Last week, six LCC K‑9 Comfort Dog teams were called to serve at the funeral of Britney Ann Doyle, a young mother of three from Manhattan, IL. The team — Caleb (Immanuel, Valparaiso, IN), Gethsemane and Tobias (Lord of Glory, Grayslake, IL), Jael (Trinity, Hobart, IN), Michael (LCC Staff), and Shadrach (Prince of Peace, Palatine, IL) — positioned themselves at both ends of the funeral home lobby to gently welcome and support those who came to mourn.

Throughout the evening, mourners shared heartfelt memories of Britney with the handlers — stories that included words like kind, gentle, loving, caring. Many recalled not only her devotion to her daughters but also the deep impact she had on the volleyball players she coached. Her compassion clearly touched every corner of her life.

Noticing the golden retrievers, one mourner smiled through tears and said Britney “would be in her glory with all the goldens.” Another visitor approached Michael Comfort Dog and paused, sharing quietly, “You’re from Lutheran Church Charities. I know it’s not the same, but I was adopted from Lutheran Social Services.” As he knelt to pet Michael, memories resurfaced, overwhelming him with emotion. The handler was able to pray with him in that moment of unexpected vulnerability and connection.

Britney’s daughters received stuffed Comfort Dogs by the handlers. Throughout the night, they clutched the Comfort Dog pups close, holding tight to the warmth and reassurance they symbolized.

The presence of the Comfort Dogs brought moments of peace, steady companionship, and gentle reminders of hope to a grieving community. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry continues to be a quiet blessing in the places where hearts are heaviest.

With the red carpet rolled out at “Night to Shine” last week, five LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were on hand to bring their special presence of care, comfort, and joy.

Comfort Dogs Eden (Peace Columbus, NE), Glory (Christ Lincoln, NE), Keren (Immanuel Ellsworth, KS), Nicodemus (The Rock Seward, NE), and Phinehas (Trinity Fremont, NE) and their teams were glowing with excitement — still are — at the celebration sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation and hosted by Trinity Lutheran Church in Fremont, NE.
 
But the star of the night was Jesus, the Shining Light, whom the gathering celebrated as King under the theme verse Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

It was a powerful reflection of God’s love in action. With 238 honored guests on hand, crowns were placed. Limos arrived. Smiles stretched wide across the room. But what made Night to Shine truly extraordinary was the truth that every king and queen is a VIP — not just to us, but to God.

To shine is to visibly reflect the character, presence, and glory of God through a life surrendered to Christ, so that others are drawn to Him.
 
On this unforgettable night, God shined brightly — in ways only He can. His light filled every corner of the room, and darkness never stood a chance. Even when the enemy tried, God’s joy, peace, and purpose prevailed.
 
As part of the worldwide Night to Shine movement through the Tim Tebow Foundation, Trinity joined hundreds of churches across the globe honoring individuals with special needs. What unfolded was not simply a prom — it was a living testimony of dignity, joy, and community.
 
Hundreds of thousands around the world experience this celebration each year, made possible by the love and dedication of incredible volunteers. It is a reminder that when the Body of Christ comes together to serve, lives are transformed.
 
In Fremont, the evening was about being seen, celebrated, and crowned as royalty for the 238 honored guests.
 
From red carpet entrances and professional photos to hair styling, nail stations, shoe shines, dancing, and thoughtfully created low-stimulation spaces, every detail communicated value.

Confidence blossomed. Laughter filled the air. Light‑up shoes flashed across the dance floor. Painted nails were proudly displayed.

As one parent shared: “Watching my daughter SHINE was priceless.”
 
Moments like these affirmed what we know to be true: celebration has the power to uplift, restore confidence, and speak identity over a life. And the K-9 Comfort Dogs were happy to join the fun.

Night to Shine transforms those who serve just as deeply as those being honored.

With more than 400 volunteers giving their time — decorating, setting up, styling hair, serving in respite rooms, dancing as buddies, cleaning, praying, and cheering — generosity overflowed in every direction.
 
