![]() “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14 Losing a child is one of the most difficult experiences a parent can go through. Bo's Heavenly Clubhouse in Wisconsin is an organization that provides support and love to parents and families who have lost a child. Recently, at their annual Memorial Walk, families were able to honor their lost children by stopping at signs placed along the route. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry was also present, offering comfort and providing support to these families. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Charity (Brookfield Lutheran - Brookfield, Wisconsin), Hagar (Faith Lutheran - Appleton, Wisconsin), and Mary (St. Paul's - Janesville, Wisconsin) and their handlers offered a quiet place to collect one's thoughts at the end of the walk. One boy spent most of the day with the Comfort Dogs and their handlers processing the big emotions of losing his beloved brother. "Our boy loved these dogs! He spent the whole time cuddling them. Thank you for giving him this opportunity! He needed the comfort after he saw his brother sign." The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry grieves with these families and provides emotional and spiritual support to help them through their grief. If you want to support the work of the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry, consider donating to help them continue to provide comfort to those suffering and in need. ![]() Last Wednesday, the Strasburg-Stewardson, Illinois, community faced a heartbreaking tragedy involving the loss of three young lives in a devastating UTV accident. Our hearts ache for the families and friends of Edie Whittenberg, Karly Wetherell, and Sienna Bostedo during this incredibly difficult time. All three girls were members at local Lutheran churches and poised to start high school in the fall. A group of school superintendents and principals, along with LCC staff, helped set up the Crosses and Hearts in memory of the three girls. Rev. Whybrew of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Strasburg extended an invitation to the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry to join in offering comfort and solace to those affected by this tragedy. The vigil held at Stewardson-Strasburg High School last Thursday provided a space for students, staff, and community members to lean on each other for support. We are deeply grateful to the group of school superintendents, principals, and LCC staff who helped set up the Crosses and Hearts in memory of the three girls. This display serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost and the love they shared with those around them. Over 1,000 people attended the vigil , filling the gym with a shared, reflective mood. Pastor Weaver had baptized and confirmed one of the girls and Rev. Whybrew, similarly, had confirmed two more recently. They offered prayers and scripture readings amidst the grief. The vigil focused on scriptures about eternal rest and faith in Jesus, reflecting the community's strong Lutheran beliefs. Despite the sadness, there were moments of solace and even smiles among the grieving families, supported by friends and families. One of the local teachers spoke of survivor guilt as her children were with her, safely. She emphasized how everyone is united in faith, emphasizing their reliance on God, and His promises, to cope. The vigil highlighted the community's resilience, unity, and unwavering faith as they mourned their loss together. Rev. Whybrew knew Edie and Karly as these young girls and their families are part of St Paul’s church family. This has been an emotional time for his congregation and him as well. Sienna and her family are members at Trinity Lutheran Church in Stewardson. The truck driver, who survived, and his family are members at Grace Lutheran Church in Strasburg where Rev. Whybrew is also their pastor. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Esther and Jordan from Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Collinsville, traveled immediately to be there for the hurting communities of Strasburg-Stewardson. They spent time with those who knew and loved Edie, Karly, and Sienna, surrounding them in love, comfort and protectiveness as the dealt with the shock of this unthinkable loss. The teams for Esther and Jordan returned to Strasburg-Stewardson on Tuesday, July 16, for the visitation held for Edie Whittenberg, Karly Wetherell and Sienna Bostedo. Edie was a driven, determined, ambitious soul with a contagious smile that lit up a room. She radiated a pure love for life, Jesus, family, and her friends. When you think of Karly, remember her smile, her love for Christ, her laugh, her long thick hair that got frizzy when she would sweat, her sportsmanship, her enthusiastic cheering at games, and the brightness she brought to all those around her. Sienna was goofy, smart, fun, caring, a hard worker, and a natural born leader. She loved her family above all else. They were her world and she was theirs.
We remember the families and loved ones of these three precious children of God and pray for them to be wrapped in God’s loving and comforting arms. Last weekend there was much fellowship, learning and growing together during the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry Central Regional Gathering led by the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry staff and hosted by Cornerstone Lutheran Church in Carmel, Indiana. We thank God for the wonderful turnout of at least 100 handlers and ministry partners who came together from the following LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams: Atonement Lutheran Church, Columbus, Ohio, with Rosie Comfort Dog Cornerstone Lutheran Church, Carmel, Indiana, with Magdalene Comfort Dog Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Indianapolis, Indiana, with Naomi Comfort Dog Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, Indiana, with Jared Comfort Dog Our Savior Lutheran Church, Louisville, Kentucky, with Mercy Comfort Dog Peace Lutheran Church, Fremont, Indiana, with Dove Comfort Dog St. Paul Lutheran Church, Napoleon, Ohio, with Damascus Comfort Dog Trinity Lutheran Church, Toledo, Ohio, with Claudia Comfort Dog and Lazarus Comfort Dog Upcoming LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Teams: Atonement Lutheran Church, Columbus, Ohio – second Comfort Dog Ministry team Bethany Lutheran Church, Parma, Ohio Cornerstone Lutheran Church, Carmel, Indiana – second Comfort Dog Ministry team Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Indianapolis, Indiana – second Comfort Dog Ministry team Our Savior Lutheran Church, Louisville, Kentucky – second Comfort Dog Ministry team St. Paul Lutheran Church, Westlake, Ohio The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams participated in Spiritual First Aid training and certification. This training will help equip the handlers and ministry partners even more as they care for others struggling with everything from mild stress to mass trauma. It is an amazing opportunity for the Comfort Dog teams as they continue to share the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are in need. The handlers also enjoyed some refresher training of their handling skills as they work with the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs. It was a lot of fun incorporating the ministry partners as well into the training. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams and LCC staff members are thankful for the warm hospitality and delicious food provided by the Cornerstone Lutheran Church during the training. They went all out to make everyone feel welcomed. LCC looks forward to sharing Spiritual First Aid with the other LCC K-9 Comfort Dog regions across the country who will gather at different times throughout this year for fellowship and refresher handler training as the ministry continues to learn and grow in God’s kingdom.
