 In March, the Immanuel Lutheran, Ellsworth, Kansas LCC K-9 Ministry team attended handler training and met their LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Keren. Since then, the team has actively trained with the K-9 Comfort Dog to build on their handling skills. LCC is pleased to announce that the Immanuel, Ellsworth, Kansas team has completed the placement process. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Keren will serve as the church’s bridge to show the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need. Keren Comfort Dog’s Bible verse is Isaiah 40:8: “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry is one of presence. When the Lord calls, we must go and serve Him. Isaiah 6:8 tells us, “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send?” And who will go for us?” Immanuel’s team has heard the call and has said, “Here I am. Send me.”  LCC welcomes its newest LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry handlers: Carol Kratzer (Top Dog), Pastor Luke Brown, Linda Rust, Tammy Stefek LCC is honored to include the following veteran handlers to the LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry and law enforcement handlers to the LCC K-9 Police Ministry: John Kratzer (U.S. Navy, 1973-1994), Mike Rust (U.S. Army, 1969-1971), Doug Stefek (U.S. Army, 1972-1976), Harley Ruckman (Lyons, Kansas Sheriff Department, Deputy Sheriff, retired), and Bill Evans (Salina, Kansas Police Department, Detective, retired) God is with them as they begin this new journey as part of the LCC K-9 Ministry. Please keep the Immanuel Lutheran Church LCC K-9 Comfort Dog team in your prayers for God’s guidance as they go out to share, with so many who are hurting and alone, the Mercy, Compassion, Presence, and Proclamation of Jesus Christ.
On Thursday, April 29, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Esther (Holy Cross - Collinsville, Illinois), Noah (Timothy Lutheran - St. Louis, Missouri), Sheba (Immanuel - Washington, Missouri), and Zillah (Immanuel - St. Charles, Missouri) visited Rockport Heights Elementary School in Arnold, Missouri. It wasn't the first time that these Comfort Dogs and their K-9 Ministry teams deployed to this school. On March 2, 2020, they were present at the school to bring the mercy and compassion of Jesus to those who were grieving the very sudden death of a 5th-grade student, Bethany. The Counseling Department staff and the School Administration were amazed at how effective the dogs were in bringing comfort to those who were hurting, as well as in providing a safe place for students and staff to process their grief. The Comfort Dogs were invited back to the school this past week to be a part of a school-wide celebration of Bethany's life on what would have been her birthday. School Counselor, Melinda Maylee, commented, "Your organization is AMAZING! The quality of professionalism of both your dogs and their handlers is above anything I've witnessed before. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your service to our school community."
April 15 - FedEx Shooting, Indianapolis, Indiana
Tim Hetzner, LCC President/CEO, and the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams immediately responded after the horrific shooting that took place at the FedEx facility in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Friday, April 16, resulting in the loss of eight precious lives.
Watch the video below to see how LCC Ministries work together to bring comfort and healing to the community during this difficult time.
The LCC K-9 Ministry and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, Crosses for Losses Ministry were invited by Pastor Dan Hauser of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Indianapolis, Indiana, home of LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Naomi, to be present throughout the community with employees, residents, and first responders who are trying to cope with this senseless tragedy.
In the aftermath of the FedEx shootings in Indianapolis, eight LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Benjamin (LCC Staff), Emma (LCC Staff), Hannah (LCC Staff), Isaiah (Trinity - Hobart, Indiana), Jared (Holy Cross - Fort Wayne, Indiana), Mercy (Our Savior Lutheran Church and School - Louisville, Kentucky), Naomi (Holy Cross - Indianapolis, Indiana), and Rosie (Atonement - Columbus, Ohio) and their teams arrived, bringing the love of Jesus to all that they met. At two vigils honoring the victims, the pain and fear were evident. The Comfort Dogs gave people a way to release those emotions, if only for a few minutes. The Hearts of Mercy & Compassion (HMC) gave them a place to express their sympathies. These two ministries worked hand in hand to start the healing process for a grieving community. In addition to the vigils, the dogs visited multiple fire stations that had responded that night and the Marion County 911 Call Center. Some of these first responders just needed to talk about that night, and the dogs were excellent listeners, as were their handlers. Other visits included the Marion County Coroner’s Office (day and night shifts) and Eskenazi Hospital, where the dogs were a much-welcomed comfort due to the devastating week they all had.
