“My daughter is a student at Florida State University,” one parent wrote. “She sent me pictures of your sweet dogs and told me what nice dogs they were… I am simply moved to tears. You were truly God's hands today on that campus.”

And indeed, the FSU community rose with resilience. Through meaningful conversations, quiet reflection, and gentle touches, students, faculty, and staff began to piece hope back together. The Comfort Dog teams bore witness to the profound strength and kindness of a campus determined to heal.

You can help us keep showing up.

Even as the Comfort Dog teams return home, their hearts remain at FSU. And the need for healing—at FSU and in communities across the country—continues.

Your support enables us to send Comfort Dogs and trained handlers into places of heartbreak, fear, and trauma—bringing the peace of Christ in the most tangible way.

Donate to the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry today

Because even in tragedy, love still shows up—and joy still finds a way to break through.

On Sunday, April 27, three LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs--Eden from Peace Lutheran Church in Columbus, NE; Keren from Immanuel Lutheran Church in Ellsworth, KS; and Nicodemus from The Rock Lutheran Church in Seward, NE—visited Grace Lutheran Church in Wayne, NE. Their visit came in the wake of a heartbreaking loss: the passing of Chuck Potosnyak, the congregation’s beloved Head Elder, Sunday School teacher, and Vacation Bible School leader.

Chuck had a deep passion for sharing God's love with children. His enthusiasm made learning about faith joyful and memorable, and his impact on the youth was profound. During their visit, the Comfort Dog teams spent time with Sunday School classes, many of which included students Chuck had once taught.
One especially touching moment came when Eden Comfort Dog gently stayed by a young girl who had been one of Chuck’s students. Sensing her grief, Eden sat with her for 15 to 20 minutes, offering silent comfort in a moment of deep sorrow.

As we reflect on Chuck’s faithful service and the joy he brought into so many lives, we are reminded of the power of presence—both human and canine. Through the Comfort Dog Ministry, we are grateful to walk alongside this grieving community. With hope in our hearts, we continue to pray for healing and give thanks for the enduring legacy Chuck leaves behind.

The 2025 season of the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight took off this weekend with its first mission of the year—Mission 79—departing from Milwaukee’s Mitchell Airport. The flight carried 113 veterans and their guardians on a powerful journey to Washington D.C. of remembrance, healing, and honor.

Among those waiting to welcome the veterans home were some very special supporters: LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Charity, Hagar, Mary, Rejoice, Sage, and Tobias. Lined up and standing tall, these gentle companions, along with their dedicated handlers, greeted each veteran with smiles, handshakes, and heartfelt hugs.

For the handlers, the experience was more than a welcome—it was a moment of deep reflection. As they spent time with the veterans and their families, two words stood out: “honor” and “freedom.”

“I’ve always thought of honor and freedom,” shared one handler. “Both are earned, and neither are ever free. These men and women gave their time, energy, and freedom to ensure ours.”

Another handler added two more powerful words: “love” and “forgotten.”

“These men and women loved their country enough to go to war and fight for our freedom. Forgotten—because sometimes I think people forget the sacrifice they made. I love going to the flights just to see the support and the patriotism that’s still alive. It reminds me of what they did—and what others are still doing—to keep us safe and free.”

As Mission 79 concluded, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry expressed its continued commitment to supporting future Honor Flights—standing ready to welcome our nation’s heroes home, one paw and one hug at a time.

On Monday, April 22, and Tuesday, April 23, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs visited Milwaukee Lutheran High School following the heartbreaking death of Donell Jones, a senior who was killed in a shooting on Easter morning. Donell, a beloved member of the football team, was preparing to graduate and attend Northern Illinois University in the fall to study medical science. His mother shared a powerful testimony of faith, saying, “God rose today. My son rose today too, because he’s with Him. My son is in paradise," reflecting her incredible trust in our Lord Jesus Christ.

On Tuesday, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Charity (Brookfield Lutheran - Brookfield, WI), Mary and Rejoice (St. Paul's - Janesville, WI), and Samaria (Shepherd of the Hills - Greenville, WI) arrived at the school to meet with grieving students and staff. The entire community was reeling from the devastating news. One young woman expressed heartfelt gratitude, saying she was "so thankful to have the Comfort Dogs at school this week," and that their presence meant so much "when words are so hard."

