UPDATE: On Thursday, July 10, Deaconess Kathy O'Day, director of LCC Disaster Response, and Denise Snider, director of LCC Human Care, will lead teams of volunteers in the Texas Hill Country to bring comfort, care, and support to LCMS churches, first responders, and community residents affected by the July 4 flash-flooding. Joining them will be Jason Johnson, Disaster Crisis Response and Volunteer Engagement Coordinator. 

​A team from Gloria Dei Houston will meet them there — with LERT-trained volunteers working with Deac. O'Day and Johnson, and Spiritual First Aid™- trained volunteers going with Snider.

Two K-9 Comfort Dog teams also will deploy Thursday evening:
- Team Elijah from Our Redeemer Wichita Falls, Texas, with Eddie Carlton (retired police) and Willie Reneau
- Team Joy from Gloria Dei Houston with Karen and Kim Gastler

The home base for ministry work this week will be at Hosanna Lutheran Kerrville.

--

Lutheran Church Charities President/CEO Rev. Chris Singer announced Monday that LCC is planning to deploy to the Texas Hill Country to BE THERE to offer HOPE TO THE HURTING after catastrophic rains, rapid rises in river levels, and massive flash flooding overwhelmed multiple communities over the July 4 weekend. The tragic weather event took the lives of more than 100 people, including dozens of children at campgrounds along the Guadalupe River basin.

LCC has been invited by Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) Texas District President Rev. Dr. Jon Braunersreuther and Texas District Disaster Response Coordinators Julie Tucker and David Ricks as soon as it is safe to travel and perform much-needed ministry work.

“The scope of this disaster is massive, both in lives tragically lost and the wide area that has been impacted,” Rev. Singer said. “Our hearts are broken at the devastation. Lives have been upended and torn apart. We are praying fervently and eager to be on-site to help as soon as possible.”



Search and rescue operations continue with around-the-clock response from local, state, and national first responders. Hundreds of officers and support staff are working in Kerr County and the region northwest of San Antonio known for its rolling hills and winding rivers.

LCC staff — plus LCC volunteers in Texas and Oklahoma — are standing by to mobilize and travel to affected areas.



LCC is prepared to lend Disaster Response expertise and send LCC Care Teams trained in Spiritual First Aid™ to provide physical, emotional, and spiritual care to those affected by this ongoing tragedy.

With several roads and bridges washed out, travel around Kerrville and the surrounding region is limited. LCC is planning to send K-9 Comfort Dog and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion teams as soon as it can.

This week, LCC is focusing its assistance on serving the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) Texas District, plus working alongside LCMS pastors and congregations participating in community care efforts, including Kerrville, Boerne, San Antonio, and Houston. 

Rev. Singer has been in communication with LCMS district officials, while the directors from all four LCC ministry areas are talking daily with pastors in the region, assessing locations in the region to bring comfort and care.

Weather is another factor impacting deployment plans. The Texas Hill Country continues to see a pattern of rainstorms throughout the week.

Working with Hosanna Kerrville and other LCMS churches in the area, plus San Antonio and Austin, LCC is aggregating local resources to help residents, while preparing LCC volunteers when they arrive to help.

LCC can provide this assistance because of faithful, generous donors and volunteers who are willing to support and serve. 

“The financial support you can offer right now will go directly to helping families and LCMS congregations in the Texas Hill Country and bring HOPE TO THE HURTING,” Rev. Singer said. 

After being present and encouraging the mountain town Ruidoso, New Mexico, at a Community Care Event in June, the teams for K-9 Comfort Dog Persis and K-9 Comfort Dog Elijah visited children, hospital staff, and memory care residents, bringing smiles and hope after wildfires and flooding displaced many residents in 2024.

For memory care resident Myra of Goodlife Assisted Living, the two LCC golden retrievers brought back memories of past family pets.

“Oh, I remember what our dog was like,” she said, gasping with delight and smiling broadly. “I miss the feeling of petting their fur.”

Persis and Elijah took turns with their paws in her lap as she sat in her recliner and stroked their heads and backs.