One returning buddy shared: “It is the most special night of the year for me… No other night compares to this!”
 
Buddies formed genuine friendships. Laughter was shared. Stories were exchanged. Many volunteers left saying they felt more blessed than the guests themselves.
 
Serving became a gift.

More than 100 family members gathered in the Respite Rooms to experience rest, reassurance, and connection. Parents were able to relax and breathe deeply, knowing their loved ones were safe, celebrated, and thriving on the dance floor.
 
For other families, Night to Shine is a reminder that they are supported, valued, and never walking alone.
 
Throughout the event, Eden, Glory, Keren, Nicodemus, and Phinehas loved sharing snuggles, smiles, and tail wags throughout the evening.
 
Guests found calm in gentle pets and quiet moments. Anxiety softened. Smiles returned. Volunteers witnessed hugs, prayers, and positive conversations unfolding in real time. Many described it as a glimpse of heaven here on earth.
 
Even the smallest interactions carried eternal significance.
 
Night to Shine at Trinity will be more than a one‑evening celebration.

It will linger as a powerful reminder of the joy, dignity, and purpose discovered when a community unites to serve.
 
From honored guests to buddies, from families to behind‑the‑scenes volunteers, every heart in the room was impacted.
 
The crowns, the music, the decorations — they were beautiful. But the true shine was Jesus.
 
When we choose to reflect His light in our homes, churches, schools, and community, lives change — including our own. Because when God shows up, nothing can stop what He is doing.
 
We are deeply grateful for the generous support of community businesses, church partners, professional service providers, volunteer teams, and the hundreds who gave their time and talents to make this night possible.
 
An evening to honor, celebrate, and value individuals with special needs and their families. An incredible night filled with love.  
 
And when God shines… the light reaches far beyond a single night.

Funeral home directors are no stranger to sorrow and grief, and they and their families need to be comforted and supported.

This week, Melanie Curtis, director of Haase - Lockwood Funeral Home in Wisconsin, reached out to the LCC K-9 Comfort Ministry for comfort dog teams to come and support her own family. Last week, Curtis’s father passed away. 

Curtis knew the LCC Comfort Dogs from times she had requested teams show up for the families during hard times of loss. She noticed how much the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry helped and cared for others.

Her mother, Heidi, also knew about the comfort dogs and is a ministry supporter.

In January, when Melanie was sharing a prayer request with LCC about her father nearing the end of his earthly journey, she mentioned how much LCC’s care meant to her mom.

This week, four K-9 Comfort Dogs were present with the Curtis family during a time of mourning. Bethesda Comfort Dog (St. Matthew Hawthorn Woods, IL), Charity Comfort Dog (Brookfield Brookfield, WI),  Shadrach Comfort Dog (Prince of Peace Palatine), and Tobias Comfort Dog (Lord of Glory Grayslake, IL) met with the family at Haase – Lockwood for prayer, pets, and warm encouragement.

Upon seeing Comfort Dog Charity’s team, Heidi Curtis hugged team members tightly and expressed her deep appreciation. Although virtual strangers, the moment was touching and warm. 

“Our presence felt like a warm blanket or good cup of coffee,” one of Charity’s handlers recalled, saying that they became like adopted family. The team left coloring books and stuffie toys for the family’s nephews.

Tobias’s team met with Melanie’s sister Shannon and her two children, who knew Comfort Dog Adeena from their high school days in Hampshire, IL. Michael Curtis’s cousin Kathy also knew the K-9 Comfort Dogs from working at a school in Hoffman Estates.

That’s the impact of the Comfort Dog Ministry — the presence of the dogs and their handlers becomes like a familiar friend.

The family also will receive a Heart of Mercy & Compassion through the HMC team at Brookfield Lutheran Church in Wisconsin.

When LCC Ministry Partner volunteers get together to train, it’s no small gathering.