Myra has begun visits at Orchard Village where she interacts with the many mentally challenged participants in the program. These men and women are so loving, always have questions about Myra and her job, and enjoy conversing with the handler and ministry partner as they pet and love on Myra. One young man volunteers at an animal shelter and he is always eager to talk about his work there and the interaction with the dogs. Another man loves to have his picture taken with Myra each time we are there. It is such a pleasure and so much fun to visit with this group of men and women and wish them well in their daily endeavors. After Myra spends time with each of them she lays down and several of the participants sit with her; she loves it as much as they do.
The Following LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams shared love and support to the attendees:
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Claudia & Lazarus (Trinity - Toledo, Ohio) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Damascus (St. Paul - Napoleon, Ohio) LCC K9 Comfort Dog Lizzie (Trinity - Savannah, Georgia) ![]() We had an incredible time at the Summer Carnival for our K-9 Apprentice Trainers and the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs in-training! Our celebration was packed with fun, fellowship, and fantastic food! The potluck was a hit, with everyone bringing their favorite summer dishes to share. We decorated with a carnival theme, complete with colorful balloons and streamers! It was a joy to see all the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs in training together and participating at the event: Sharon, Shamgar, Bethesda, Eternity, Honey, Gethsemane, Glory, Zechariah, Shadrach, Olive, Zion, Meshach, Abednego, and Saul. Each dog brought so much joy and comfort, showcasing their training and their wonderful personalities. Our Apprentice Trainers work tirelessly throughout the year, and this carnival was our way to give back and celebrate their hard work and dedication. The volunteer apprentice trainers currently serve in four different classes in either the Northbrook, Illinois, or East Dundee, Illinois, training location. It is important for us to all gather together to support each other and lift each other up as we share one mission. Apprentice trainers are a vital component to the ministry as they foster, train, and socialize the dogs from eight weeks old until placement. As we enjoyed the festivities, we were reminded of the beautiful fellowship we share and the joy that comes from serving others. A fitting verse for our time together is Romans 12:10 - "Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves." This encapsulates the spirit of our Comfort Dog ministry and the selfless service of our trainers. Thank you to everyone who made the Summer Carnival a success! Explore becoming a volunteer Apprentice Trainer with Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry. ![]() LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry is honored to continue their support for Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) by attending the annual C.O.P.S. Kids Camp held in Wisconsin. The Comfort Dog Ministry teams make it a priority to be present for the children who have lost a parent or guardian in the line of duty. This year, the teams welcomed the children and their parent/guardian at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport and will be there for them throughout the week. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and handlers provide comfort and support to the children during counseling sessions, surrounding them with love, comfort, and security that comes from God. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry is honored to be a part of this special week and is committed to continuing their support for C.O.P.S. and the families they serve. Here are the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams present and ready with open hearts this week: LCC K-9 Police Ministry Dog Candace (LCC Staff) LCC K-9 Police Ministry Dog Dora (Lutheran High School Association of Greater Milwaukee - Milwaukee, Wisconsin) LCC K-9 Police Ministry Dog Julia (King of Glory - Elgin, Illinois) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Hannah (LCC Staff) LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Mary & Rejoice (St. Paul's - Janesville, Wisconsin) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Sage (Concordia University Wisconsin - Mequon, Wisconsin) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Tobias (Lord of Glory - Grayslake, Illinois) LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs in Training Olive, Meshach, and Saul For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. (Isaiah 41:13) ![]() Last Saturday, Stars and Stripes Honor Flight welcomed 10 Korean War veterans and 51 veterans of the Vietnam War and Vietnam Era. The veterans arrived early Saturday morning at in Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport in Wisconsin to fly into Dulles International Airport. The veterans then headed to the memorials at Washington D.C. honoring our country’s dedicated military men and women who courageously served the United States of America. Upon their return home to Wisconsin later that night, LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dogs Mary (St. Paul’s - Janesville, Wisconsin) and Samson (Zion - Marengo, Illinois) along with LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Charity (Brookfield Lutheran - Brookfield, Wisconsin), Rejoice (St. Paul’s - Janesville, Wisconsin), and Sage (Concordia University Wisconsin - Mequon, Wisconsin) greeted the veterans as they departed off the planes. The Comfort Dogs and their faithful handlers lined up to welcome the veterans as they walked toward the parade starting point. The sight of the Comfort Dogs and their handlers lining up to welcome the veterans back, and the smiles on the veterans' faces as they were greeted, created a beautiful and touching moment of appreciation and support for their service. We thank God for the women and men who have served our country with honor, sacrifice and courage and for those who continue to do so today. |
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