Later that morning, the dogs and their handlers stopped by the Ruidoso Boys & Girls Club, delivering LCC K-9 coloring books and K-9 business cards. Students at the club took turns in small groups cuddling with Persis and Elijah and talking about how calm the dogs were during the visit.

The students eagerly lined up for a group photo with the dogs to remember the special treat of seeing them almost a year ago.

That afternoon, across town at the Lincoln County Medical Center, hospital staffers were eager to having wagging tails and wet noses become a surprise in their day.

With handlers Steve and Roxy Hurry of Christ the Redeemer Lutheran in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Lynette Lackey and Joanne Kurtz of Our Redeemer Lutheran in Wichita Falls, Texas, the dogs made their own rounds that afternoon, visiting the ER and Oncology departments while saying hello to patients and family members lounging in the waiting room.

“We were honored to come back and be here,” said Steve Hurry. “Ruidoso has been through so much over the last 12 months. The dogs have helped start conversations and open up people who are closed off or have bottled up emotions.”

The Hurrys will return to the community again in early July for Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church’s Camp Courage Vacation Bible School.    

From June 15–17, the 88th Readiness Division hosted more than 700 U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers and their families in Minneapolis for a pre-deployment Yellow Ribbon event. Focused on supporting units preparing for upcoming overseas missions—including the 452nd Combat Support Hospital, 113th Medical Company, 1872nd Medical Detachment, 163rd Ordnance Company, 361st Press Camp Headquarters, and the 376th Financial Management Support Unit—the event offered critical resources, guidance, and community connection to those preparing to serve abroad.

Among the many supportive elements of the weekend was the comforting presence of the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams with Comfort Dogs Charity (Brookfield Lutheran - Brookfield, Wisconsin), Gethsemane (Lord of Glory - Grayslake, Illinois), Gideon (St. Michael’s - Bloomington, Minnesota), and Tobias (Lord of Glory - Grayslake, Illinois).

These four-legged ambassadors of compassion and their handlers provided not just comfort, but connection—offering smiles, calm, and a sense of peace in a weekend filled with emotion and transition.

"The Best Booth Here!"
Chelsi Todd reflected, “It was an honor to be present... I can’t even count the number of times I was told, ‘this is the best booth here!’” As service members and families moved between their information-packed breakout sessions, many made a point to pause at the K-9 booth—sometimes multiple times. Faces that looked weary or apprehensive would light up as they rounded the corner to see golden tails wagging in welcome.

Chelsi shared a particularly touching story about a family with two young girls. The children were drawn to the dogs and came back to visit throughout the weekend. One of the girls proudly showed a stuffed animal she’d named “GG” after Gethsemane, wearing a hand-drawn bandana. Their father is deploying close to the older daughter’s birthday, and the comfort the girls received from the K-9s gave the parents much-needed reassurance as they attended training.

"It’s Going to Be Different"
Pam Lienemann, who has supported several Yellow Ribbon events over the years, shared how this event—one of the largest and most organized yet—highlighted the deep emotional landscape of deployment. She noticed three distinct groups: seasoned service members carrying quiet strength, first-timers full of nerves and questions, and repeat deployers now facing separation with young children for the first time.

“One mom said, ‘We’ve done this before—but not with kids. This time it’s going to be different,’” Pam recalled. And still, the dogs offered a refuge. “This is the most relaxing place here today,” many attendees told her, often stopping by between sessions for a quiet moment of peace.

Smiles Beyond the Uniform
The K-9s’ reach even extended to the stage. Chelsi met Szu-Yu Chu, a service member and National Anthem singer who recently moved from Taiwan. Before and after her performance, she made a beeline for the dogs. “She laid down with Gethsemane and Tobias and melted with them,” Chelsi shared. “She couldn’t have been more happy to be surrounded by golden love.”

A Ripple Effect of Service
For handler Becky Kilvinger, the experience highlighted the unseen layers of military life. “We had conversations with those who selflessly give up everything to defend our country. We met families whose worlds are changed because of service. We saw the ripple effect.”

As Soldiers walked past the booth after emotionally heavy sessions, their expressions would transform as they saw the dogs. “We had many frequent flyers,” Becky said. “I think being that source of joy, light and relaxation during the day kept those coming back time and time again.”