Last week, more than 210 volunteers from 55 church affiliates in 21 states joined a Zoom meeting to learn from one another and Lutheran Church Charities as they support the K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry with hearts to connect with people who are hurting and experiencing trauma or loss.

K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry Partners work alongside handlers and LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs as they serve their communities and beyond, by providing human care and compassion to those they meet. 

The goal of the Zoom training is for LCC to equip these valuable members of the K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry team as they go out and serve in their communities every day.

In addition to preparation from LCC staff, those that attended the training session had the opportunity to meet and learn from other Ministry Partners from across the country.

LCC celebrates and give thanks to the volunteers who joined for the session.

Salem, IN, teacher and coach John Heavin was a man whose mere presence uplifted people around him. He shared wisdom. He encouraged others. He quietly made a difference with his kind, steady manner that let his students and school community know that he cared deeply for them.

Last week, Heavin passed away suddenly from an illness, shocking the small town in southern Indiana.

“Our hearts are heavy as we grieve this loss, and we are lifting his family up in prayer and surrounding them with love during this incredibly difficult time,” supporters wrote on a Facebook page tribute. “John’s legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and the example he set of what it means to be a truly good human.”

The school of 400 students asked LCC to bring K-9 Comfort Dogs to the campus on Thursday to offer compassionate care to the senior class and others. Responding right away were Comfort Dogs Eternity (Cornerstone Carmel, IN), Jared (Holy Cross Fort Wayne, IN), and Magdalene (Cornerstone Carmel, IN), who traveled to be there and encourage hurting students, teachers, and administrators.

John Heavin taught government and economics at Salem High School and was a coach of the school’s athletics teams. Before that, he taught at the community’s middle school. 

He was known as a teacher and coach who impacted students through his words, actions, and the way he lived.

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Eternity (Cornerstone - Carmel, IN), Jared (Holy Cross - Fort Wayne, IN), and Magdalene spent nearly the entire school day on campus greeting students who were upset and struggling, plus teachers who were mourning their lost colleague.

Some standout moments:

• As Eternity Comfort Dog and team made their way around greeting students early in the day, Eternity moved toward a girl who had come in visibly upset and had hugged the counselor. Without hesitation, Eternity went right up to her and quietly snuggled in as the girl sat there crying. They sat together and snuggled for quite a while before the student left for her next class.

The next period, she came back and sat down with Eternity again, sharing that Eternity had made a “real impression” on her because she knew she was upset and knew exactly what she needed. Throughout the day, she came back every period to find us. Each time, she talked a little more and smiled a little more.
 
As our visit was ending, the girl told us that school would still be difficult, but seeing the dogs today made it so much better. It was a beautiful reminder that sometimes the most powerful ministry moments happen quietly.

• The school’s teachers had planned a lunch together. With Mr. Heavin’s death, they changed it to include all his favorite foods — a wonderful way to honor him and walk through grief together. Jared Comfort Dog and team had a long conversation with one teacher who was not only a coworker but a longtime friend of Mr. Heavin. The students loved him so much, he shared. Even the students that might not be expected to grieve him were visiting with the dogs and expressing their feelings with one another. The teacher also observed that the dogs helped to dissolve cliques among the students as they all seem to treat one another with kindness and openness. He said the dogs were a significant blessing for the staff and students.
  
  
• Magdalene Comfort Dog and team met a student who had Mr. Heavin in 8th grade and had gotten the nickname Spider-Man because of the way he sat in his chair. The student had very good memories of Mr. Heavin’s class and loved him. He stayed with Magdalene for quite some time. 
  
  So many students came back numerous times. It was a difficult day for sure, but the teachers and counselors said the dogs did way more than they could. One counselor watched for the kids who left and went off by themselves to follow-up with them.

 

• Eternity Comfort Dog and team sat with a student who came back multiple times during the day. Just before school let out, he wanted to share with us about his relationship with Mr. Heavin, who had taught him in middle school, plus 11th and 12th grade. He was, by far, his favorite teacher. His sudden death was difficult to understand, and he said he wasn’t sure when life would feel “normal” again.
  