On Wednesday, Charity, Rejoice, and Samaria returned to continue sharing God’s mercy, compassion, and presence. Meeting students as they arrived for the day, the handlers noticed a slightly lighter mood. Smiles began to emerge, and more conversations filled the halls. Although some students remained somber—especially those following Donell’s class schedule—the Comfort Dogs brought visible moments of peace and comfort.

The Comfort Dogs also visited the Contemporary Issues class. In every classroom, teachers encouraged students to be gentle with themselves, to do only what they could manage, and to engage with the Comfort Dogs if they wished. One handler noted, “I was impressed with the relaxed, comforting, and nurturing environment created by the teachers.”

Through faith, compassion, and the unconditional love of the Comfort Dogs, Milwaukee Lutheran High School found moments of healing in the midst of profound grief.

A special chapel service created sacred space for students and staff to come together in prayer, reflection, and shared sorrow. The service was filled with gentle moments—hugs, quiet conversations, and heartfelt prayers—as the school community processed their grief and sought peace in God's presence.

Last Saturday, following the sudden and heartbreaking loss of Assistant Principal Andy Werhane, Assistant Superintendent Megan Johnson reached out to LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry for support. Andy, a beloved and respected educator, had served the Belvidere, Illinois school district for 17 years—first as a teacher at Belvidere High School and later as Assistant Principal at Washington Academy.

His passing sent shockwaves through the community. Known as a passionate advocate for his students and an inspiration to fellow educators, Andy's impact was deeply personal to many.

In response, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their handlers from Illinois and Wisconsin were deployed Monday to provide care and comfort to two schools grieving his loss—Washington Academy and Belvidere High School.

At Washington Academy, where Andy most recently served, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Eunice (LCC Staff), Mary (St. Paul's - Janesville, Wisconsin), and Samson (Zion - Marengo, Illinois) arrived early to sit with teachers and later with students. Their calm presence offered a source of strength and emotional grounding.

Meanwhile, at Belvidere High School—where Andy began his career— LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Abednego (Immanuel - Crystal Lake, Illinois), Shadrach (Prince of Peace - Palatine, Illinois), and Rejoice (St. Paul's - Janesville, Wisconsin) supported staff who had known and worked alongside him for many years.

The ministry teams embodied the quiet presence of Christ, reflecting His example of being with those who mourn. They sat. They listened. They prayed. They brought the comfort of being seen, heard, and loved.

One touching story came from a young science teacher at Belvidere High School. She shared with Shadrach’s handler that she had once been Andy’s student—15 years ago—and credited him for inspiring her to pursue teaching. This was her first year in the classroom, and she had planned to write Andy a letter at year’s end to thank him. Instead, she spent nearly an hour with Shadrach and his handlers, enveloped in their gentle, healing presence.

At Washington Academy, students found solace in Mary Comfort Dog. Her handler observed, “We saw students not only hugging Mary, but also hugging each other as a way to express their grief. Many tears were shed. Mary brought calm and comfort to hurting children. We were told Mr. Werhane often walked some of these very students to the bus at day’s end. He was truly a special, caring person.”

Samson and his handler spent meaningful time with the grieving staff at Washington. “Many tears were shed,” the handler said. “But staff used the moment to teach students that it’s okay to be sad. One teacher told me, ‘Mr. Werhane was such a good human—a wonderful example of what a person should be. He had a huge impact on these kids and staff.’”

As one quote so beautifully puts it, “Every life is a story. Every person is a book. When someone dies, a chapter of their story ends, but the story of their impact continues to inspire and live on.”

Through the quiet ministry of Abednego, Eunice, Mary, Rejoice, Samson, and Shadrach, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams reminded all who grieved that Jesus walks with us through sorrow. His love never fails, and His presence never leaves.

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18

As grief and shock settled over Florida State University in Tallahassee on Good Friday, a young woman sat quietly in front of Lizzie Comfort Dog, tears welling in her eyes. She had just come from visiting her injured roommate—one of the survivors of the tragic Maundy Thursday campus shooting.

She didn’t speak her name. She didn’t need to. In that moment, what she needed was presence, not words—and she found it in Lizzie’s calm gaze and the quiet compassion of the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry teams.
 