Gratitude in Action
The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry team didn’t just show up—they showed up. With empathy, kindness, and a deep respect for the sacrifices made by service members and their families, they helped transform a weekend of preparation into one also filled with peace, healing, and heartfelt connection.
As Jenni put it, “I hope we conveyed what we felt—that we recognize and honor their service, and we will remember them.”

In the warm desert landscape of La Quinta, California, the LCMS Pacific Southwest District came together for its 2025 Convention at the serene La Quinta Resort & Club. Held from June 25–27, the event brought pastors, lay leaders, and ministry partners together for a time of essential business, worship, inspiration, and deep fellowship.

Beyond the elections, reports, and conversations shaping the future of the district, the event provided a unique opportunity for reflection and renewal. A meaningful part of that renewal came through the presence of the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams, who made the journey to La Quinta to offer peace, encouragement, and connection.

With calm demeanor and steady companionship, the Comfort Dogs and their handlers were a constant presence throughout the convention. Whether offering a quiet break from the heat, a listening ear, or a warm welcome to attendees navigating a busy schedule, the teams helped create space for rest and renewal.

“We had some really good visits with PSD pastors and lay leaders,” shared Bobby, one of the Comfort Dog team members. “I’m hopeful some of these churches will see the benefit of starting a team of their own. Sometimes those who do the ministering need ministry themselves—and our dogs can be a bridge to that.”

Throughout the event, questions came from curious attendees: What’s the process to start a Comfort Dog team? Where do the dogs go on visits? How do we build a ministry like this in our own church? Being able to share firsthand experiences while offering immediate comfort gave real depth to the ministry’s presence.
Anna reflected, “I hope we planted some seeds in Southern California. It was also fun to be a spot for pastors’ kids and spouses to rest. Their support in ministry is so valuable, and they deserve love and care too.”

From moments of laughter with children to conversations with pastors and resort employees, the Comfort Dog teams witnessed a wide spectrum of emotions. As Jeanne shared, “It was a joy to serve alongside other West Coast teams, to listen to attendees’ stories, and to talk about LCC’s other ministries as well. We’re part of something much bigger.”

For Cheri, this convention held a personal and powerful moment: “God reconnected me with a very special person in my life—someone I had been trying to find for three years. When I saw him in the hallway, I knew this was why I was here. It wasn’t a coincidence. It was a Christ-driven moment, and I’ll never forget it.”

The Comfort Dog Ministry once again proved that their presence isn't just about comfort—it's about connection, purpose, and being exactly where God places you in the lives of others.

From June 26–29, 2025, women from across the nation gathered in Omaha, Nebraska, at the CHI Health Center for the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) Convention. With the theme “Growing in God’s Grace” drawn from 2 Peter 3:18, the convention was a powerful blend of worship, witness, and fellowship. It was also a time when the Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry was present—not just in appearance, but in purpose, prayer, and presence.

Together, the Comfort Dog teams brought something uniquely beautiful: quiet moments of peace in a bustling convention hall, sacred conversations sparked by gentle interactions, and visible reminders of God’s love with every paw step.

As handler Ryan with Meshach Comfort Dog shared, the weekend was marked by connection:
“Between people and Christ. Between dogs and guests. Between ministry partners, trainers, and women from every corner of the country. So many already knew the power of this ministry—others were just discovering it. And all left touched.”

Whether it was a reunion with a former puppy raiser, a first-time handshake that became a heartfelt conversation, or a passing smile exchanged with someone who simply needed it—God was in every moment.

It was clear to all who visited the Comfort Dog booth that these dogs were more than companions. They were ambassadors of Christ’s peace and vessels of His healing.

Carol, handler for Keren Comfort Dog, reflected: “It was a wonderful meeting of God-filled ladies who know and love our ministry. We connected with people we’d only known through emails and Facebook posts—this time, face to face. The tears that were shed were filled with joy.”

Each interaction was a testimony—quiet, Spirit-led, deeply impactful.

Throughout the weekend, the Comfort Dog teams heard stories of hope, loss, resilience, and miracles. One woman shared about her daughter’s near-death experience and how prayer had carried them through. With Phinehas Comfort Dog by her side, she recounted moments of desperation and God’s surprising grace. “As she spoke in that loud hall, somehow God gave me ears just for her,” Paula said. “It’s a blessing to be trusted with such stories.”