  As the conversation continued, he told us that in January the seniors had voted on superlatives for the teachers. Just a week prior, Mr. Heavin was voted as the “school dad,” which speaks of the pillar of a man he was to the community.

 
The Comfort Dogs also will be available to the Heavin family. John’s wife teaches at the elementary school, and they have two daughters in college.

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” — Hebrews 6:19

When a School Hurts, Love Shows Up

The halls of Crete High School in Crete, NE,  felt different when the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams arrived. 
Not loud. Not rushed.
Just heavy.

Crete is a close-knit place—771 students, about 50 staff—and when the community lost one of its own, a junior named Tommy, the loss rippled through every classroom, every hallway, every heart. Tommy had grown up here. He was known, involved, loved. For many students, this was the first time they had ever experienced the death of someone their own age.

So we came quietly. Gently.
Seven comfort dogs. Seven handlers. One shared calling—to step into the ache and sit with it.

“You Could Feel the Difference”

The handler for Phinehas Comfort Dog (Trinity - Fremont, NE) put it simply—and beautifully:

“Each team did an amazing job engaging with both students and faculty, reflecting compassion and grace in every interaction. Jay and Michael (school crisis counselors) could not get over how well both the dogs and handlers are trained, and how beautifully we all work together. They truly love this ministry and the way it reaches hearts.”

It showed.

Students didn’t just come once. They came back. Again and again.
Faculty slipped in between classes.
Hearts that were tight slowly softened.

“We know we made a difference today as we watched many students and faculty return multiple times to spend time with the dogs, allowing their hearts to calm and find comfort from what was troubling them.”
This wasn’t about fixing grief.

It was about sitting with it—and letting Jesus do what only He can do.

Faith, Spoken and Worn Boldly

One moment stood out for Eden Comfort Dog's (Peace - Columbus, NE) handler, shared through Michael, school crisis counselor:

“Students have been openly sharing their faith through all of this.”

Verses were printed on hoodies and shirts. Students talked freely about what those verses meant to them—why they mattered now. In the middle of heartbreak, faith wasn’t hidden. It was alive. Visible. Shared.

Small Moments, Eternal Impact

For Joanna Comfort Dog's (Christ Lincoln - Lincoln, NE) handler, the kindness of the students left a deep impression:

“After a very tough week, I was impressed with the kind, polite, and appreciative students. That says so much about the caring staff and teachers here.”

One teacher stood quietly, tears streaming as she petted Joanna. Another shared stories of Tommy—how involved he was, how everyone seemed to know him because this is a small town where kids grow up together.

Michael told us about a memorial the students organized themselves the Sunday before—by the school flagpoles. Two boys stood holding their Bibles as they led the gathering. They even prayed for the staff and faculty who would be walking with students through the days ahead.

That kind of maturity.
That kind of compassion.
It stops you in your tracks.

A Boy, Seven Cards, and the Word of God

Later, a student lingered with Joanna, studying her card and the Bible verse printed on it. After hearing what it meant, he left—only to return.

He sat down again, proudly holding all seven dogs’ cards.

Together, they read verses. Looked up meanings. Shared Scripture.
He didn’t want the moment to end.
He even asked if he could take Joanna home with him.

Sometimes ministry looks exactly like that—Scripture in small hands, hope spoken softly, a dog’s head resting on a knee.

“She Helped Her Smile Again”

One of the most tender moments came when an interpreter brought a small group of students to meet Joanna and Glory Comfort Dogs  (Christ Lincoln - Lincoln, NE). One girl was encouraged to sit so Joanna could climb into her lap.

She hugged Joanna tightly.

Afterward, the interpreter quietly shared that the girl had been deeply depressed that morning—but that moment had changed something.

“I told her that helping people smile is Joanna’s specialty.”

In that chair, in that hug, Jesus was unmistakably present—His arms wrapped around a hurting heart, offering comfort without words.