Since Good Friday, volunteers from seven LCC affiliate congregations in five states have traveled to the college campus to offer warm words, listening ears, comforting prayers, and unconditional love.

An Unthinkable Tragedy and a Timely Response
Only hours after tragedy struck in Tallahassee, Senior Pastor Jay Winters of University Lutheran Church was able to connect with Rev. Chris Singer, President and CEO of Lutheran Church Charities (LCC).

“I didn’t think it was even possible that you all would be able to show up in time for the vigil,” Pastor Winters said.  “Thank you all so much for mobilizing so quickly and serving our students.”

It was Good Friday, and LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams from three congregations in three states, plus a Hearts of Mercy & Compassion team from South Carolina, were headed to the Florida State University campus to do what they do best: offer warm words, listening ears, comforting prayers, and unconditional love.

“It was the start of Holy Week weekend, yet our volunteers chose to serve,” Rev. Singer said. “Just as Jesus came to bring mercy, our teams showed up to be His hands and feet.”

Gentle Companions Continue Healing in a Time of Grief
As students and staff returned to FSU on Monday, the campus felt markedly different. Lingering grief, painful memories, and uncertainty clouded the start of a new week. The university resumed classes with optional attendance.

But into this somber atmosphere, four more LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs — Amos, Faith, Hope, and Moriah —joined Peace and Zoara for more ministry work. The six, accompanied by compassionate handlers from five different states, were present Monday night at the memorial near Oglesby Student Union.

Students approached in silence, some smiling through tears as they approached. For many, returning to campus meant facing rooms, buildings, or memories now tinged with trauma. The Comfort Dogs served as a much-needed emotional anchor—offering warmth without words and connection without expectations.

“We knew students were returning to spaces marked by grief,” said Dawn Gilfry of Trinity Lutheran Fremont, NE. “But that’s why we came — to offer peace, a gentle distraction, and hope.”

Monday’s teams included LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs:

• Amos  (Our Savior's Way - Ashburn, Virginia)
• Faith (St. Stephens - Hickory, North Carolina​)
• Hope (Faith Lutheran - Marietta, Georgia)
• Moriah  (St. Luke's - Oviedo, Florida)
• Peace (Trinity - Orlando, Florida)
• Zoara (Island Lutheran - Hilton Head Island, South Carolina)

A Personal Mission, A Greater Love
This deployment was more than just a response—it was deeply personal. One LCC handler's daughter attends FSU. Another’s niece does too. 

“We saw it as a reflection of Easter love,” said one team member. “A love that is sacrificial, unconditional, and full of grace. A love that sits in sorrow and says, ‘You are not alone.’”

Healing Moments, One Visit at a Time
On Tuesday, the comfort dogs and their handlers visited:

• Two campus dorms, where students stepped out for comfort and conversation
• Sigma Delta Tau Sorority House, welcomed by president Rylie Marone
• Degraff Hall, ending the day with hugs and healing
• And finally, University Lutheran Church, reconnecting with Pastor Winters and Intervarsity Christian Fellowship students
  
  

“LCC brought God’s love and comfort to a community in need,” Pastor Winters said. “They brought the healing only Jesus can provide.”

Hope That Never Fails
As the world celebrated the resurrection of Jesus, the Comfort Dog ministry embodied His message of hope: that in the darkest of nights, light still shines. That even amid heartbreak, healing is possible. And that love—true love—never fails.

To the FSU community: You are not alone. You are deeply loved. And even in this grief, may you feel the hope of the One who makes all things new.

You Can Help Bring Comfort and Hope
The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry is only possible through the support of people like you. Whether through prayer, financial gifts, or spreading the word, you can help us continue to show up in moments that matter most.

Donate to support deployments like the one at FSU
Share this story to remind others that love still shows up
Pray for the students, faculty, and families affected by this tragedy

Together, we can keep bringing hope, healing, and comfort where it’s needed most.

From Silent Pain to Shared Stories

Last week, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Isaac (Redeemer – Spokane Valley, WA), along with handlers Bill Hager and Pastor Dan Deuel, joined over 85 veterans on the Inland Northwest Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. For Isaac, this was his fifth time accompanying our nation’s heroes on this sacred pilgrimage—and each journey has become more than just a flight. It’s a mission of mercy.