Meanwhile, team members like Dawn experienced moments where prayer extended far beyond conversation. When a woman named Linda collapsed outside the hotel one night, Dawn not only gave aid, but also sent a prayer request across the Comfort Dog network. The next day, Linda returned to the booth—healed, grateful, and eager to say thank you.

For many teams, the journey to Omaha was long—physically and emotionally. Connie with Eddie Comfort Dog admitted, “I thought it would be a hard day. Leaving at 6 AM, a long drive, a wet basement at home. But seeing how people respond—even to a sleeping Eddie—makes it all so worth it. God makes long days feel short when He fills them with purpose.”

Jessi, newer to the ministry, noted how refreshing it was to learn from other teams and to “be in a room full of women who love Jesus.” Marie echoed that, recalling countless smiles and moments of reunion—both canine and human.

As Marcia with Nicodemus Comfort Dog beautifully put it, “No disaster, no sadness—just a deployment of light meeting light. This was a foretaste of heaven.”

Indeed, the LWML Convention was a reminder that ministry is not just what we do in crisis—but what we do in joy, in presence, in the everyday rhythms of walking beside others.

In her message, President Eden Keefe encouraged each attendee to reflect on how God used them—and continues to use them—through Word and Sacrament, to grow in grace and proclaim His glory.
From the youngest attendees to seasoned volunteers, from first-time encounters to lifelong friendships, God’s glory was evident in Omaha.

As Warren with Eden Comfort Dog shared: “We met a woman who had just lost her own dog. She shed tears with Eden and received her love in return. This gathering reminded us how connected we all are in Christ.”

Thank you to the following LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams for showing up—despite the heat, the miles, and the long hours. Thank you for being a calming presence, a joyful face, and a living example of grace in motion.

As Angie said: “Being there reminded me how powerful and healing God’s love can be—even in the smallest, quietest moments.”

Devorah & Zacchaeus Comfort Dogs (Redeemer - Fort Collins, CO)
Eden Comfort Dog (Peace - Columbus, NE)
Eddie & Meshach Comfort Dogs (Peace - Grand Island, NE)
Glory Comfort Dog (Christ - Lincoln, NE)
Keren Comfort Dog (Immanuel - Ellsworth, KS)
Nicodemus Comfort Dog (The Rock - Seward, Nebraska)
Phinehas Comfort Dog (Trinity - Fremont, NE)

Let us continue to walk in this ministry with joy, trusting that in every step, every story, and every connection, God is working through us. Let us rejoice and be glad.

Hurts still linger a year after two fires and flash flooding ravaged the mountain community of Ruidoso, New Mexico.

“Today, emotions are all over the map,” said Melissa Moody, a Village of Ruidoso employee who works with the town’s Parks and Recreation Department. “Some are still shellshocked and struggling. Some are ready to move on. Some accept the consequences of living here. But all of us are coming together to be a stronger community.”

On Tuesday, Ruidoso paused to remember, reflect, and celebrate resilience a year after the 2024 natural disasters that took the lives of two people, destroyed 1,400 homes, and burned more than 25,000 acres. Hundreds of people from the community came to the town’s Wingfield Park for an event with the theme “United By Loss, Defined By Grit.”

Lutheran Church Charities was on hand to bring HOPE TO THE HURTING with the handlers of K-9 Comfort Dog Persis (King of Kings - Glenpool, Oklahoma) and K-9 Comfort Dog Elijah (Our Redeemer - Wichita Falls, Texas). The teams worked in conjunction with Rev. Jason Rust of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Ruidoso and nine congregation members trained in Spiritual First Aid™.

The group also brought Hearts of Mercy & Compassion and crosses for the community to sign at the gathering. It marked the third visit by LCC staff and volunteers since the disaster — with previous trips focused on Disaster Response cleanup and Spiritual First Aid training.

“LCC is reaffirming its commitment to long-term care, healing, and hope for the people of Ruidoso,” said LCC President/CEO Rev. Chris Singer. “In the midst of despair and loss, we want this community to find the comfort, strength, and hope need for healing. LCC will continue to bring prayer, Scripture, and resources for Ruidoso and Shepherd of the Hills.

