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He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3 On Tuesday, January 18, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Charity (Brookfield Lutheran - Brookfield, Wisconsin), Hagar (Faith Lutheran - Appleton, Wisconsin), and Mary (St. Paul's - Janesville, Wisconsin), along with their handlers and ministry partners, made a very special visit to Trinity Lutheran School, Hilbert, Wisconsin. The father of three of the students passed away last week after a two-year battle with cancer. Students, staff, parents, and the community have felt the pain of this loss. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their team responded to give comfort, love, and a listening ear to the students and staff. Charity, Hagar, and Mary Comfort Dogs and their handlers knew they needed to be there for the three young girls who lost their courageous father. To see the young girls smile and feel the comforting presence of Mary, Charity, and Hagar was such a gift. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their handlers will be present at the visitation and funeral for this young father’s family, friends, and community later in the week. Please keep these three beautiful girls and their strong and loving mother in your prayers for God’s healing, love, and comfort. Volunteer Apprentice Trainers Needed  YOU can play a significant role in helping prepare these adorable puppies to make a difference in people's lives!  Being an Apprentice Trainer is an unforgettable and rewarding experience. Many of our Apprentice Trainers choose to participate in the training program for many years because of the community of volunteers, their own spiritual growth, the staff they work with, and because they know that the dogs have a greater purpose. Responsibilities include:
 Lutheran Church Charities pays all food, supplies, and veterinary care expenses.
Please note: You must be at least 18 years old to be a volunteer apprentice trainer. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Weekly Training Classes are held in Barrington, Northbrook, and East Dundee, Illinois. If you live within 50 miles radius of the training locations and would like more information about the volunteer commitment needed, please email k9trainers@LutheranChurchCharities.org or call 866-455-6466 ext. 118. LCC K-9 Ministry Teams Bring Love and Hope to the Families Impacted by the Colorado Marshall Fire1/11/2022
 The Colorado Marshall Fire has burned more than 6,000 acres and spread east across Superior, Louisville, and unincorporated Boulder County last week, destroying over 1,100 homes and businesses. The fire is the most destructive wildfire in state history. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Cubby and Devorah (Redeemer – Fort Collins, Colorado) and their ministry teams were invited by Ascent Community Church in Louisville, Colorado, to be present with displaced families as they learned if their home had survived or was destroyed by the fires. Ascent Community Church is one of the designated resource centers supporting families affected by this tragedy. The LCC K-9 Ministry teams were present in Louisville last week to bring comfort, love, and hope to the devastated families, and the first responders who serve them. Chloe from the Louisville Police Department received some love from Devorah Comfort Dog. The Louisville police have been working long hours at the assistance center to help residents get back into their neighborhoods. Cubby Comfort Dog “cuddled up” to Andrew, United States Coast Guard, who grew up in Louisville, one of the areas devastated by the horrific fires that destroyed so many homes. Andrew was distraught after seeing all the destroyed houses in his old neighborhood as he visited his parents over New Year's. Andrew extended his visit to assist the residents who lost so much. Cubby sensed Andrew needed comforting as she cuddled up next to him, making sure he felt loved.
Cubby, Devorah, and their handlers met a woman this past week who lost her home and all three of her beloved dogs in the Marshall fire. One of them was a golden retriever. She was overcome with grief when she saw Devorah the day she walked into the assistance center. She came over to pet Cubby and Devorah, who stayed with her until she felt better. One of their handlers just hugged her and let her cry until she could cry no more. We hope she finds peace someday. Please pray that God comforts her with his blanket of love and understanding only He can give. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry NEVER charges 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.
On Friday, January 7, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Barnabas and Jael (Trinity - Hobart, Indiana) and LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Nigel (LCC Staff) visited Rickover Junior High School. Before they visited the students, they met the superintendent, her assistant, and other staff members. The staff told us that many of the students come from challenging backgrounds, and some have even lost a parent. Most of the students have a pet at home, but they all mentioned that none of them were as soft, fluffy, and calm as the Comfort Dogs. Kare 9 Nigel made a very good connection with one girl and laid his head in her lap for quite some time.
LCC K-9 Ministry Teams Comfort Families of the Colorado Marshall Fire as They Cope with Their Losses1/5/2022
 The Colorado Marshall Fire has burned more than 6,000 acres and spread east across Superior, Louisville, and unincorporated Boulder County last week, destroying over 1,100 homes and businesses. The fire is the most destructive wildfire in state history. Currently, two people are still reported missing. On Tuesday, January 4, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Cubby and Devorah (Redeemer – Fort Collins, Colorado) and their teams were invited by Ascent Community Church in Louisville and were present on Tuesday evening with displaced families as they learned if their home had survived or was destroyed by the fires. Ascent Community Church is one of the designated resource centers supporting families affected by this tragedy. Many tears are being shed as people are realizing the extent of the damage and all that they have lost.
The LCC K-9 Ministry teams will be present in Louisville the rest of this week to bring comfort, love, hope, and reassurance that they are not alone. They will continue to serve this hurting community as the requests come in for the Comfort Dogs and their handlers to be present.