Remembering Tommy

As Nicodemus Comfort Dog's (The Rock - Seward, NE) handler reflected, the shock had begun to fade—but the reality had settled in.

A group of juniors stood nearby. When asked if Tommy had been their friend, they nodded. They had grown up together. Tommy was the jokester—the one who made everyone laugh.

When asked for a favorite memory, they answered in unison:
“Third grade.”

And then they laughed together.

Teachers, counselors, paraprofessionals—everyone leaned in with care. Even the principal made sure Nicodemus paid him a visit, not wanting to miss out on what he called a gift to his school.

Students returned repeatedly. One even used a hall pass just to sit privately with the dogs. The dog cards became treasures—students collecting all seven, talking about the biblical names, the verses, the meaning behind each one.

The Word was planted everywhere.

Anchored, Together

We left Crete High School knowing this:
Light had met darkness—and darkness did not win.

Through seven dogs, faithful handlers, courageous counselors, and a community willing to grieve together, Jesus showed up. Quietly. Powerfully.

Hope held.
Hearts softened.
And love did exactly what it was sent to do.

A Life That Still Speaks

Tommy Doan, 18, passed away on January 30.

Born in Vietnam and raised in Crete from the time he was one, Tommy lived fully. He worked hard, made honor roll every semester, and poured himself into music, sports, friendships, and family. He played drums, piano, guitar. He traveled with joy and energy. He loved the Huskers. He loved life.

He had an easy smile and a way of bringing people together.

Though his time here was far too short, the love and joy he gave remain—and always will.

The Teams Who Answered the Call

• Eden Comfort Dog – Peace, Columbus, NE
• Glory Comfort Dog – Christ, Lincoln, NE
• Joanna Comfort Dog – Christ, Lincoln, NE
  
• Keren Comfort Dog – Immanuel, Ellsworth, KS
• Meshach Comfort Dog – Peace, Grand Island, NE
• Nicodemus Comfort Dog – The Rock, Seward, NE
• Phinehas Comfort Dog – Trinity, Fremont, NE
  

Our point of contact was Jay Quinn, School Counselor, alongside Michael, a Licensed Mental Health Practitioner in Student Services. Both watched closely as love unfolded on four paws.

Kira King from Hamilton School District, IL, reached out to request the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry for the Staff Family Fun Night on January 30. The Comfort Dogs were scheduled to arrive at 3:40 p.m. and remain until 7:00 p.m., joining approximately 250 staff members and family participants for the evening.

According to Kira, this annual Family Fun Night was especially meaningful as it fell near the one-year anniversary of a tragedy the district experienced the previous January. Last year, three Comfort Dogs attended the event and were the highlight of the evening. Since then, many staff members reached out requesting that the dogs return again this year. During last year’s event, people spent time simply visiting with the dogs on the turf, an experience that brought calm and connection. The Comfort Dog Ministry had also been a steady presence for the district following a bus accident the previous January, offering support during a difficult time.

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Charity (Brookfield - Brookfield, WI), Gethsemane (Lord of Glory - Grayslake, IL), Mary (St. Paul - Janesville, WI), and Tobias (Lord of Glory - Grayslake, IL) were present with their handlers, offering quiet support, familiar smiles, and meaningful connections.

One of Charity’s handlers shared meaningful moments from the evening, recalling comments such as, “They’re the only reason I came tonight,” and “Thank you for always being with us everywhere.” Children were excited to tell their friends that they “knew” certain dogs, and the dance team could be heard cheering when they recognized the pups from a visit just a week earlier—a welcome break from their intense practices as they prepared for the state competition the following weekend.

“When the district needed something to help a year ago but maybe didn’t know what that something was, we came in,” the handler reflected. “We came in quietly, not for show, but to truly help the staff and students. I think the humble help left an impression amongst an entire community who embraced us then and now.”