The day the South Fork Fire broke out, Melissa Moody didn’t think much of it. Fires happen in the New Mexico mountains from time to time.

When her boss called and told her to join the Emergency Operations Center, she delayed. She had to finish doing payroll.

Her boss called again, ordering her to the EOC, which had to evacuate three times as the wildfire spread.

In the days and weeks that followed, Moody operated Ruidoso’s mobile kitchen, feeding dozens of families, then a few hundred, and eventually 800 people three meals a day. Seven days a week for nearly a month.

“Those weeks are a blur,” Moody said while preparing for the remembrance event. “I didn’t see my family for three weeks.”

Ruidoso remembers, though.

As K-9 Comfort Dog teams for Persis and Elijah walked downtown the morning before the community event, shopkeepers and residents reflected on the fear and anxiety they felt during mandatory evacuations, subsequent flooding after the fires, and the devastation that was left behind. The mountains around the town still show treeless burn scars of where they fire raged.

“Encouragement is needed here.”

“Thank you for coming.”

“We’re glad you came.”

T-shirt vendors. Bar owners. Restaurant wait staff. All expressed a gratitude that people outside the community care and want to help.

Back at Wingfield Park, Moody listens as Rev. Singer shares a message of hope and spiritual encouragement with the community.

As a Village of Ruidoso admin who is back to selling fishing permits for the Parks & Rec Department, she sees something else.

“We’re going to be stronger because of this,” she said, looking over the crowd. “People still need help. They need support with finances and the essentials. But now they know that people care — and help is available. Your group is a big part of that.”

In the small town of Chatham, Illinois, healing continues after an unthinkable tragedy struck on April 28, when a vehicle crashed into the YNOT Outdoors Summer and After School Camp. The devastating incident claimed the lives of five young children, shaking the entire community to its core—from families and children to educators, first responders, and local residents.

In the aftermath, Lutheran Church Charities responded swiftly, sending teams from its K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion (HMC) to provide solace, presence, and the comfort of Christ during a time of overwhelming grief.

Last week, as the children of YNOT Camp returned for the first time to the building where the tragedy occurred, the Comfort Dog teams were there once again—ready to support, listen, and simply be present.

A Healing Return to YNOT
Roughly 70 children were welcomed back with wagging tails and open arms. Handlers and Comfort Dogs arrived on-site Wednesday and Thursday, June 11 and 12, between 3:00 and 5:30 p.m., to coincide with afternoon programming. This visit was specifically requested by Alison Loftus of YNOT Outdoors, recognizing the potential emotional difficulty for the children revisiting the site of the traumatic event.
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Dinah (Trinity - Auburn, Illinois), Michael (LCC Staff), Noah (Timothy - St. Louis, Missouri), Tabby (St. Paul’s - Des Peres, Missouri), and LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Britta (LCC Staff) were accompanied by a team of compassionate handlers.

Roxy, a handler reflected: “Today’s visit was well received. The children had a full day of off-site activities, and when they returned, the Comfort Dogs were waiting. The resilience of these children is amazing.” Roxy shared that Dinah Comfort Dog was exhausted from all the attention but kept her tail wagging the entire time. “Some children even did a survey to find which dog had the softest ears,” she added with a smile.

Many children shared stories about their own pets, asked questions about the dogs, and collected the special “calling cards” each Comfort Dog carries. One child even asked for an extra card for her sister, who couldn't attend.

“These children are resilient,” said another volunteer. “They’re coping, talking, laughing, and connecting. It’s humbling to be a part of their healing process.”

A Community Embraced
For Chatham, the return of the LCC Comfort Dogs was a symbol of continued presence, love, and faith. The teams didn’t just show up—they remembered, they listened, and they returned when it mattered most.

As the children of YNOT Outdoors slowly step back into routines shaped by both joy and sorrow, they are surrounded by a community—and by four-legged friends—who remind them they are not alone.

A Dream Fulfilled, A Life Sacrificed
All Krystal Rivera ever wanted was to be a police officer. That dream came true in 2021 when she was sworn into the Chicago Police Department. Officer Rivera quickly became a beloved presence in the 6th District, known for her dedication, her heart, and her deep love for her 10-year-old daughter, Bella.

