![]() Lutheran Church Charities President/CEO Chris Singer, along with Eric Wendelbo and Mark Holt of the Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Team from Christ the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Persis, with K-9 handlers Roxy and Steve Hurry (a retired police officer) of the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministries Team from King of Kings Lutheran Church inGlenpool, Oklahoma, were on the ground in Fordyce, Arkansas, on Tuesday to be with survivors of the mass shooting, families impacted by the tragedy, and community first responders. The team set up the Hearts of Mercy & Compassion memorial site near the parking lot of the Mad Butcher grocery store, where 4 residents were killed and 10 others wounded last Friday. Two of the injured are law enforcement officers. The site, which is now adorned with flowers and candles, attracted onlookers who signed the hearts and crosses with words of hope and peace. As the team visited the local hospital, funeral home, and sheriff's office to express the love of Christ and offer comforting care through their presence, they witnessed encouragement begin to overcome the palpable sense of fear and concern that had gripped the community in the days after the tragedy. Some of the highlights of the day:
AT C.O.P.S. KIDS CAMP, LCC K-9 COMFORT DOG TEAMS BRING CALM TO FAMILIES OF SLAIN POLICE OFFICERS6/26/2024
![]() In June, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry continued its support of Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) with 11 teams attending the annual C.O.P.S. Kids Camp in Wisconsin. Camp attendees are children who have lost a parent or guardian in the line of duty. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and handlers provide comfort and support to the children during counseling sessions, surrounding them with love, comfort, and security that comes from God. The 11 LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams were: LCC K-9 Police Ministry Dog Candace of LCC Staff LCC K-9 Police Ministry Dog Dora of LHSAGM in Milwaukee, Wisconsin LCC K-9 Police Ministry Dog Julia of King of Glory in Elgin, Illinois LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Charity of Brookfield Lutheran in Brookfield, Wisconsin LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Hannah of LCC Staff LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Mary of St. Paul's Lutheran in Janesville, Wisconsin LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Rejoice in St. Paul's Lutheran in Janesville, Wisconsin LCC K-9 Comfort Tobias of Lord of Glory in Grayslake, Illinois LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs in Training Meshach, Olive and Saul Each year, between 140 and 160 officers die in the line of duty and their families and co-workers are left to cope. C.O.P.S., which has a membership of more than 80,000 survivors nationwide, provides resources to help them rebuild their lives after losing a loved one. Each summer, C.O.P.S. Kids Camp provides families a relaxed setting removed from everyday life. Often, young children who lose a parent do not have a safe, comfortable place to share their struggles with their peers. C.O.P.S. Kids Camp offers that, as well as a place for parents/guardians to do the same. While the camp helps attendees to process and cope with loss, the experience impacts LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry handlers too. Here are some reflections of their time spent this year with the children, parents and counseling staff:
A PRAYER FOR THE C.O.P.S. FAMILIES
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Last week LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Hagar (Faith Lutheran - Appleton, Wisconsin) and Samaria (Shepherd of the Hill - Greenville, Wisconsin) were invited to the Lutheran Women in Mission - LWML Northern Wisconsin District. The Comfort Dogs and their handlers greeted attendees as they registered and entered/exited the conference area. Their teams saw old friends and made so many new friends including women who had experience with LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs in Texas and California. It was great for Hagar and Samaria's teams to serve together the wonderful women of LWML Northern Wisconsin District and share with them information about the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry. | |
During her monthly visits to Ascension Life Center, Myra brings joy to many of the residents who look forward to her visit and love to spend time with her. She has become fast friends with Betty, one of the bed-bound residents and knows exactly where to find her. Betty always tells us how important it is that she gets to spend time with Myra and is so thankful that we stop in to see her. She has Myra’s business card attached to the side of her tray table so she can look at her all of the time. |
One young man volunteers at an animal shelter and he is always eager to talk about his work there and the interaction with the dogs. Another man loves to have his picture taken with Myra each time we are there. It is such a pleasure and so much fun to visit with this group of men and women and wish them well in their daily endeavors.
After Myra spends time with each of them she lays down and several of the participants sit with her; she loves it as much as they do.
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Myra and her team have been busy spreading the mercy, compassion, proclamation and presence of Jesus in a variety of settings. They visited a Girl Scout Troop working on their “Animal Helper” badge. The girls had a lot of great questions about the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry and gave Myra a lot of love and attention. |
Myra's team had the pleasure of visiting Temple Jeremiah and observing their Sabbath service last Saturday evening. It was an outdoor inclusion service, and we were thrilled to see such a lovely group of people gathered there. The congregation was very excited to spend time with Myra, and had several great questions about the Comfort Dog Ministry. We were delighted to explain that we go where invited, no matter the religion or beliefs. It was a tail-wagging experience, and we look forward to visiting again soon! |
On Thursday, June 20th, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Gabriel (Messiah - Houston, Texas) and Joy (Gloria Dei - Houston, Texas) and their teams embarked on a special journey to Camp Lone Star in LaGrange, Texas. Their mission? To bring smiles and joy to campers facing tough times at home. As the day unfolded, not only were the children uplifted by the visit, but the dedicated camp staff also had a chance to bond with some furry friends. The campers and staff were eager to learn more about the dogs and the meaningful work they do, sparking engaging conversations and creating lasting memories. It was a paw-sitively wonderful experience for all, as the handlers shared their touching stories of how these comfort dogs help spread the message of love and faith. | |
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams were blessed to serve at the MIB Factor 2024 Osteosarcoma Conference. The conference convenes yearly to bring the leading researchers, clinicians, surgeons, and veterinarians together with patient families and osteo-warriors to “Make It Better” for those battling this disease. This is the 7th annual conference and the second for the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry to attend. The K-9 teams offered a quiet time to visit with the dogs in the HQ area where the osteo-warriors and siblings bond over games, crafts, snacks, and activities. The teams also mingled with researchers, physicians, and family members during session breaks. | |
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Claudia & Lazarus (Trinity - Toledo, Ohio)
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Damascus (St. Paul - Napoleon, Ohio)
LCC K9 Comfort Dog Lizzie (Trinity - Savannah, Georgia)
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