One of the 19-year-old victims had worked as a lifeguard at the Indy Island Aquatic Center, in addition to her FedEx job. Many of the employees at the center were high school age or recent graduates. The dogs arrived there with mini stuffed dogs and an HMC heart. The young employees came into the room with heavy hearts. The dogs were present for each of them and helped them open up to talk among themselves or to a handler about their friend or sit quietly with a dog and mourn.
The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams saw the healing process begin for many of the hurting as they broke down barriers to allow for the release of some of their pain, wherever they were. Christ was most certainly present during all of these encounters. From all the hurt and shock of this tragedy at the FedEx facility, relationships have been made. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Naomi (Holy Cross - Indianapolis, Indiana) and her team will continue to make regular visits to the Marion County coroner’s office, 911 Call Center, and the Decatur Fire Departments. Many other places the Comfort Dogs visited expressed that they would love to have at least a monthly visit with Naomi and her team 
April 18 - The Sommers House Shooting, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Early Sunday morning, April 18, three people were killed, and three were injured during a shooting at The Somers House in Kenosha, Wisconsin. At the invitation of Rev. Kara Baylor of Carthage College, Tim Hetzner, LCC President/CEO, and the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were present with students and staff on Tuesday, April 20, and Wednesday, April 21, during finals week. Carthage College is located near The Somers House and frequented by students, some of whom were present during the shooting. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Charity (Brookfield Lutheran – Brookfield, Wisconsin), Malachi (St. Matthew – Hawthorn Woods, Illinois), Mary (St. Paul’s – Janesville, Wisconsin), Rhoda (Prince of Peace – Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin), Tobias (Lord of Glory – Grayslake, Illinois), and their ministry teams spent time comforting students and staff during this stressful week. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their handlers provided a gentle ear to listen to the students share their fears about the shooting and how the pandemic has emotionally affected their learning and motivation. The K-9 Ministry teams also met some of the baseball players whose teammates were at the bar during the incident. Many students welcomed the opportunity to pet the Comfort Dogs and talk. The students and staff of Carthage also signed three Hearts of Mercy & Compassion for each of the victims who lost their lives in the shooting. The LCC Ministries were honored to serve the Carthage students and staff during this difficult time.
March 22 - King Soopers Store Shooting, Boulder, Colorado
Since the mass shooting at King Soopers in Boulder, Colorado, on March 22, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Cubby and Devorah (Redeemer - Fort Collins, Colorado) continue to be present for the community sharing the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need. Cubby and Devorah and their team have been invited back every month to visit the Boulder County Coroner's Office, Boulder 911 Dispatch/Police Department, and Boulder Rural Fire Protection Services. “We are very pleased to have made these connections in the Boulder Community. We also plan to visit the King Soopers employees that we met at a neighboring store where we presented two Hearts of Mercy & Compassion to two special employees and drop in at some of the local fire departments that we visited while deployed. We want to continue to show our love and support to this community for a long time."
LCC's K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry never go where we are not invited and never charge those we serve as we bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.
