On Sunday, December 29th, the spirit of compassion and connection filled the air at Great Lakes Naval Station in Great Lakes, IL, as LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dogs Charity (Brookfield Lutheran - Brookfield, Wisconsin), Samson (Zion - Marengo, Illinois), Brutus, and Nigel (LCC staff) made a heartfelt visit to sailors who had to remain on duty during Christmas. For these brave men and women, who sacrificed time away from their families, the presence of the Comfort Dogs brought a much-needed sense of warmth and solace.

Organized by Zoeie Kreiner of Support Over Stigma, this event became a beacon of community support, attracting approximately 200-300 sailors who were treated to delicious food, thoughtful gifts, and an abundance of love. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs, with their gentle demeanor and unwavering affection, were at the forefront, offering comfort that transcended words.

LCC handlers listened intently as sailors shared their personal stories of duty, resilience, and cherished Christmas memories spent with loved ones. These exchanges not only highlighted the emotional toll of being away from home but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and understanding among the sailors.

As we reflect on the impact of this event, we invite you to join us in our mission to spread love and hope to those in crisis. Together, we can continue to bring comfort and joy to those who need it most. Join us in making a difference!

On December 18th and 19th, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry team Micah (Light of the Valley - Elk Grove, CA), and LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry Team Rahab (St. Andrews - Stockton, CA) were invited to Feather River Adventist School, Oroville CA, to be present when students and staff returned to school after the tragic shooting of two of their classmates on December 5th.  Teams Micah and Rahab were able to comfort and be present with students, staff, parents, and community members as they returned to school and prepared for Christmas Break.
 
Many of the students were excited to learn Micah and Rahab’s Bible verses as they approached alone or in groups and shared memories and some of their feelings as they became more comfortable with the handlers and ministry partners.

Micah Comfort Dog’s verse is Micah 6:8: "No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy ,and to walk humbly with your God."

Rahab Comfort Dog’s verse is Joshua 2:11: "When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below."

In this small school they welcomed Rahab and Micah Comfort Dogs, handlers, and ministry partners with open gratitude and words of praise and thanks for LCC and the Comfort Dogs teams.
 
Parents and staff spent time with the Comfort Dog Ministry team members and Micah and Rahab, talking and sometimes crying as they relaxed and let go for the first time in two weeks.  As one parent said, as she sat with Rahab’s head in her lap, “Rahab said it’s okay to let go.”  The school's groundskeeper and bus driver spent time with Micah and Rahab and thanked the team for those moments. He shared that for a few minutes he was able to focus on something other than the tragedy that happened.
 
One parent prayed with the teams while holding Rahab’s paw. Team members prayed with the principal and made connections to stay in touch as she continues to shepherd Feather River Adventist School as the school and community heals.
 
It is a long journey of healing for the school family and community and God will be with them, strengthening, comforting and guiding them forward as He has promised. "It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” (Deuteronomy 31:8 )

As students navigate the pressures of finals, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry has stepped in to provide a much-needed respite at Honors Academic Village in Toledo, OH. On this special day, our dedicated K-9 handlers for Comfort Dogs Claudia (Trinity - Toledo, Ohio), Damascus (St. Paul - Napoleon, Ohio), and Lazarus (LCC staff) filled the atmosphere with warmth and love as these gentle canines interacted with students, offering them a moment of joy and relief from their intense study sessions.

Throughout the three-hour event, a steady stream of 4 to 6 students engaged with the comfort dogs at all times. The simple act of petting a dog or sharing a smile with them provided emotional relief that words alone cannot describe. Jonah Rehm, who requested the visit, shared heartfelt feedback: "The event went very well! I am so very grateful that so many handlers and dogs were able to visit. It truly made students happier and gave them a well-deserved break amidst studying for final exams. Thank you once again!"

We invite you to join us in our mission to bring love and comfort to those in need. Consider supporting LCCs K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry through donations or volunteer opportunities. Together, we can continue to make a positive impact in the lives of students and others who may be facing their own challenges.

After much time praying, preparing, and practicing, December 15 became the day that LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Zechariah and his team were commissioned at First Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Las Vegas, NV, by Pastor Brad Beckman.  It was a wonderful moment of celebration and fellowship for the team, church, and the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry.

Zechariah Comfort Dog and the team greeted churchgoers at the church services that morning along with LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Rahab (St. Andrews - Stockton, CA); Salome (Faith Community - Las Vegas, NV); and Lois (First Good Shepherd - Las Vegas, NV).

Zechariah Comfort Dog and his team worked very hard for this day and are excited to follow God’s call to serve and love His people in their community and beyond. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry rejoices in the Lord and thanks Him for continuing to grow and bless this ministry.

Zechariah’s Bible verse is 1 John 5:14–15 "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him."

First Good Shepherd Lutheran Church handlers and caregivers for K-9 Comfort Dog Zechariah include:
Top Dog, Jennifer Pollock; handlers Rick Pollock, Diana Bartholomew, Jana Buckley, Kevin Buckley, Terri Humphrey, and Jeremiah Porrino; ministry partners Brad Beckman, Joy Bogart, Terry Calloway, Mary Chauncey, Robert Chauncey, Randy Doring, Raymond Hamilton, Andrew Macklberg, Verla Niebuhr, Linda Olson, Jean Poteete and June Sakugawa.

God is with this team as they begin this new journey as part of the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry.

Please keep LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Zechariah and the team at First Good Shepherd, Las Vegas, in your prayers for God’s guidance as they go out to share with so many who are hurting and alone, the Mercy, Compassion, Presence, and Proclamation of Jesus Christ.

Over the weekend, the atmosphere at Newark Liberty International Airport, NJ, was electric with excitement as LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Beloved (Trinity - Hicksville, NY) and Kezia (Emmanuel - Baltimore, MD),  participated in the United Airlines Fantasy Flight event. This special occasion brought children from the University of Newark Children's Hospital on a magical journey that they would remember for a lifetime. As they boarded the plane for what was for many their very first flight, the air was filled with anticipation and wonder.

Upon arrival at the enchanting North Pole, the children's eyes lit up with delight as they were greeted by a cast of jolly characters, including Santa himself! The joy radiating from the children and their families was palpable; it was a day brimming with smiles, laughter, and an overwhelming sense of love. These moments of pure happiness remind us of the power of community and the importance of creating cherished memories, especially for those facing challenges.

The presence of our Comfort Dogs added an extra layer of warmth and comfort to the day. Their gentle spirits and loving demeanor provided companionship, making the event even more special. As families gathered together, sharing stories and laughter, the bond of faith and love grew stronger, echoing the message of Galatians 5:22, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness."

As we reflect on this magical day, let us carry forward the hope and love of Jesus in our hearts. May we continue to uplift one another in our communities, spreading joy and compassion to those in need.