From January 1 to March 8, 2024, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams have responded to 40 Emergency Site Visit requests. This translates to 40 instances where our dedicated teams offered their support and comfort within just 68 days. Last week, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their committed volunteers swiftly took action, extending their care in the wake of multiple tragedies. Their unwavering dedication to being present for those in distress and offering solace exemplifies the compassion and empathy that define our organization. We are immensely grateful for your generous support and the tireless efforts of our K-9 Comfort Dog teams and their invaluable contributions to those in need. Sterling, Virginia - Death of a TeacherThe community of Sterling, Virginia, suffered a loss last week when Monica Ashworth, a teacher at Rivers Bend Middle School, died two weeks after giving birth to her new baby boy. Monica was a loving mother, wife, daughter, teacher, coach, mentor, colleague, and friend. She grew up in Sterling, and after graduating from college, she became a teacher at Rivers Bend. Her heart was drawn to middle school students, and she devoted her life to serving them and others. Monica’s unexpected death has left a hole in the hearts of her students and colleagues at Rivers Bend Middle School.
On a cheerful note, one student caught the team's attention. She was intentionally combing Comfort Dog Solomon's fur and adding his fur to her black attire! She said, "I want a souvenir to take back with me!" Solomon was agreeable to making a generous furry donation! The comfort dogs were a bridge to connection and healing, and their handlers were the reflection of Jesus' love, hope, and comfort in their actions, words, and presence. The Rivers Bend Middle School staff expressed their gratitude to the comfort dogs and the school for allowing the teams to visit. On more than one occasion, a student would look at the handlers and say, "Thank you for coming here." They truly felt seen, loved, and supported as they learned to overcome a tragic loss. The LCC K-9 Ministry teams are grateful for the opportunity to BE THERE as a part of their healing journey. We pray for Monica's baby boy, husband, family, and all who knew and loved her to take hold of God's strength, peace, and comfort as they move through each hour of their grief. Lemont, Illinois - Death of a Seventh-Grade Student Last week, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs brought peace to Old Quarry Middle School in Lemont, Illinois, where they offered solace and compassion to staff and students during a difficult time. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and handlers were at Old Quarry Middle School throughout the week as the students and staff learned that 7th grader Joe Fornero was nearing the end of his precious life here on earth. Friday morning, although students had been aware that Joe was sick, the finality of learning that he had passed away was heartbreaking for all. Old Quarry Middle School supported the students and staff as they processed the news of Joe's passing. Joe's basketball teammates were told this by their coach, who shared the news in a gentle and comforting way. It was a quiet moment of reflection and sadness for them all. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Jael (Trinity - Hobart, Indiana) moved in and put her head gently on the knee of one of Joe's teammates while LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Michael (LCC Staff) leaned in to comfort the other students. The rest of the school learned of Joe's passing and were given time to seek the comfort and calm they needed. On Friday, some of the students spent time with LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dogs Brutus (LCC Squad) and Nigel (LCC Staff) and LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Jael (Trinity - Hobart, Indiana), Jeremiah and Michael (LCC Staff). Earlier in the week the students and staff also spent time with LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs in training Meshach and Shadrach. From Joseph's Obituary: Although Joey's life ended before we were ready, Joey was full of energy every moment of the day. He was always on the move from when he woke up until he went to bed. Joey had a deep passion for sports, a love for basketball, and an enthusiasm for baseball. Joey had an adventurous spirit that was shown by his nonstop, on-the-go, vibrant personality. There were times when he left the house when he woke up, found a group of friends in the neighborhood and did not come home until bedtime. In Joey's 13 years of life, he has made an impact on each and every person he met, whether it was in school, at a sport, or in the neighborhood. Joey had an unwavering kindness and spirit for life. Joey's kindness was infectious, which made it easy to love him and want to be with him. His family and friends will miss him dearly. This is not a goodbye, but a see you later, JoJo. We lift up in prayer Joey's family, friends, coaches, and teachers to feel and know the strength and comfort of God as they grieve his loss and the heartbreak they are experiencing.
