The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were there greeting students, staff, and vendors to bring the mercy, compassion, and presence of Jesus Christ to everyone they came in contact with. Throughout the two days, hundreds of people interacted with LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Eve (St. John’s – Lombard, Illinois), Hannah (LCC Staff), Levi (Immanuel – East Dundee, Illinois), Tobias (Lord of Glory – Grayslake, Illinois), Zillah (Comfort Dog in Training), and LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Brutus (LCC Squad). Many hugs and much love was shared by all.

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Katie (Trinity – Fremont, Nebraska), Priscilla (Trinity – Lincoln, Nebraska), Nicodemus (The Rock – Seward, Nebraska), and Eddie (Peace Lutheran – Grand Island, Nebraska) and their team members attended the service to support this new ministry. Also attending the service were team members from Peace Lutheran Church – Columbus, Nebraska, who are in the process of acquiring a Comfort Dog. Joanna Comfort Dog is the North Central region's seventh Comfort Dog which now makes 28 paws placed in Colorado and Nebraska.
 
We welcome Joanna Comfort Dog and her team to the LCC K-9 Ministry as they share the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering and in need.

Joel presented Top Dog Ric Durham with Kezia Comfort Dog’s ministry vest. He also presented an LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry vest to Veteran Ministry Partner, Joni Mercer, and an LCC K-9 Police Ministry vest to former law enforcement officer and handler, Patrick Donnelly. 

Joining in the celebration were LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Addie and Leah (Immanuel – Danbury, Connecticut), Lily (Good Shepard – Old Bridge, New Jersey), Luke (Christ the Shepard – Alpharetta, Georgia), and Amos (Our Saviors Way – Ashburn, Virginia) and their handlers.
 
We welcome Kezia Comfort Dog and her team as the first LCC K-9 Ministry located in the State of Maryland as they share the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering and in need.

The Wisconsin Honor Guard Association reached out to Patrick Quinn, LCC K-9 Police Ministry Coordinator, to invite LCC K-9 Police Ministry and LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry teams to the visitations of Officer Rittner. Teams met with Matthew's family members, law enforcement personnel from all over the United States, military members, and others who came to pay their respects.

Matthew was a son, brother, husband, father, soldier, and police officer who dedicated himself to serving others, and who saved lives. Matthew is survived by his wife, and young son.

"Well done, good and faithful servant!" Matthew 25:21
 
The following LCC K-9 Ministry Teams were blessed to serve:

LCC K-9 Police Ministry:
Shiloh (Christ Our Savior – Dixon, Illinois)
Charity (Brookfield Lutheran – Brookfield, Wisconsin)
Dora (LHSA of Greater Milwaukee, Wisconsin)

LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry:
Brutus (LCC Squad)’
Rhoda (Prince of Peace – Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin)

Two days after the funeral, an email was sent to Patrick Quinn from Matthew's fellow Marine and police officer, Josh Horton, who wrote:

"It was a pleasure to meet you guys, and thank you so much for coming to spend time with us all, and to help comfort Matt's Marine and Police teammates during this difficult time. We all very much appreciated the thought and time you took to be there.

Highest Regard,
Josh"

Judy asked Victor that day if he would like Luke to put his front paws on his lap. “Oh yes,” he said. Luke settled into his lap. It was so beautiful. They snuggled for a while. “Settle boy,” Victor told Luke.

Not a single rose was given to Victor but this visit will stay in Judy’s heart for a long time

Night to Shine is a beautiful, unforgettable prom night centered on God's love for individuals with special needs ages 14 and older. On one night, February 8, 2019, 655 churches from around the world came together to host Night to Shine events for approximately 100,000 honored guests through the support of 200,000 volunteers. Organized through the Tim Tebow Foundation, Night to Shine events, hosted by churches, create an amazing event which celebrates the uniqueness of each individual guest. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their handlers were honored to participate at Night to Shine events to share comfort and love to attendees and volunteers.

Here’s a few of the LCC K-9 Ministry teams who participated in the 5th Anniversary Night to Shine celebrations!

LCC thanks our LCC K-9 Ministry teams for sharing the love of Jesus Christ to all attendees!