The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry NEVER charges 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.  After a long battle with cancer, long-time LCC friend Wilmer Dreyer received healing on Saturday, December 18, as he passed into the arms of Jesus. His friends and family celebrated his life at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Palatine, Illinois. To honor Wilmer’s service in the United States Army, a purple Heart of Mercy & Compassion was presented to his family with notes of love and support. LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dogs Brutus (LCC Squad) with his veteran handler Gene Weisbecker and Nigel (LCC Staff) with his veteran handler Jim Morrison, and LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Eunice (LCC Staff) and her handlers Ray and Jan Pemoller were present to bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence, and Proclamation of Jesus to those who were hurting.
 The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their dedicated handlers have had a busy time the last two months. God has guided the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry and the teams from different parts of the country to share His love, mercy, compassion, and presence with the hurting during some of their darkest moments. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry felt God’s direction as He led us to His people in Waukesha, Wisconsin, after the horrific tragedy during their Christmas parade on November 21. Then a couple of weeks later, God opened the way to share His love in Oxford, Michigan, after the tragic shooting at the Oxford High School on November 30.  The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their handlers and ministry partners brought a distraction to the confusion and loss that the people in these communities were feeling. The Comfort Dogs were able to bring calm during a chaotic time and a smile in the midst of their sadness. It seems that everywhere we turn, people need hope. It is hard to see the light when we are surrounded by darkness at times. God is there, no matter where we find ourselves. God follows us into the darkness, and in His presence, we see compassion, faithfulness, and hope. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me, and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. Psalm 139:11-12 There are so many encounters that the Comfort Dogs and their handlers had, where you could see God’s hand in the moment. Oxford, Michigan The mother the LCC K-9 Ministry team met in the Meijer’s parking lot in Oxford, Michigan, is just one of those moments. One of the handlers saw a woman heading toward her car wearing an Oxford sweatshirt and stopped to ask if she had children who attended the high school. The woman shared that she has two children who attend Oxford High School and that one of her children had been sitting next to the shooter in class just before they had changed classes. The handler prayed with this mother, who is grateful to have her children alive and well and yet is grieving for the families who lost their son or daughter. This mother shared what a comfort it has been to the kids to have the Comfort Dogs in their community. The principals from the schools in the surrounding Oxford communities were so grateful to see the students smiling and talking while spending time with the Comfort Dogs at their schools. The Comfort Dog Ministry is about sharing the hope and light that God provides during our darkest times.
 The LCC K-9 Ministry teams met Kristin, who has followed the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs for years and finally got to meet them at Meijers with her children after they saw a post on Facebook that the team would be there with LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Gideon (St. Michael's - Bloomington, Minnesota), Malachi (St. Matthew - Hawthorn Woods, Illinois), Mary (St. Paul's - Janesville, Wisconsin), Tobias (Lord of Glory - Grayslake, Illinois), and Beloved Comfort Dog in training. When she found out the Comfort Dogs were coming to "her town," it brought the tragedy home to her. She was very grateful that the Comfort Dogs and their handlers were there for her community of Oxford, Michigan. I just wanted to thank you again for taking the time to talk with me yesterday at Meijer. I am amazed by your teams' compassion and dedication to helping the communities affected by such horrific events. Being in a position like you are, constantly surrounded by tragedy and heartbreak, is an extremely heavy job. LCC K-9 and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion (HMC) Ministry teams are serving with open hearts to listen to the hurting, bringing them hope, comfort, and prayer. The hearts/crosses were placed at the memorial at Oxford High School for people to sign and leave condolence messages, pray, and pay their respects to the four lives lost so far.
The LCC K-9 ministry teams will continue to serve this hurting community after the Christmas break as invited. Please join LCC as we pray for the Oxford High School community during this incredibly difficult time. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry 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. Waukesha, Wisconsin The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their ministry teams continued to serve throughout the Waukesha community, and first responders as invited to help them continue to process their grief following the Christmas parade tragedy. The LCC K-9 Ministry teams will return for more visits as invited.  On Sunday, December 19, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Charity (Brookfield Lutheran - Brookfield, Wisconsin) and her ministry team visited Waukesha Fire Station 2 and Station 5. These brave gentlemen were working the evening of the Christmas parade tragedy. The team presented them with an LCC Hearts of Mercy & Compassion filled with signatures and words of encouragement from congregation members of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church and Brookfield Lutheran Church. When they see this heart in their station they will know how loved and appreciated they are. "We are so blessed by these guys and can’t wait to go back for more visits to continue to support our awesome first responders!"
LCC received this heartfelt thank you note for the support provided to the Waukesha community: We sincerely appreciate your participation in Waukesha's Friends and Family Resource Center that was established to provide support to Waukesha Community after the Christmas Parade tragedy. Please pass along our thanks to all of the handlers that responded.
The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry is one of presence. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams are always amazed how God directs their paths and places before them the people He wants them to love and comfort. "It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you ... yes, it is Christmas every time you smile at your brother and offer him your hand." Mother Teresa
LCC never goes where we are not invited. LCC’s K-9 Comfort Dog and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministries NEVER charge those we serve as we bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need. Please keep the Waukesha, Wisconsin community in your prayers following the devastating tragedy.