On June 5, 2025, Officer Rivera was killed in the line of duty during a foot pursuit in Chatham. She had served with distinction for four years. Her tragic death sent waves of sorrow through her fellow officers, her family, and the wider community she served so faithfully.

A Community in Mourning, United in Prayer
Hundreds gathered outside the Gresham District police station on Wednesday, June 11, for a solemn prayer vigil to honor Officer Rivera’s memory. Friends, family, and community members stood side-by-side with dozens of Chicago police officers—some in uniform, others wearing shirts bearing Rivera’s image. CPD Chaplain Rev. Kimberly Lewis-Davis encouraged all present to lean into their faith for healing and strength.

A Ministry of Presence: LCC Offers Support and Hope 
Among the mourners was Lutheran Church Charities, whose compassionate presence brought hope and spiritual care to both officers and grieving family members. Responding to a request from the Chicago Police Department, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams attended roll call for the officers of the 6th District and stood with the community at the vigil.

Rev. Chris Singer, LCC President and CEO, was present alongside dedicated teams that included LCC Comfort Dogs Gethsemane & Tobias (Lord of Glory - Grayslake - IL), Michael (LCC Staff), and LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Nigel (LCC Staff), each accompanied by their trained handlers.

Also in attendance was Tim Laabs, Project Manager for Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, who helped facilitate the meaningful tribute with the Heart and Cross memorials. Together, this team provided comfort through their calm presence, empathetic conversations, and unwavering support, reminding all who gathered that they were not alone in their grief.

One of the most profound moments came from young Bella, Officer Rivera's daughter. Initially hesitant to join others, she lit up when she saw the dogs. Jeanette, one of the handlers, shared that Bella—still reeling from celebrating her birthday just days after her mother’s passing—found a moment of joy as she bonded with Gethsemane. “She is hurting and has a long road ahead,” Jeanette said, “but she smiled and enjoyed the moment. One of the officers stated that the dogs made all the difference today for Bella. God is good!”

Handlers stayed close to the family, walking with them through grief. Jenni shared, “I was surprised at the level of access we had to Krystal’s daughter. She lit up when she met our sweet dogs. That connection—that was God.” She also spoke with Officer Rivera’s friends and coworkers, recognizing the enduring support system that would surround Bella.

Hearts of Mercy, Messages of Love
At the heart of the vigil—both literally and figuratively—stood the Hearts of Mercy & Compassion. Tim Laabs brought one heart and cross for public messages and another to be gifted to Officer Rivera’s family.
Messages like “I will forever miss your good mornings and talking about our girls,” and “Powerpuffs for life” reflected the deep affection and camaraderie Rivera inspired. Other notes offered encouragement: “The pain you feel is all the love you poured into Krystal,” and “May God lift you.”

The second heart, passed among Rivera’s fellow officers, bore signatures and sentiments like “We love you and we will always miss you!” and “Great officer—and a BETTER friend.” When complete, the heart was presented to the family by CPD Commander Michael Tate and LCC President Chris Singer. “You are in our hearts and prayers as you grieve the loss of such a wonderful daughter, mom, and officer,” Singer said.

Answering the Call to Bring Hope for the Hurting
Each handler present shared how divine timing and meaningful conversations unfolded throughout the day. Danielle reflected, “It isn’t always about the experiences you expect—it’s the connections that happen when you show up.” Valerie added, “To be there to love on those who knew and loved Officer Rivera was a blessing.”

Jim, another handler, summed it up best:
“What I experienced yesterday was one of God’s miracles. The love, compassion, and mercy displayed by everyone present could not have occurred without divine intervention. The Comfort Dogs brought mercy. The officers brought love. And the community brought honor. It was a beautiful thing to behold.”

In the face of unspeakable grief, the ministry of Lutheran Church Charities offered a tangible expression of God's comfort. Through Comfort Dogs, Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, and the quiet faith of those present, they helped carry a community through a moment of heartbreak—reminding all that love, indeed, still lives.