Glen Ellyn, Illinois - Death of a High School Senior
We pray for God’s comfort, love, and healing for Lonnie’s parents, extended family, friends, coaches and teachers. Lenexa, Kansas - Visitation for 11-year-old Mckenna
We are incredibly thankful for your support, which makes it possible for us to BE THERE where we are needed most. Your donations are making a tangible difference in the lives of the people our dedicated teams of volunteers are able to help during tragedies like these. The love, healing, and comfort we are able to provide are a direct result of your generosity. Independence, Missouri - Visitation for Police Officer Cody Allen
Officer Allen's family's strong faith in Jesus resonated throughout the event, with one officer emphasizing the importance of faith in their daily duties. Traveling long distances to offer comfort, these dedicated teams shared God's love and hope with Officer Allen's loved ones, law enforcement colleagues, and the grieving community, receiving heartfelt gratitude from many for their presence during a time of immense sorrow.
We received the following comments from Paula, the visit facilitator:
You may not be aware that many of our students are newcomers learning English. Having an opportunity to speak to an adult in a new language is tremendously beneficial for growing their confidence. Many of our students do not have dogs and getting to get close to a gentle, safe, big dog also gave them a positive experience with animals. Thank you for making positive ripples throughout our Hoffman community. It is a real pleasure to see and hear about how you have trained these dogs to be helpers not just for our students, but also for supporting families in trauma after disasters. Please let them know what a positive impact they made on our families, and how much they helped our Literacy event. We thank you again for blessing our event with your kind handlers and your patient pups! Paula Last week, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their committed teams of volunteers sprang into action, offering their support and comfort in the face of multiple tragedies. Recognizing the importance of being present for those suffering and in need, these compassionate teams stood ready to provide solace and care wherever it was needed. Independence, Missouri - Tragic Death of Police Officer and a Civil Process Server Last week, heartbreak struck Independence, Missouri, when Drexel Mack, a Civil Process Server, and Independence Police Officer Cody Allen were shot and killed, and two police officers were wounded while serving their community. This devastating event has left the community in shock and mourning.
Burnsville, Minnesota - Memorial Service for Three First Responders Killed in the Line of Duty
We thank Gideon Comfort Dog and his team for being present at various vigils and prayer gatherings and handling two shifts a day at the city hall memorial over these past ten days. We're also grateful to LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams Charity, Hagar, Mary, and Tobias for providing additional support by traveling to the memorial service. Pam from Team Gideon said, "When I signed on to this thing called LCC K-9 Ministries, I had no idea that I would acquire new 'family' members, people we can turn to in good times and in bad." In the face of darkness, these bonds serve as a reminder of the power of community and the profound impact of compassion and presence in times of need. We continue to pray for the community, the colleagues, friends, and beloved family of these first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their community. May God surround each person who is grieving with His love and comfort. "May the Lord answer you when you are in distress…May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support." (Psalm 20:1-5) East Dundee, Illinois - Sudden Death of a Beloved Music Teacher
Churchville Middle School in Elmhurst, Illinois - Sudden Death of Eighth-Grade Student
We are incredibly thankful for your support, which makes it possible for us to BE THERE where we are needed most. Your donations are making a tangible difference in the lives of the people our dedicated teams of volunteers are able to help during tragedies like these. The love, healing, and comfort we are able to provide are a direct result of your generosity.
It was an honor for the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry to be invited to attend the Nebraska Association of Women Police & First Responders Conference in Omaha last week. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Eden (Peace - Columbus, Nebraska), Joanna (Christ Lincoln - Lincoln, Nebraska), Katie & Phinehas (Trinity - Fremont, Nebraska), Priscilla (Trinity - Lincoln, Nebraska), and their teams were blessed to be there to offer solace and support to attendees navigating heavy topics surrounding trauma and suicide. Lutheran Church Charities prepared and sent Hearts of Mercy & Compassion for the police officers and firefighters attending the conference to show support, encouragement, and appreciation for all they do for the community, acknowledging their sacrifices and the daily challenges and heartbreak. LCC K-9 Police Ministry Handler Jim with LCC K-9 Police Ministry Dog Phinehas and LCC K-9 Police Ministry Handler Troy with LCC K-9 Police Ministry Dog Eden were at the conference to bestow the hearts to these dedicated police officers and firefighters who serve each day. These brave women and men's calling is to serve, knowing they will face new challenges and uncertainty each day. We keep them in our prayers for God's protection. We thank their dedication and courage to serve and protect our communities. Psalm 23:4: "Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no danger, because you are with me; your rod and your staff, they protect me."