On Tuesday, December 14, the students and staff at Grant Community High School in Fox Lake, Illinois, were visited by LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Eve (St. John’s - Lombard, Illinois) and LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Blitz (LCC Squad). Those most in need of the love and compassion these Comfort Dogs provide were thrilled to spend time with the Dogs.
 LCC Ministry Teams Still Serving in Waukesha, Wisconsin, following the Christmas Day Parade Incident On Tuesday, November 30, a mass shooting occurred at Oxford High School in the Detroit exurb of Oxford Township, Michigan. Four students were killed and seven people were injured, including a teacher. Authorities arrested and charged a 15-year-old sophomore. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were invited by Pastor Matt Schuler and Mike Felten, Director of Family Life, from Journey Lutheran Church in Oxford, Michigan. Twelve LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs from Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin traveled to be with the heartbroken community of Oxford, Michigan after the horrible shooting at Oxford High School. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry has been sharing the mercy, compassion and presence of Jesus Christ at different schools in the area, 911 Call Center, fire departments, and at various community events since arriving on December 5.  Anna & Claudia (Trinity - Toledo, Ohio) Beloved (Comfort Dog in training) Caleb (Immanuel - Valparaiso, Indiana) Dove (Peace - Fremont, Indiana) Isaiah & Jael (Trinity - Hobart, Indiana) Jared (Holy Cross - Fort Wayne, Indiana) Gideon (St. Michael’s - Bloomington, Minnesota) Malachi (St. Matthew - Hawthorn Woods, Illinois) Mary (St. Paul's - Janesville, Wisconsin) Tobias (Lord of Glory - Grayslake, Illinois) During the teams' visit at Meijers last week, which served as a reunification center, a mom met us with her three kids. Here is a testimony she shared with us:  My heart is absolutely hurting. I can’t think straight. When I am alone with my thoughts the world feels so incredibly broken. I have spent nearly the entire day on the verge of tears thinking about humans and how their choices hurt others. Typically during times like this, I am driven to help in some way. Not this time. I am frozen and can hardly move. I took the kids today to Meijers and we were greeted at the door by beautiful dogs. I learned that these dogs traveled with their handlers from other states to bring comfort to our community. Not only did they bring us sweet, goofy, lovable, dogs to love up, but the idea that these people took time out of their lives to travel to us brought me hope. I have been reminded to “look for the helpers”. The helpers do so much more than their task, they truly do bring peace, hope, and love to our world. Thank you to all the helpers. You remind me of all that is good in the world.  On Tuesday, December 7, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Anna, Claudia, Caleb, Dove, Isaiah, Jael, and Jared spent time with the students at Rochester Adams High School, Rochester Hills, Michigan. These students are also feeling the fear, confusion, uncertainty, and loss of what happened at Oxford High School. The students needed the unconditional love and gentleness the Comfort Dogs and their handlers provided.  Some of the students spent time petting the Comfort Dogs, with no words spoken, laying their worries aside, and finding a moment of calm and comfort. While petting Claudia, one student shared, “This is the safest I have felt all week.” Claudia just knew he needed her. The school administration at Rochester Adams High School was extremely grateful for the Comfort Dogs and handlers being there and were overwhelmed by the joy they saw in the kids' actions and faces. "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Psalms 46:1 On Wednesday, December 8, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were invited to spend time at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lake Orion, Michigan. Pastor Ben Oelschlaeger invited the Comfort Dogs to visit with the students and teachers at the preschool. The Comfort Dogs loved spending time with the little ones and reading with them.  On Thursday, December 9, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their ministry teams visited two Oxford Fire Departments and the Oakland County 911 Dispatch Center to bring some much-needed stress relief and comfort. On the day of the Oxford High School shooting, over 100 calls were made to the dispatch center. We praise God for these brave firefighters and dispatchers who are there for us in our time of need. Thank you to the LCC K-9 Ministry teams for being there to show love to these heroes. "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." 1 Peter 4:8 On Monday, December 13, LCC's second K-9 deployment team with LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Gideon, Malachi, Mary, Tobias, and Beloved Comfort Dog in training spent some time at Divine Child Catholic Schools, in Deerfield, Michigan. The students need the comforting presence of the Comfort Dogs and their handlers after the loss of a student to suicide last week. Their grief was compounded by the ripple effect of the mass shooting that happened at the neighboring high school in Oxford, Michigan.
LCC K-9 and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion (HMC) Ministry teams are serving with open hearts to listen to the hurting, bringing them hope, comfort, and prayer. The hearts/crosses were placed at the memorial at Oxford High School for people to sign and leave condolence messages, pray, and pay their respects to the four lives lost so far.  The LCC K-9 ministry teams will continue to serve this hurting community as the requests come in for the Comfort Dogs and their handlers to be present.
Please join LCC as we pray for the Oxford High School community during this incredibly difficult time. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry 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. |
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