Support the ongoing ministry of Lutheran Church Charities as we bring hope and healing to first responders, families, and communities in crisis. Together, we can be a light in the darkest moments.

In the quiet of a Friday evening, the Baldwin Park, CA, community gathered with heavy hearts to remember a beloved public servant. Officer Samuel Riveros—a devoted husband, father, and dedicated member of the Baldwin Park Police Department—was honored at a solemn vigil on June 6, just days after his End of Watch on Saturday, May 31, 2025.

Officer Riveros’s passing has left a profound void in the Baldwin Park Police Department and in the lives of those who knew and loved him. In response to the collective grief, the community was joined by a unique team of comfort and compassion: the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry.

A Gentle Touch in a Time of Pain
The vigil became more than just a tribute—it became a moment of healing. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Lois (First Good Shepherd - Las Vegas, Nevada), Micah (Light of the Valley - Elk Grove, California), and Salome (Faith Community - Las Vegas, Nevada), alongside their trained handlers offered silent support through warm eyes, soft fur, and a calming presence. The team helped create a space where officers, family members, and friends could begin to release the sorrow and shock that accompanies the loss of one of their own.

James Casner, the Heart of Mercy & Compassion ministry representative and point person for the visit, reflected, “It never ceases to amaze me the tremendous opportunity we have to bond with our fellow human beings when we are out with our Comfort Dogs. We can help carry the burden of others… with our dogs as a bridge to sharing, listening, or sitting in silence.”

Support Beyond the Frontlines
The ministry’s outreach extended beyond the vigil. The team also visited the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner—often an overlooked group of first responders who bear the weight of tragedy behind closed doors. Both shifts of staff at the coroner’s office welcomed the time to simply sit, talk, and decompress with the dogs. Smiles surfaced. Shoulders eased. And, for a moment, healing began.

One particularly moving moment came with a lieutenant from the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Investigators. “Her team deals with so much,” a handler shared. “She really needed the time to sit with the dogs and love on them and be loved in return.” The lieutenant had recently lost her own dog, making the visit all the more meaningful.

A Community United in Grief and Grace
In tragedy, Baldwin Park found a moment of peace through the quiet empathy of Comfort Dogs. Their presence reminded everyone—from uniformed officers to grieving citizens—that no one walks through grief alone.

LCC was blessed to have six affiliates from six states at the Replacement Handler Training last weekend:
 
·       Faith Community, Las Vegas, NV
·       Immanuel, Valparaiso, IN
·       Island Lutheran, Hilton Head, SC
·       Redeemer, Spokane Valley, WA
·       Shepherd of the Hills, Greenville, WI
·       St. Paul, Fort Worth, TX
 
LCC is happy to welcome these wonderful individuals who have been called to go out and serve in their communities and share the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those hurting and in need.  
These new and dedicated volunteers spent a lot of time learning new handling skills and building their knowledge about the ministry. Each handler worked with either their affiliate’s dog or with a LCC K-9 Comfort Dog in training. The new handlers also spent time praying together and becoming a family in Christ. 
 
We are excited to introduce the following new handlers who are now part of the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry:

• Laurie Anderson
  St. Paul, Fort Worth, TX – LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Olive
• June Brault 
  Immanuel, Valparaiso, IN – LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Caleb
• Andrew Ebert
  Shepherd of the Hills, Greenville, WI – LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Samaria
• Melanie Ebert
  Shepherd of the Hills, Greenville, WI – LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Samaria
• Becky Ehler
  Faith Community, Las Vegas, NV – LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Salome
• Andrew Chaplin
  Faith Community, Las Vegas, NV – LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Salome
• Linda Neumann
  Shepherd of the Hills, Greenville, WI – LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Samaria
• Bob Sanders
  Redeemer, Spokane, WA – LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Isaac
• Jill Welsh
  Immanuel, Valparaiso, IN – LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Caleb
• Kevin Williams
  ​Island, Hilton Head, SC – Zoara Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog 

 
Additionally, Lutheran Church Charities is honored to welcome United States Air Force veteran Kevin Williams to the LCC Kare-9 Military Ministry.

We give thanks for each of these new handlers and pray for their continued strength and faith as they go out to share God’s love and comfort through this special ministry.