LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Aaron (St. John’s – Napa, California) and Reuben (First Lutheran – Yuba City, California) and their teams, assisted by expecting teams from St. Andrews – Stockton and Light of the Valley – Elk Grove, California, have ministered to thousands of people over the past week-and-a-half who were impacted by the horrific Camp Fire in Northern California. Nearly the entire town of Paradise, California, was destroyed in the fire. Our Savior Lutheran Church in Paradise was engulfed by the fire except for the cross on their property. The members of Our Savior have amazing faith and trust that God will give them strength during this time.

Comfort Dogs Aaron and Reuben, and the ministry teams, continue ministering to the men, women and children who have been affected by the devastating Camp Fire, the deadliest wildfire in California’s history spanning from Sacramento to Chico and more. The reported death toll is 77, while the number of people unaccounted for is still approximately 700. According to a local newspaper, at least 3,800 of the more than 4,200 Paradise Unified School District students lost their homes.

Over thirty sites were visited by teams that included shelters, call centers, first responders who lost homes, Our Savior LCMS whose church was lost, Cal Fire incident camp, Cal Fire OES Assistant Chief Ken Hood Funeral, Yuba City – Sutter county evacuation center, and many more.

On Thursday, November 15, LCC K-9 Police Ministry Dog Reuben (First Lutheran – Yuba City, California), and his law enforcement handler responded to offer comfort to members of the Sutter County (CA) Sheriff’s Department after police K-9 Bandit was shot and killed in the line of duty while attempting to apprehend a suspect wanted in connection with a double homicide. This event made the tragic circumstances of the Camp Fire even more difficult for first responders. Please remember them all in your prayers.

On Monday, November 12, LCC K-9 Police Ministry Dog Reuben (First Lutheran – Yuba City, California), and his law enforcement handler attended the shift change briefing at the law enforcement base camp (for the Camp Fire) to offer comfort and support to the many officers, deputies, and agents from various agencies who were preparing to go out and serve.

On Friday, November 16, LCC K-9 Police Ministry Dog Reuben (First Lutheran – Yuba City, California), and his law enforcement handler visited the dispatchers at the Chico (CA) Police Department, who have been working tirelessly to help keep the public and first responders safe during the wildfires.

On Wednesday, November 14, LCC K-9 Police Ministry Dog Gracie (Trinity - Davenport, Iowa) and her law enforcement handler visited the Davenport Police Department to make sure that the officers there know they are appreciated.

On Saturday, November 17, the LCC K-9 Ministry Dogs attended the Memorial Service for Roger Turek, good friend of LCC and former Director of the Arlingtones. Roger passed away on October 9, 2018. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Emma (LCC Staff), Chloe (Lord of Life – Elburn, Illinois), and JoJo (Living Christ – Arlington Heights, Illinois), along with LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dogs Tobias (Lord of Glory – Grayslake, Illinois), Brandy, Flex, and Brutus (LCC Squad) brought comfort, mercy, and compassion to Roger’s family and friends attending the service.

Western Springs Baptist Church OWLS Seniors Group heard about the LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry in a slide presentation at their November meeting. Kare 9s Brutus, Flex, and Brandy (LCC Squad) gave the members the opportunity to give and receive love and compassion. The Kare 9s and their handlers were honored to meet and greet two World War II veterans. The Kare 9 veteran handlers were also thrilled to learn that this church was Rev. Billy Graham’s first church. In 1943, Rev. Graham, a recent graduate of Wheaton College, became pastor of the 100 member church. During his 21 months of ministry there, “Songs in the Night,” a well-known Sunday evening radio vesper service, began broadcasting from the church.

On Wednesday, November 14, LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dogs Blitz and Brutus (LCC Squad) were guests at the Aurora Salvation Army’s Kids Night. The LCC K-9 Ministry was presented to the children and staff. Afterwards, a Q & A period followed. The children were thrilled to meet and greet the Kare 9s and get their picture with them. LCC is blessed each time they have opportunity to be with the dedicated members of the Salvation Army.

The LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry was invited to a special event held at the Forrestal Community Center Great Lakes. The Bring Your Own Veteran Potluck Dinner honored veterans and their families.

The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry recently completed the Fall 2018 session of The Heart Connection. This is a Grief Counseling Program held twice yearly at Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park, Illinois. The program is offered at no charge to those enrolled. Children from the ages of 3-16, who have lost a close family member, participate in group sessions developed to help them process the feelings and hurts of losing a loved one. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs sit in on the sessions and are available to bring love, compassion, and comfort to the children and staff. LCC has been honored to be a part of The Heart Connection for the past three years.