Bringing Comfort Through Quiet Presence

“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” A.A. Milne

The LCC Comfort Dog Ministry was honored to respond to a call to be present at the funeral service for 17-month-old Elsey Mae Howland, offering quiet comfort, steady presence, and unconditional love to a family and community walking through profound grief. Through stillness, companionship, and shared remembrance, the dogs helped create moments of peace in a service grounded in faith and love.

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Glory (Christ Lincoln - Lincoln, NE) and Phinehas (Trinity - Fremont, NE) attended the service together, each serving in a distinct yet deeply meaningful way. From the moment they arrived, their calm presence brought reassurance to an emotionally heavy setting and reminded those gathered that they were not alone.

Phinehas remained with the family throughout the funeral service, seeming to understand the importance of staying close. He stayed remarkably calm and attentive, offering quiet reassurance simply by being present. When Elsey's sister Everlee came over briefly during the service, Phinehas gently acknowledged her, meeting her where she was in that moment. A couple seated nearby also found comfort as Phinehas curled near their feet, extending his peaceful presence to others in need.

Glory sat quietly toward the back of the sanctuary, offering comfort to anyone who sought it during the service. Her steady presence provided a place of rest and reassurance during moments of deep emotion.
Elsey’s dad, Brandon, is a police officer, and the law enforcement community showed up with powerful support. Many men and women attended the service in uniform, standing together in solidarity with the family. During two special songs, the sanctuary lights were dimmed, and officers turned on their guardian lights. Red, white, and blue filled the room as everyone joined in a dance party—celebrating Elsey Mae in a way that reflected her love for lights, music, and joy.

Music played a meaningful role in honoring Elsey’s life. The congregation sang: You Are My Sunshine, Jesus Loves Me, Jingle Bells, Joy in the Morning, and That’s Who I Praise (Celebration). These songs captured both the innocence of childhood and the hope found in faith, blending tears with smiles as Elsey’s life was remembered.

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Those in attendance were deeply moved by the strength of Elsey’s parents. Their willingness to stand and speak was a powerful testament to their faith and courage in the midst of unimaginable loss. It served as a gentle reminder that there are no perfect words and no clear answers to the “why.” In moments like these, all that can be done is to hold tightly to faith and to surround the family with steady, loving support.

This service carried immense emotion—some openly expressed and others quietly held. Team members who attended the visitation felt the weight of the moment and the challenge of remaining composed while serving others. That burden was eased by how beautifully the service honored Elsey and by the family’s strong, visible faith. There was a deep sense of peace in knowing that Elsey is safely held in the arms of Jesus.

As we remember Elsey, the words of A.A. Milne echo gently:
“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”

Elsey’s life, though brief, was a celebration of love, joy, and enthusiasm. Her vibrant spirit continues to live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who were touched by her light. The LCC Comfort Dog teams Glory and Phinehas were honored to be part of a service that so beautifully reflected faith, hope, and love.

“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.”
—Isaiah 40:1