially complex. In a culture where emotions can be hard to express, the presence of comfort dogs created a space where vulnerability felt acceptable.

Tears were shed. Stories were shared. And slowly, healing began.

As one handler reflected, simply being there—sitting beside these young men as they processed their emotions—made a meaningful difference. That care extended beyond the dogs themselves.

Comfort dog “stuffies” were shared with students, leaving a dozen with counselors for those in greatest need and placing the rest directly into the hands of students—especially football players who came in after the assembly and others who returned seeking a little extra comfort.

Each one was received with deep gratitude, a tangible reminder that they were not alone. In both forms—the living presence of the dogs and the keepsakes they left behind—peace and even small moments of joy began to take root among hurting hearts.

Being the Light in Dark Times

In times of grief, presence matters. Compassion matters. Love matters.

The teams who served at Crean lived out the words of Gospel of Matthew 5:13–16—being salt and light in a moment that needed both.

They showed up.
They listened.
They cared.

And in doing so, they brought hope into a place that needed it most.

Moving Forward Together

The road ahead for Crean’s students, staff, and especially the football team will take time. Healing is not immediate—but it is possible.

And sometimes, it begins with something as simple as a quiet presence, a listening ear… and a gentle dog reminding you that you are not alone.

As springtime arrives at Crete High School in Nebraska, the hallways still feel heavy. Not as weighty and grief-filled as earlier this school year but the need to heal remains.

School counselor Jay Quinn knew just who to call — the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs.

“Your dogs came to us in an emergency and were a huge part of our immediate relief,” he said. “But we have some on-going healing still happening and wanted the dogs to come back.”

In February, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry sent seven teams to the school after a junior named Tommy unexpectedly passed away, leaving a sense of loss rippling across every classroom. Tommy had grown up here. He was known, involved, loved. For many students, this was the first time they had ever experienced the death of someone their own age. The handlers and dog stepped into the ache.

This time, K-9 Comfort Dogs Glory (Christ Lutheran – Lincoln, NE), Keren (Immanuel – Ellsworth, KS), and Meshach (Peace – Grand Island, NE), all of whom served before, showed up again to uplift spirits, encourage, and show love to a hurting community.

The comfort dogs’ presence drew an immediate response.

“Several students literally came running over when they saw that the dogs were back and were full of hugs with the dogs,” a ministry partner with Glory said.

One female student leaned in close to Glory with a whispered message: “You can stay; you can just stay here with me.” The dogs and their teams were offering the kind of hope and courage that students wanted to take home.   

“It was wonderful to see the joy in their faces this time,” a handler for Glory said.

Nearby, Keren and her team also had a wonderful experience to see some of the same students again after the tragedy earlier in the year.

“There was one girl that remembered Keren and sat with her for the entire lunch period,” a Keren handler said. “Another student wanted to know why they couldn't be there every day.”

Many students asked about the other dogs who had visited before.

Crete’s school counselor could see the impact of the K-9 teams’ visit right away.

“There were smiles all around,” Quinn shared. “The students loved the contact with the dogs! Not all kids are willing to share their struggles. But all needed the unconditional love the dogs could bring — to find some positives in their day. LCC provided that.”

The stress of military life is challenging. Combat exposure, long deployments, frequent relocations, family separation. These factors often lead to chronic anxiety, depression, and strain on relationships..

After a suicide death of a military member, the 926th Wing at Nellis Air Force Base near Las Vagas, NV, has been grappling with high stress and grief, needing the comfort and support of their loved ones.

So they organized a Family Day at a local park and invited LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs to join them.

Four Comfort Dogs teams from Nevada and California arrived with wagging tails, furry coats, and smiling faces to uplift the base community and their families:  Lois (First Good Shepherd – Las Vegas, NV), Micah (Light of the Valley – Elk Grove, CA), Salome (Faith Community – Las Vegas, NV), and Zechariah (First Good Shepherd – Las Vegas, NV).  

In a shady spot near some blankets, Zechariah was approached by a young lady named Hannah, who had come by to visit a few times, clearly enjoying the love Zechariah was providing. “She didn’t speak to anyone but just went right up and snuggled with him,” one handler said. Zechariah willingly complied, sensing the joy she felt from his presence. 

Nearby, Salome laid down near a fifth-grade girl who was very quiet and continually pet and hugged on Salome. “She didn’t smile very much, but she seemed very comforted by all the dogs and came back several times,” another handler recalled.

Lois’s team said they enjoyed being with military families. “They were very appreciative that the dogs and were there,” a handler shared. Presence means a lot.

“I saw a lot of God in the eyes of children as they approached the dogs — some afraid, some not,” a handler for Micah said. “They were all so warm and loving towards the dogs.”

The buses rolled in under a heavy sky on Tuesday morning in Kentucky. Spring break had ended, but something far deeper lingered in the hearts of students and staff in the Crittenden County School District, KY.

Grief. Uncertainty. Waiting.