What began as an introduction between strangers quickly transformed into deep, emotional connections. The veterans, many of whom had never spoken of their trauma, began to open up. With Isaac at their side, surrounded by grace and compassion, walls built over decades began to crumble.

Over the years, countless Comfort Dog Ministry teams have quietly and faithfully answered a unique and tender call—visiting hospice patients in their final days.

One of our long-standing partners, Chrissy, a residential hospice chaplain, recently shared a deeply moving message with us. Her words are a testament to the power of presence, love, and the simple joy of a dog’s touch.

“My name is Chrissy, and I am a Hospice Chaplain. I, and my patients, have been blessed again and again by the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry. Over the years, I’ve turned to this ministry many times—because I know the difference it makes.

So many of my patients are elderly, disabled, or terminally ill. Many once had dogs they dearly loved, but they can no longer care for one. Your comfort dogs give them a precious chance to love—and be loved by—a dog once more.

There are few words to describe the look of joy that crosses a patient's face when a comfort dog walks through the door.

I recently visited a patient with one of your teams. After the visit, he quietly told me he had been struggling with depression, feeling hopeless. But that day, after spending time with the dog, he felt something different. He smiled and said, ‘Today, I feel happy. I feel like maybe these last days can still be good days.’

Thank you for answering the call to spread God’s love through these dogs. You have touched—and changed—so many lives.”

On Monday, April 14, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Eden (Peace - Columbus, Nebraska), Meshach (Peace - Grand Island, Nebraska), and Phinehas (Trinity - Fremont, Nebraska) had the honor of attending the funeral of Barry Eckstrom in Norfolk, Nebraska. Invited by Rev. Mike Moreno of Christ Lutheran Church—a long-time friend of the Comfort Dog Ministry—the team was present to bring calm, comfort, and companionship during a deeply emotional time.

Barry was a beloved member of the community, especially among individuals with developmental disabilities. Many gathered to remember their friend, though some found it difficult to express their grief. The comforting presence of the dogs provided a much-needed source of peace, connection, and support.

As stories were shared, it became clear that Barry lived a life rooted in joy, faith, and service. He was known for his big heart, dedication, and unwavering spirit. Barry was an active member of Christ Lutheran Church and a strong advocate in the community. He served on the board of the Arc of Norfolk, led as President of People First, and competed as a bowler in the Special Olympics. In July 2024, Barry received the Cassie Lacost Memorial Award for “Self-Advocate of the Year.”

Outside of his advocacy, Barry found happiness in the simple things—camping, fishing, mowing the lawn, and spending time on the farm. He had a deep love for music and was rarely seen without his radio. One of his favorite songs, My Lighthouse, captured his joyful spirit, often seen clapping along with a smile that lit up the room.

Above all, Barry’s life was a reflection of Jesus’ love. He reminded those around him of their worth as children of God and left behind a legacy of joy, inclusion, and unwavering faith.
It was our privilege to walk beside his community in their time of mourning. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were there not just as visitors, but as quiet companions in grief—sharing the comfort of God’s presence through every gentle nudge and wagging tail.

On Thursday, April 10, the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) group from Trinity Lutheran Church in Indio, California, gathered for their regular meeting—but this time with some very special guests.

Joining via Zoom were LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Micah (Light of the Valley - Elk Grove, California) with handler Marilyn Hunter, Rahab (St. Andrews - Stockton, California) and her handler Bobby Moore, and Zechariah (First Good Shepherd - Las Vegas, Nevada) alongside handler Jennifer Pollock. The group was delighted to not only hear from the Top Dogs but also see the comfort dogs in action on screen.

The LWML members learned about the Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry—how the dogs are carefully trained, placed in LCMS congregations, and serve as a bridge for outreach and compassion in local communities. The discussion covered their roles in local visits, emergency response sites, and national crisis deployments.

As stories unfolded, the impact of the ministry came to life. The handlers shared deeply moving moments: visiting military bases to support chaplains and encourage service members to open up; sitting in District Attorney’s offices after traumatic cases; offering comfort to grieving families and first responders after tragic events, including the death of a student in a car accident and the loss of a police officer in the line of duty.

Throughout the session, the comfort dogs watched the faces of the participants, seemingly sensing the emotions in the room. Questions flowed freely, and hearts were touched. By the end of the visit, both people and the comfort dogs alike were truly blessed by this special time of connection and ministry.