As students, teachers, and staff begin the first few weeks of school, it can often create confusion—where to go, who to talk to, what to do. For little ones just starting school, students joining new classrooms, or kids even moving to completely new schools, this time of the year can be stressful. Luckily, for several schools, the best stress-relief walked in on four furry paws.

Enter the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs that are making back-to-school jitters become back-to-school joy.

For the past several weeks, Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams across the country have been welcoming students, teachers, staff, and families back to school with wagging tails, gentle pets, and familiar faces. While several Comfort Dogs spent the day with their home schools, many others visited community schools, colleges, universities, and alternative schools.

The first days of school can bring laughter and smiles, but also anxiety, fear, and even tears. For many students, however, seeing a familiar furry friend waiting at the door helped make the transition a little easier.

As rows of children filed into their school and classrooms, they stopped to pet the dogs, sometimes just brushing a hand across the golden fur, other times bending down to wrap their arms around the dogs’ necks or even to give a kiss on their heads.
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Handlers and ministry team members asked students about their summers, talked with them about returning to class, and encouraged them to spend time with the dogs. Students could simply enjoy a gentle pet or whisper some of their worries about the new school year.

The dogs were ready for the occasion, too. Some wore special bandannas in their school’s colors and carried personalized backpacks with school hangtags featuring prayers and inspirational reminders. One message offered a simple daily reminder: each student is a treasured gift from God.

For returning students and teachers, the dogs were familiar faces they were overjoyed to see. Several of the dogs visit regularly throughout the year, making their appearance at the start of school a joyful reunion after weeks apart during the summer. 

At Marquardt Middle School in Glendale Heights, IL, Benjamin Comfort Dog (LCC – Northbrook, IL) was happy to see familiar faces and welcome new students as another school year began. “School is such an important place to learn, grow, build friendships, and discover new things,” he posted on his Facebook page. “I’m grateful to be there to offer a little comfort and support along the way.”

In Spokane, WA, Fisher Comfort Dog (Christ the King – Coeur d’Alene) and Isaac Comfort Dogs(Redeemer – Spokane, WA) visited Westwood Middle School during the teachers' first day back. Their visit came after a difficult period for the Spokane community because of major fires, making their message of support especially meaningful: the teachers and community were loved, and they were not alone. “We love you and we are here for you!” their Facebook page said. “Pray for your local educators as they begin this new school year.”

At Vernon Hills High School in Vernon Hills, IL, Bethesda Comfort Dog (St. Matthew – Hawthorn Woods, IL), Journey Comfort Dog (LCC – Northbrook, IL), and Gethsemane and Tobias Comfort Dogs (Lord of Glory – Grayslake, IL) helped students begin the year with extra encouragement. SAP Coordinator Amy Dillon, who requested the visit, said she could see students visibly relax when they saw the dogs.
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“There were several students who stated that they were afraid of dogs,” she noted. “But the humans were so encouraging and supportive that most of the students ended up coming into the visiting area to sit with the dogs, some even ended up petting them and relaxed immensely.”

The back-to-school visits took many forms. The dogs greeted students at front doors, visited classrooms, attended assemblies, participated in backpack blessings and church services, joined teacher commissioning events, and spent time in school libraries, hallways, and staff areas.
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At Holy Cross in Collinsville, IL, Esther and Jordan Comfort Dogs (Holy Cross – Collinsville, IL) greeted students and staff during a backpack blessing and teacher commissioning before welcoming students back to class. Lazarus Comfort Dog (LCC – Northbrook, IL) attended a special chapel where everyone received a blessing for the new year. “We can’t wait to get back to visiting with these students and seeing them grow throughout the year,” Lazarus said on his Facebook page. “May God bless this school year with His love and teachings.”

At Concordia Christian Academy in Tacoma, WA, Sharon Comfort Dog (St. Luke’s – Federal Way, WA) was there when the children entered for opening chapel. “Sharon was just as happy for the kids to be back in school as they were to see her,” said her handler. “You could see it in their eyes.”