 On Thursday, April 22, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their teams were invited to be with the students at Delavan-Darien High School in Delavan, Wisconsin, to provide comfort to the students and staff devastated after the loss of one of their own. Peter was a senior at the high school who tragically lost his life in a car accident. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry was blessed to send the following teams who quickly responded to this need: Illinois LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Benjamin (LCC Staff) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Eunice (LCC Staff) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Hannah (LCC Staff) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Samson (Zion - Marengo) Wisconsin LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Mary (St. Paul - Janesville) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Rhoda (Prince of Peace - Menomonee Falls) Many of the students clung to the Comfort Dogs, and some were crying. The Comfort Dogs and handlers were also able to spend time with Peter’s friends, who are grieving his loss . One of the teachers remarked how amazed she was that our LCC K-9 Ministry had such heavy volunteer involvement, and the dogs were so highly trained, calm, welcoming, and loving. There were three Hearts of Mercy & Compassion and a cross available to sign. The students lined up to share fond messages and memories of Peter. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." Matthew 5:4  On April 20, thirteen LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their handlers from different states had a lot of fun on their virtual visit with Zion Lutheran School in Alexandria, Minnesota. The students asked so many excellent questions. We are blessed to have this opportunity to serve. We hope we can visit with them again soon.  Remarks from the staff at Zion, Lutheran School regarding their visit with the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their teams: Zion Lutheran School 1st - 8th grade enjoyed the virtual visits with the Comfort Dogs and their people. Our students learned so much about the ministry. Teachers remarked on how the handlers did a great job explaining the mission and graciously answered all of the questions. The dogs, of course, were a big hit with the kids. Some of the 4th graders were trying to figure out how they could be apprentice trainers! The 6th-8th grade students of Zion Lutheran School thoroughly enjoyed their visit with Comfort Dogs! We were able to visit Lily, Leah, & Abraham! The students loved hearing about how the comfort dogs spend their time at home and how they are helpful in their work! The favorite part of our discussion was learning how Comfort Dogs help provide an opening for discussing the Christian faith. Thank you for sharing your time with us to help us learn more about your ministry!  Remarks from LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams regarding their visit with Zion Lutheran School: We had some fun times with the 4th Grade class. They are very excited to dig deeper into the FB pages of the dogs. I hope someday Chloe can make an in-person visit to that school. P.S. Just for inside information, one of the questions was, "do the dogs ever get sick." I told them that we work very hard to take care of their health. I explained that Chloe once ate mulch and got sick. At that exact moment, Chloe got up and walked away from the phone screen. I told the class that Chloe was embarrassed that she did that. I love to have fun moments that show our dogs as kind and fun-loving tools for Christ. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Chloe (Lord of Life - LaFox, Illinois) and her team We had a good visit with the first graders today! The teacher had some great questions from the kids, and they seemed to enjoy getting to know the four dogs on the call. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Triton (Messiah - Plano, Texas) and his team  Job and I had a pleasant visit with the second and third graders at Zion Lutheran School this afternoon, along with Priscilla and Gideon Comfort Dogs and their handlers. Ms. Kuhnau had asked her students to have questions prepared, so they took turns coming up and asking things such as how old the dogs are, what they like to eat, what their training is like, how big they are, and if they are soft to touch. The students seemed to enjoy learning about the dogs, and I think they are especially hopeful that they might get to meet Gideon at some time since he lives just a few hours away from them.
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Job (Christ the King - Memphis, Tennessee) and his team
 Recently, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Lois (First Good Shepherd Lutheran Church & School – Las Vegas, Nevada) and her handler visited Peter Schlesinger, who greatly misses each of the seven Golden Retrievers he had throughout his adult life.
Peter has had a very full and adventurous eighty-seven years, winning nearly twenty Emmy Awards during his television career. He essentially created Live From the Hollywood Bowl and the national broadcast popularity of The Los Angeles Marathon. Peter and his wife enjoyed time spent with Lois Comfort Dog, who traveled over 4 hours from Las Vegas to their home in California for a very special comforting moment. Lois Comfort Dog’s Bible verse is Galatians 5:22, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.” Lois and her handler shared an abundance of that with Peter and his wife. In the midst of senseless killings, anger, and hatred LCC responds to bring Love – Compassion – Mercy and the Presence of Jesus 
Tim Hetzner and teams from Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois departed on Friday to be there for the hurting communities. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Naomi (Holy Cross – Indianapolis) was joined by Nancy Borders (Trinity – Toledo, Ohio) and LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Benjamin (LCC Staff), Emma (LCC Staff), Hannah (LCC Staff), Isaiah (Trinity – Hobart, Indiana), Jared (Holy Cross – Fort Wayne, Indiana), Mercy (Our Savior – Louisville, Kentucky), and Rosie (Atonement – Columbus, Ohio), along with their handlers, to spend time visiting with friends and family members as they process the shock and grief of their loss. The K-9 Comfort Dog teams also visited the overworked and dedicated employees at the Marion County Coroner’s Office who needed time to decompress and feel the comfort and appreciation of the K-9 handlers and the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs. 
Other visits the teams had were with the firefighters from Plainfield Fire Station 121 and Beech Grove Fire Station 57, and they will continue to visit the other fire stations throughout the week. The firefighters were all smiles at seeing K-9 Comfort Dogs Emma, Hannah, Isaiah, Mercy, and Naomi.