Their school resource officer, Deputy Rick Coyle, a man known not only for his badge but for his heart, lay in critical condition after a tragic shooting. A protector, a mentor, a friend. A husband. A man who had spent decades serving others, first on the streets of Chicago and now in the quiet rhythms of a rural community that had come to love him.

And into that silence, into that waiting, came a different kind of first responder.

Seven LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams from Indiana, Illinois, Tennessee, and Missouri, brought their quiet presence, wagging tails, and open hearts.

• Eternity and Magdalene (Cornerstone -  Carmel, IN)
• Tabby and Zion (St. Paul -  Des Peres, MO)
• Noah (Timothy - St. Louis, MO)
• Job (Christ the King - Memphis, TN)
• Rachel (Immanuel - Charleston, IL)
  
  

They came because they were called.

A Community in Need of Peace

Superintendent Tanya Driver knew what her schools would face when students returned.

“I can’t thank you all enough. The day was perfect,” she later shared. “The impact was immeasurable. Not only did the dogs’ presence uplift our students, but also our staff. It provided much needed times of peace and joy during an otherwise difficult week.”

She had reached out in faith—and the answer came in the form of paws on pavement and ministry in motion.

At each of the district’s three schools—the elementary, middle, and high school—the Comfort Dog teams were there before the first bell rang. They greeted students as they stepped off buses, just as they had in other communities shaken by tragedy. A quiet welcome. A soft place to land.

Team in Action

“It was so good to be working as a team,” shared Zion’s handler. “My word is TEAM. From the beginning prayer to our closing prayer, it was a day full of comfort… We were a TEAM to serve.”

That unity mattered.

At the middle school, one moment stood still above the rest—a young boy, the son of the second officer involved in the shooting, unsure if his own father had been harmed. He stayed for a long time, quietly petting Zion.

No words could fix that moment.

But presence could hold it.

“I am grateful that we had our TEAM on site to reach out… especially this boy,” the handler said.

Seen and Valued

In a small community, it can be easy to feel overlooked by the wider world. But on this day, that wasn’t the case.

“As I reflect on the day, I'm vacillating between the words ‘seen’ and ‘valued,’” said Job’s handler. “Many were amazed that we came from several different places… just to bring the dogs for the day. I hope our presence conveyed the loving care that God feels for all of us.”

Seen.
Valued.
Loved.
Not because of anything they had done—but because of who they are in Christ.

A Place to Release
Sometimes grief doesn’t come out all at once. Sometimes it needs space.

Magdalene’s handler witnessed that sacred unfolding in a teacher who returned again and again throughout the day.

“At first, our conversations were light,” she shared. “But as the day went on, they became much deeper.”

The teacher spoke of her students—the ones she had loved and taught for years. The weight she carried for them. The reason she couldn’t step away from her calling.

“She just can’t bring herself to retire… because she worries about ‘her kids’ too much.”

And in that space, surrounded by comfort and grace, something holy happened.

“Today was a reminder that sometimes the most important thing we can offer is simply being present… creating space for someone to release what they’ve been carrying.”

The Power of Being Present

“My word is presence,” shared Eternity’s handler.

A quiet student sat with Eternity and Magdalene, gently petting them. What began as small talk slowly revealed deeper struggles—uncertainty, fear, the weight of life beyond school walls.

“In that moment, what she needed most was to be heard… to not feel alone.”

“You are not alone. We are praying for you.”

“It reminded us that we are not always placed where we expect to make an impact,” the handler reflected, “but rather where we are needed most.”

Peace That Passes Understanding

At the elementary school—set apart from the others but not forgotten—Tabby and Noah brought comfort to a different kind of audience.

The children, many too young to fully understand, simply leaned in for love.

But the teachers knew.

And they came.

“Grateful,” Tabby’s handler said. “I believe each one of them took time to be comforted.”

One teacher, Kayla Davis Maxfield, described something deeper than words:

“It was truly a deep, quiet kind of calm… I have never experienced anything quite like it. Tears welled in my eyes… I was so overcome with peace.”

She reflected on God’s design—how these animals bring healing simply by being.

“It made me think about the reminder in Exodus… that the Lord will fight for us, and we only need to be still.”

Stillness in the storm.
Peace in the waiting.
God, present.

Appreciative and Thankful

Rachel’s team summed up the day in two words: appreciative and thankful.

“We were overwhelmed with how everyone… was so appreciative and thankful that we were there. And in return, we were so appreciative and thankful that we could be there.”

It was a mutual exchange of grace.
A community receiving comfort.
A ministry witnessing God at work.

Love That Stays

Deputy Rick Coyle’s story is still being written in the hearts of those he served. A man of integrity. A protector. A servant leader who made people better.

Even now, as his community waits and prays, his impact remains.

And so does the impact of a different kind of ministry—one that shows up, sits down, and stays.

No sermons.
No speeches.
Just presence.
Just love.

Because sometimes, in the face of tragedy, the most powerful testimony is not what we say--
It’s that we came.