And at Our Redeemer Lutheran School in Dallas, TX, the tail on Triton Comfort Dog (Messiah – Plano, TX) couldn’t stop wagging as he greeted the kids for the first time of the new year. “I spent the morning with the younger Wildcats and they surrounded me with tiny hands, big smiles, and lots of gentle pets,” he said. “Their teachers said it was the perfect way to start the new year, and I think so, too.”

Esther and Jordan Comfort Dogs (Holy Cross – Collinsville, IL) visited Metro-East Lutheran High School in Edwardsville, IL, and noted, “High school can be very stressful, and I pray that our time together helps the students with their day. I love them so much.”

For some teams, back-to-school ministry also meant showing appreciation for the adults who make a school run. The ministry team for Jared Comfort Dog (Holy Cross – Fort Wayne, IN) provided snacks and a message thanking teachers and staff for their hard work and dedication. Mary and Rejoice Comfort Dogs (St. Paul’s – Janesville, WI) brought a charcuterie tray of cheese, crackers, and grapes as a welcome back thank you to their school staff.

Seth Comfort Dog (Eternal Shepherd, Seneca, SC) and his ministry team took encouragement a step further by preparing handwritten cards for all 61 teachers at Seneca High School. Each card was individually written, prayed over, and included a Bible verse and a card from Seth. One teacher had already shared how much the gesture meant to her.

Other dogs helped welcome students at colleges and universities. Eden Comfort Dog (Peace – Columbus, NE) participated in a Coffee, Cupcakes, and Comfort event at Central Community College in Columbus, NE, while Glory Comfort Dog (Christ – Lincoln, NE) welcomed students from across the country at Union Adventist University in Lincoln, NE. Sage Comfort Dog (Concordia University – Mequon, WI) also visited college students at his home location, including those attending a freshman nursing orientation, where students from China who were studying at Concordia for the semester were excited to meet Sage and take a group photo.
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And, of course, there were plenty of smiles. Some of the Comfort Dogs posed with welcome-back signs, joined students for photos, and even participated in school picture days. When Thomas Comfort Dog (St. Paul – Concordia, MO) posted a photo on his Facebook page of him getting his school picture taken, a follower said, “Your picture in the school’s yearbook under staff is THE BEST!”

Rejoice Comfort Dog (St. Paul – Janesville, WI) had her photo taken next to a large sign for students to see how much they had grown over the summer; however, unlike her human counterparts, Rejoice didn’t grow much. And Claudia Comfort Dog (Trinity – Toledo, OH) participated in a cute video of teachers showing what they looked like before the first day of school and again after the first day of school (spoiler alert: Claudia went home early).

Whether greeting a nervous preschooler, encouraging a high school student, thanking a teacher or welcoming a college freshman far from home, the K-9 Comfort Dogs brought something difficult to measure but easy to see: connection, encouragement, and joy.

As the school year gets underway, these ministry teams will continue building relationships with students, teachers, and staff. Their presence offers a reminder that no matter how unfamiliar a new classroom, grade or school may feel, a friendly face and a few quiet moments can make a difference.

Sometimes, that difference arrives with a gentle paw, a soft coat to pet, and a wagging tail.
And for students and educators beginning another busy school year, that may be just what they need to turn back-to-school jitters into back-to-school joy.
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“Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

In Fort Collins, CO, a memorial of flowers, handwritten notes, and crocheted lengths of yarn has grown around a sidewalk tree. Hanging on a white wooden cross next to the tree, a blue LCC Heart of Mercy & Compassion is overflowing with prayers, thoughtful sentiments and words of kindness for the man who was hit by a truck while eating ice cream with his girlfriend.

Soon after the first floral stems and handwritten notes appeared, the HMC team from Redeemer (Fort Collins – CO) quickly stepped in to set up an HMC at the developing memorial. The heart soon became a tangible remembrance of the man and a place for the community to share their memories and grief.

“I love that we have something to offer to the community that can then be given to the family,” said HMC Director Sarah Sekki, “and it has God’s promise clearly stated, ‘God saves the crushed in spirit.’”

