Months later, Marcia invited Cubby Comfort Dog to attend the Resurrection in the City Community Festival for underprivileged families being held on Thursday, September 13. The event was sponsored by Resurrection in the City Lutheran Church in Denver, Colorado, where Marcia attends. She invited Cubby because of meeting her on that flight. Marcia thought of Cubby Comfort Dog because so many of the children often had special prayers for their pets as many of them have gone missing.

The festival included food, giveaways, a bounce house, carnival games, face painting, a live band, and of course Cubby Comfort Dog! There were approximately 100 people in attendance including the pastor and the new LCMS Rocky Mountain District President, Rev. Roger Schlechte, and his wife, Karen. Karen tutors many of the children that were present at the nearby Inner City School.

Cubby Comfort Dogs handler gave a short presentation on the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry and many people met her and asked questions. The children were amazed by how nice she was. They said they are afraid of most of the dogs that live in their neighborhood. The local fire department was also there and they brought a fire truck for the kids to go into. The Lieutenant and firefighters all adored Cubby Comfort Dog and asked all about her work!

Malachi Comfort Dog’s arrival was God's perfect timing as St. Matthew’s focus is on serving based on Mark 10:45 "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Ladel Comfort Dog and the team had already been serving the community over the past ten years. Together with Malachi, they are ready to seek the new opportunities God has planned for them as they continue to share the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs present included Ladel and Malachi (St. Matthew – Hawthorne Woods, Illinois), Charity (Brookfield Lutheran – Brookfield, Wisconsin), Zoey and Sage (CUW – Mequon, Wisconsin), Julia (King of Glory – Elgin, Illinois), Ruthie, Emma and Eunice (LCC Staff), Eve (St. John’s – Lombard, Illinois), Kye and Bekah (Immanuel – Belvidere, Illinois), Tobias (Lord of Glory – Grayslake, Illinois), and Comfort Dogs-in-training Joanna and Myra.

Rev. Dr. Paavola gave a heartfelt message about conversations with dogs. It revolved around Matthew 11  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light,” and how our conversations with God provides us with the ultimate comfort we receive from Him.

The LCC K-9 Ministry looks forward to the many doors God will be opening for Sage Comfort and his new team at CUW.