Tobias’s handler shared a moment of connection that illustrated the ongoing relationships being built. While standing near the dance team, a woman stepped out of the basketball game to visit the dogs. Both recognized each other as familiar, eventually realizing they had met just weeks earlier during a Comfort Dog visit at Lannon, where she taught.

Mary’s handlers, Tom and Dianne Moore, reflected on the growing bond with the district. Though they were unable to attend that particular night, they noted that scrolling through photos brought similar thoughts about the special relationship formed with the entire school system. During a recent exam de-stress visit at Hamilton High School, staff expressed deep appreciation, and students lit up when they entered the cafeteria calling out the names of dogs they remembered. They shared that while a terrible tragedy brought the Comfort Dog Ministry to the community a year ago, the continued relationships—and the opportunity to share the love of Jesus—are what the ministry is truly about.

Gethsemane’s handler described a heartfelt conversation with a high school-aged student who was curious about the Comfort Dog program itself. The student asked thoughtful questions and was excited to learn how the program works. Those conversations, the handler shared, inspire others to pass along the love and support the Comfort Dogs bring, creating a ripple effect of comfort and care. It was an experience that filled her cup just as much as it did the student’s.

Throughout the evening, the group of pups was clearly anticipated and warmly welcomed. As one attendee summed it up, “They were the talk of the town, and we couldn’t wait to see them tonight.”

On Saturday, January 31, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Gideon (St. Michael’s - Bloomington, MN) was honored by the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA) with the 2025 companion animal “Animal Hall of Fame” award recognizing the profound animal–human bond he has shared with thousands throughout his ministry.

This meaningful recognition grew out of Gideon’s service to the community in the aftermath of the Annunciation School shooting, and subsequent coverage of an MPR article.   Just weeks after those difficult days, an unexpected email arrived suggesting that Gideon be nominated for the award.
 
On Saturday, Gideon's team attended the MVMA award luncheon where—following the introduction below—Gideon was called to the stage to receive his well-deserved medal.
 
Gideon is a highly trained Comfort Dog serving with Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Ministries and St. Michael’s Lutheran Church since August 2016.  Based in the Twin Cities, Gideon works alongside multiple handlers, faithfully visiting schools, senior communities, hospitals, and hospice centers to bring peace and comfort on a regular basis.

When crisis strikes, Gideon deploys locally and nationally to provide support in the aftermath of tragedies. He has responded to mass shootings in Oxford, Michigan; Uvalde, Texas; Lewiston, Maine; Perry, Iowa; and most recently Minneapolis, Minnesota. In the midst of a community’s unimaginable pain, Gideon has quietly offered his steady presence—giving people permission to breathe, to cry, to talk, pray, and to begin healing.

Gideon’s unique gift lies in his intuition. He seems to know exactly who needs him most, often seeking out the hurting and quietly offering comfort without words. Time and again, he has gently walked up to someone sitting alone or struggling in silence, leaning in with a calmness that says, ‘I’m here for you.’ His ability to connect without words has comforted thousands, bringing hope and light into some of life’s darkest moments.

This past Friday, Gethsemane Comfort Dog from Lord of Glory, Grayslake, IL, made her way through the busy terminals of Chicago O’Hare International Airport with a very special purpose: to help a family with a child with special needs find the courage to fly again.

United Airlines had reached out to the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs to assist with a tender and meaningful situation. Bella (Isabella) and her family hadn’t traveled by plane in years following a deeply unpleasant experience. This journey held special significance, as it was part of Isabella’s 16th birthday celebration. To help her feel safe and prepared, her family spent a month intentionally practicing for the trip—reading a photo book each day that walked through every step of the airport experience so nothing would feel unfamiliar.

They hoped that having a Comfort Dog walk beside Isabella—especially through TSA—would ease her fears and bring a sense of calm before takeoff.

When travel day finally arrived, Gethsemane was ready.