The man, 33-year-old Joshua Douglass of Denver and his girlfriend, Karen Manley, were enjoying some ice cream at the community’s Tour de Fat bicycle parade on Aug. 29 when a pickup truck backed out of a parking spot, hit another vehicle, then drove forward onto the sidewalk, hitting Douglass, Manley and several other pedestrians before colliding with the tree and coming to a stop. Douglass was killed and Manley and other injured pedestrians were taken to the hospital.
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In times like these, the HMC ministry and its teams are ready to offer the pathway to comfort that an HMC heart can bring—a visible place where people can pray, remember and grieve together.

On Friday, as the nation remembers the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dog teams will do what they do so well: remember, honor, listen, and be present.

K-9 Comfort Dog teams across the country will honor first responders and law enforcement, visit dispatch centers, support emergency medical workers, attend observances and prayer services, and serve their communities with (at least) 25 acts of ministry.

“LCC remembers the 343 firefighters who gave their lives on September 11, 2001,” said LCC President/CEO Rev. Chris Singer. “We honor the firefighters who continue to run toward danger to serve others. We also remember the 23 NYPD officers and 37 Port Authority Police officers who gave their lives that day.”

Next week, the Making A Difference Newsletter will recap the acts of service, ministry, and compassion the teams undertake this week.

K-9 Comfort Dog teams are encouraged to bring as many team members as possible, spending time with those who serve their communities and listen to their stories. Some teams may share a thank you card with a Scripture verse. 

“Our K-9 Comfort Dog teams have experienced how meaningful it is to show up for first responders,” Singer said. “Sometimes the people behind the scenes, like 911 dispatchers, are the ones who need to know that someone remembers and appreciates what they do.
 
“Twenty-five years later, we remember those who died, honor those who responded and thank those who continue to serve.”

A young life cut short, a community hurting.

Sixteen-year-old Jacob Stoflet of Wisconsin Rapids, WI, died as a result of injuries sustained in a car crash Aug. 12, and it has hit the community hard.

Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dogs have been there to offer a quiet, calming presence and support those grieving Jacob’s death during a vigil and visitation held at his home church, Immanuel Lutheran in Wisconsin Rapids.

Jacob was a member of Immanuel, where he previously had attended school and been part of the soccer team. At the time of his death, Jacob was a junior at Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids and a member of the community’s Rapids Hockey Team.

Jacob was a young man of strong faith. He was active in the youth group at Immanuel and enjoyed encouraging his friends and others to get involved and attend.

Samaria Comfort Dog team (Shepherd of the Hills – Greenville, WI) attended a vigil for Jacob that was held at the church.

Senior Pastor Tim Ritter said the community was “incredibly shook up and hurting,” becoming emotional as he talked about the impact of Jacob’s death.

About 21 of Jacob’s hockey and soccer teammates and friends attended the vigil, several of which came to meet Samaria.

The young people talked about Jacob and his abilities on the soccer field. One teenager shared that he had tried church and religion once but felt it “didn't work.” The Samaria team encouraged him to try again.
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The evening was a reminder of how deeply Jacob was loved and how many young people were struggling to understand the loss of their friend.

A visitation was held Aug. 21 at Immanuel, bringing together family, friends, classmates, teammates, and members of the community to remember Jacob and grieve together.

Four LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams attended the visitation: Diane Frisque and Linda Bohman with Hagar (Faith – Appleton, WI), CJ Kraft and Mike Long with Believe (Brookfield – Brookfield, WI), Debbie Endres and Mary Stafford-Nunez with Charity (Brookfield – Brookfield, WI), and Linda Newmann and Dawn Brumm with Samaria (Shepherd of the Hills – Greenville, WI).

Throughout the visitation, the teams saw again how a Comfort Dog’s quiet presence can help people who are hurting.

The Hagar team noticed one young man who was visibly upset as he walked around the room. His mother tried to comfort him, but when he saw Hagar, he walked over and began petting her.

When the team asked how he knew Jacob, he shared that he and his older brother were friends with Jacob and had played soccer together. As he talked about his friendship with Jacob and continued petting Hagar, his voice became steadier and stronger.