Last week, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Amos (Our Savior's Way - Ashburn, Virginia), Kezia (Emmanuel - Baltimore, Maryland), and Solomon (King of Glory - Williamsburg, Virginia) and their compassionate handlers served the community of Sterling, Virginia, bringing Jesus' light and love to many who were suffering, scared, hurting, and in need, following a catastrophic explosion that destroyed a family's home and took the life of a Sterling Volunteer Firefighter, Trevor Brown. Firefighter Brown was also a veteran who served our country as a U.S. Marine. He was a stay-at-home dad of three young children. Ten other Sterling volunteer firefighters and two residents were injured in this horrible explosion as well, including Mr. Diamond, an 8th-grade teacher at Lunsford Middle School. During these times of tragedy, God is at work for us and with us. "Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6 God often works in and through His people to love, care for, and comfort others. God calls us and guides us where we need to be to share his love, hope, and security. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Amos (Our Savior's Way - Ashburn, Virginia), Kezia (Emmanuel - Baltimore, Maryland), and Solomon (King of Glory - Williamsburg, Virginia), and their compassionate handlers were there last week to be with the staff and students of the Loudoun County elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools. They provided a safe, comforting, and reassuring place for the youngsters and teachers to go to process the shock, fear, and loss they were experiencing. The teams were invited by Jennifer Evans, Director of Unified Mental Health for Loudoun County Schools. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Amos is known by students and staff in Sterling for his regular visits to one of the elementary schools. The Comfort Dogs and their teams visited Meadowland Elementary School, Discovery Elementary, Seneca Ridge Middle School, J. Michael Lunsford Middle School, high school, and other schools in the district. Meadowland Elementary in Sterling, Virginia, serves 430 students. One student lives across the street from the house and all the windows on her home were shattered. One student was home alone when the explosion happened. These children were invited into a special breakfast reception at the school where counselors were on hand, music, arts and crafts, and LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Amos and Kezia were waiting for them. The students were allowed to stay as long as they needed before going to their classes. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their handlers then spent time at Discovery Elementary School, where Trevor Brown's three children attend 1st, 3rd, and 5th grades. They were not at school on Tuesday but returned on Wednesday as Comfort Dog Amos and Solomon welcomed them back. On Tuesday, Amos, Kezia, and Solomon were there for their classrooms. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams were honored to be able to be there, to show them that they are loved and that they are surrounded by caring people. The Comfort Dogs and their handlers finished the day at Lunsford Middle School, home of 1,300 Lions, including Mr. Diamond, an 8th grade English and Civics teacher who is also a volunteer firefighter. Mr. Diamond was found severely burned in the basement of the home that exploded and is expected to be in the burn unit for another 4 weeks. His wife is also a teacher at Lunsford, and they have four children. Mr Diamond is a beloved teacher who has been at the school since it opened, and the staff are devastated for his family. The LCC K-9 Ministry teams spent most of their time on Tuesday with the staff and then visited some of the classes that both husband and wife teach. The principal commented that the entire mood changed when the handlers arrived with the Comfort Dogs. Peace, relief and joy. came over the staff, and they were thankful for their presence. We are incredibly thankful for your support, which makes it possible for us to BE THERE where we are needed most. Your donations are making a tangible difference in the lives of the people our dedicated teams of volunteers are able to help during tragedies like this. The love, healing, and comfort we are able to provide are a direct result of your generosity.
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