The K-9 Comfort Dog teams attended two vigils held by the community for the victims. On Friday night, the Comfort Dogs and their handlers were at Krannert Park, where community members gathered to support the families whose loved ones died during the shooting. It was at this vigil that the Hearts of Mercy and Compassion markers were first brought out for the community to sign, one marker for each of the eight victims. The teams were there with prayer, mercy, compassion and the presence of Jesus Christ for this hurting community.
Helping Individuals Cope with Uncertainty The K-9 Comfort Dog teams met Lillian, who was recently hired by FedEx and was supposed to start work on April 15 but didn’t go into work that day. She shared her concern about all the evil in this world with the team member and found it hard to stay positive. The handlers prayed with her for God’s comfort and peace. DJ was struggling with so much anger and hurt over the shooting. He attended both of the vigils and spent a lot of time with the K-9 Comfort Dogs and their handlers as they surrounded him in prayer.
 The Sunday night vigil was hosted by the City of Beech Grove and the Mayor’s Faith-Based Roundtable. Mayor Dennis Buckley of Beech Grove knew one of the victims, 19-year-old Samaria Blackwell. The loss of Samaria was difficult on the Beech Grove community as they knew her and her family well. The vigil was attended by 150 or more people from all different backgrounds: Christians, non-Christians, Sikhs, and Mennonites gathered in unity. Attendees lined up to sign each of the eight Hearts of Mercy and Compassion markers for the victims to express their grief and share their support. The K-9 Comfort Dogs were there to bring comfort and unconditional love, and the handlers listened and prayed with the community members. There were no walls of hatred but instead unity, healing, and love. People of all backgrounds listened to one another and shared their grief, and most importantly, they shared hope of what could be. Each person left the vigil that night with hope and the beginning process of healing.
The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams will continue to visit with the hospital staff, 911 dispatchers, and the community this week to bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence, and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering and in need. CLICK HERE to view how our two LCC Ministries work together to bring comfort and healing to the community during this difficult time. LCC's K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry never go where we are not invited and never charge those we serve as we bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need. We know that comfort is needed to help this shocked and devastated community and the first responders who serve them. Please join LCC in keeping the families, first responders, and the community in your prayers as they move through these extremely trying times. Tim Hetzner & LCC K-9 Ministry Teams Visit Students & Staff at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin  Early Sunday morning, April 18, three people were killed, and three were injured during a shooting at The Somers House in Kenosha, Wisconsin. At the invitation of Rev. Kara Baylor of Carthage College, Tim Hetzner, LCC President/CEO, and the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs are present with students and staff on Tuesday, April 20, and Wednesday, April 21, during finals week. Carthage College is located near The Somers House and frequented by students, some of whom were present during the shooting. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Charity (Brookfield Lutheran – Brookfield, Wisconsin), Malachi (St. Matthew – Hawthorn Woods, Illinois), Mary (St. Paul’s – Janesville, Wisconsin), Rhoda (Prince of Peace – Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin), Tobias (Lord of Glory – Grayslake, Illinois), and their ministry teams spent time comforting students and staff during this stressful week.
 Fifty-six LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their teams from twenty-two states participated in the 9th Annual Virtual Run for Respect for Pontiac Township High School (Illinois) Peers in Action from their home communities the weekend of April 17-18. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams from all across the country enjoyed walking together to support our friends of the Life Skills class at Pontiac Township High School.
Laura Baumgardner, teacher of the Life Skills class at Pontiac Township High School and Director of the 5K Run for Respect, shared this with us: “I have been pretty overwhelmed with emotion all weekend. All of the LCC teams have gone above and beyond. I just wanted you to know what a difference the Comfort Dogs are making in my students' lives. The outpouring of pictures, emails, and messages has been nothing short of amazing! We are learning so much, and we love how our message of Respect has been shared with so many!  It was much fun for the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams to walk the 5K Run for Respect. The teams shared laughter, companionship, and the joy of walking with God as they completed their trek. We are very grateful to Laura Baumgardner for inviting LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their teams to be part of this event. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams have enjoyed meeting the Life Skills students through their Zoom visits and sharing the places the Comfort Dogs live and visit with the class. LCC never goes where we are not invited. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry NEVER charges those we serve.
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