“You could see God at work in those moments to steady and strengthen him and give him comfort,” the Hagar team shared.

In another powerful moment, a young man was sitting on a bench behind the Comfort Dogs. He was inconsolable, and his parents appeared worried as they tried to comfort him. Team Believe went over to him, and a smile immediately came across his face. He spent some time with Believe before getting up and joining some of the other young people in conversation. 

For the Samaria team, several of Jacob’s friends came to sit with her, including his girlfriend, who talked about how kind Jacob was and how he never said “no” to her.

After the other young people stepped away, one young man remained with Samaria. The two sat together in silence as he petted Samaria.

Jacob’s stepsister also thanked the team for being there.

“This is where Jacob would be. He loved dogs,” she said, adding that Jacob had four dogs of his own.

Outside the sanctuary, a group of Jacob’s friends stood together in a circle for a long time. Their closeness was evident as they leaned on one another and waited together. 

Eventually, the group went together into the church. Later, several of the young men returned to pet the dogs.

Pastor Ritter saw the impact of the dogs and their handlers throughout the visitation.

“The dogs and their handlers were very impactful,” he said. “We saw several students, parents and community members who were grieving the loss of the youth member of our church, finding comfort sitting with, petting or hugging the dogs.”

He also expressed appreciation for the way the teams cared for everyone who came through the doors.
“The handlers showed gentle care and compassion to all who were present and I heard many people express their gratitude for the team being here,” Ritter said.

For a community grieving the sudden loss of a 16-year-old, there are no easy words and no simple answers. But during the vigil and visitation, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs provided a calm presence where people could pause, remember Jacob, share their grief and receive a little comfort.

Through the dogs and their handlers, God’s love was present in quiet and tangible ways—one conversation, one hug and one gentle touch at a time.

or children fighting cancer, days are filled with endless doctor appointments, doses of strong medicines and scary procedures. 

Lutheran Church Charities Hearts of Mercy & Compassion teams will bring a little joy to these small patients when they deliver heart boxes and gold-colored HMCs to patients at two children’s hospitals during the month of September.
 
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, an important time to recognize and remember the children and their families who are fighting through this devastating illness. For the third year, LCC is recognizing this month with HMC hearts and boxes gifted to children going through treatment. 

Teams and volunteer groups, including school children, from two Missouri-based HMC affiliate churches will be painting and filling special heart-shaped boxes, and writing encouraging messages on hearts that will then be delivered to children at area hospitals. 

The boxes match the gold color of the Childhood Cancer Awareness movement and are filled with small toys and resources meant to uplift the spirits of these brave young patients.

Bethlehem (Raymore, MO) will be delivering hearts and boxes and supporting families at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, MO, and St. Paul (Concordia, MO) will be doing the same at Children’s Hospital in Columbia, MO. 

LCC supports this initiative by providing all completed hearts, free of charge to our affiliates. Please consider donating to this important cause.  And pray that the message on the hearts can be received by the families in this very difficult time: Psalm 46:1 “The Lord is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

Oak Glen Cemetery in Lansing, IL, and St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery in Beecher, IL, are about 20 miles apart. But this week, both sites were cleaned up by LCC Disaster Response staff and Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) volunteers, blessing two churches and communities still dealing with summer storm damage. 

LCC Disaster Response is beginning to wind down an active season of assisting recovery across the Northern Illinois District and parts of Northwest Indiana after multiple tornadoes and a derecho in June, July, and August.

In the last seven days, Disaster Response has completed 27 sites and totaled 748 volunteer hours, thanks to 45 local and out-of-state LERT volunteers.      

“The LORD’s hand was certainly evident this week in bringing homeowner requests for assistance just as we would finish a site, to having the right equipment available for the job needing to be done, to providing the presence and hope of Christ to hurting and healing people and communities,” said Deac. Kathy O’Day, Director of LCC Disaster Response. “We have heard many thanks for sending angels to help. It has been and will continue to be a blessing to serve.”