Despite freezing cold weather, Gethsemane and her handlers arrived eager to serve. Almost immediately, her presence made an impact. As the team stepped into an elevator, Gethsemane gently pulled toward a woman nearby. The woman knelt down, wrapped her arms around her, and began to cry. “I miss my baby,” she whispered. It was the first reminder of the day of what Comfort Dogs do so beautifully—drawing people in and offering a safe moment to release what they’ve been carrying.

The team met United staff members Laurie and Linda, who were absolutely wonderful, and then met the special family—Bella, her brother Thomas, and their parents, Amber and Dad. The handlers introduced Gethsemane to the children and shared Comfort Dog stuffies, instantly creating smiles and easing nerves. Amber was a rockstar throughout it all—steady, encouraging, and incredibly prepared.

Together, they walked through security, with Gethsemane gently leading the way so Bella could follow with confidence. The elevator was especially hard, and Bella grew nervous, but Gethsemane stayed right by her side, offering a steady presence and a soft coat to pet—helping Bella regulate and breathe through the moment.

While waiting at the gate, the magic continued. An older woman in a wheelchair passed by twice, each time stopping because she wanted just a little more time with Gethsemane. Make-A-Wish families were also nearby, and one unforgettable moment stood out: a toddler, about two or three years old, who giggled, smiled, and wrapped Gethsemane in the biggest, purest hug. The joy on that child’s face lit up the entire space.

Gethsemane and her handlers were then invited into the airport operations and control room, which looked much like a 911 dispatch center. Staff members kept coming over—petting her, asking questions, and sharing stories. They truly couldn’t get enough of her calming presence.

They also visited the pilots’ and flight attendants’ lounge, where a woman who had just returned from maternity leave approached Gethsemane with tears in her eyes. She quietly shared her gratitude, explaining that Gethsemane helped her through the day in a way she deeply needed.

The visit came full circle when Gethsemane and her handlers walked Bella and her family all the way onto the plane. Watching Bella step forward—supported, brave, and no longer alone—was incredibly moving. Along the way, Gethsemane comforted kids from Make-A-Wish, touching countless hearts, reminding everyone she met that sometimes all we need is a little courage… and a warm paw to help us find it.

Gethsemane and her team touched more hearts that day than they could have imagined.

On January 19 and 20, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams Eden (Peace Lutheran, Columbus, NE), Glory (Christ Lutheran, Lincoln, NE), and Phinehas (Trinity Lutheran, Fremont, NE), were present at the visitation and funeral of Larry Wegner in West Point, NE.

Larry, a single man, lived a life overflowing with service. He was a faithful volunteer at St. Paul Lutheran Church and School, where he devoted countless hours to supporting the ministry, school activities, and—most especially—the children he loved so dearly. He served as an usher, attended Sunday Bible study, and quietly took on many behind-the-scenes roles, always ready to help wherever he was needed. Larry also served on the St. Paul Lutheran School Board, including a term as president, and was an active member of the Booster Club. Whether working the Fair Stand, cheering from the sidelines, or faithfully standing as a crossing guard, Larry was a steady, encouraging presence in the community.

Because of the deep impact Larry had on the school, students were invited to participate in his funeral service. From the balcony, the children sang during the service and later joined their families. At the close of the service, they stood in the aisle and sang once more—a tender, emotional moment that allowed them to honor a man many knew as a quiet, dependable source of kindness.

One of Phinehas’ handlers shared, “What stood out most to me was how the comfort dogs simply brought peace to those who needed it. Larry was clearly a very special person in their lives, and it was obvious how deeply loved he was. One mom described him as the grandpa of the school, which perfectly captured his gentle presence and the comfort he shared.”

A handler from Eden’s team added, “Larry Wegner was truly a pillar of strength in his church, school, and community. A moment I’ll never forget was when a mother and her preschooler told me that her five-year-old said now Larry and his grandmother could be dancing together in heaven. It was a beautiful reminder of Scripture’s call to have faith like a child.”

Throughout the visitation and funeral, the Comfort Dog teams offered calm companionship and a tangible reminder of God’s peace—a fitting tribute to a man who spent his life offering those same gifts to others.