​During the week, our LERT volunteers worked at clearing multiple uprooted and damaged trees at Trinity Lutheran Church Oak Glen Cemetery in Lansing, IL. Many of the fallen trees at knocked over tombstones and affected roads. Some taller trees with broken and hanging limbs required work from a lift. 

Trinity Lutheran was overflowing with praise. On its Facebook page, it shared a comment on LCC’s Facebook page: “We cannot thank you enough! So many families who have loved ones buried at Oak Glen are very appreciative. You all are doing such important work and are truly the epitome of Christian love and service!”

On its own page, Trinity called for members to support LCC financially, and later, the church also graciously purchased lunch for the team. 

​Years of giving back to the community they love, as well as the service to their country, was rewarded Friday night at Grafton High School, WI, when three United States Army vets were honored and presented with signed LCC Hearts of Mercy & Compassion.

The annual Military & First Responders Appreciation Night at the Grafton High School football game honored veterans Arnold “Hunsie” Kaul Jr., Tricia Maurer, and Doug Arendt. The event also included Grafton police officers, Ozaukee County sheriff’s deputies, firefighters, and various first responder personnel as well. Flags were waved, fireworks lit up the sky, and the community came together to honor and celebrate those who serve and protect.

HMC affiliate St. Paul (Grafton – WI) delivered the special purple hearts earlier in the day so that team players and coaches could sign them before the presentation. Each heart featured the U.S. Army emblem, the receipient’s name and a special Bible verse.

Pastor Jacob Schultz from St. Paul spoke at the event, giving glory to God as well as recognition to the honorees. 

“These purple hearts are given out tonight to those who have served their community and their country faithfully. They are a recognition of their service for others,” Pastor Schultz said. “But as Christians we also recognize that every good gift we have comes from God. We are grateful that God is working through all of us to help others in need. And he’s doing this most fully in what he does for us through His Son Jesus.”

During the emotional and heartwarming presentation, each of the vets was honored for everything they have done for their communities, their friends, and their country.

Kaul, a lifelong member of St. Paul’s, volunteers at the church each week, preserves church history and is an active supporter of the Grafton Historical Society. 

Maurer has helped organize fundraising for a local family devastated by tragedy, volunteered her time to educate students about the dangers of frostbite and is specially involved with the Grafton Youth Cheer program.

Arendt spent 25 years as the vocal music educator at Grafton High School, directs a local community choir, and is involved in the American Legion, Lion’s Club, and the village Public Safety Committee.
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“Their dedication reminds us that service comes in many forms, and its impact can be felt across generations,” noted the organizers of the event.

With grateful hearts, Lutheran Church Charities celebrates Deaconess Dianna Bonfield as she retires after more than two decades of faithful and loving service. Dianna’s ministry has been marked by compassion, kindness, and a deep desire to care for people and point them to Jesus.

Dianna began serving at LCC in 2003, focusing on Disaster Response. In moments of crisis and uncertainty, she came alongside people with a listening ear, a caring heart, and the comforting reminder that they were not alone.

She also helped with the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry in its early years, supporting a ministry that would grow to bring comfort and hope to people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Dianna later developed LCC Human Care Ministries, now known as LCC Cares Ministry. She had a special gift for connecting people with resources, encouraging congregations in their outreach, and helping churches discover meaningful ways to love and serve their neighbors.

Her heart for caring ministry also led to the creation of the LCC Hospitality Houses and the Deaconess and Parish Nurse Networks. Through these ministries, Dianna helped create places of welcome, connection, encouragement, and support for both those in need and those called to serve.

Above all, Dianna has been a faithful servant of the Lord. She cared for each person she met with genuine love and compassion, and in every opportunity, she sought to point people to Jesus, the true source of hope, comfort, and peace. Her ministry was never simply about meeting a need; it was about sharing the love of Christ.
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“We thank God for Dianna, for her servant heart, and for the countless lives she has touched,” said Denise Snider, Director of LCC Cares. “As she begins this new chapter, we pray that God will richly bless her with joy, rest, and many new opportunities to share His love. Dianna, thank you for serving so faithfully, loving so generously, and always pointing people to Jesus.”