When the leaders at Lord Of Glory Lutheran Church in Grayslake, IL, decided to pursue a second Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dog, they knew it would be nearly a 2-year wait to meet their new canine. 

Eight days after that meeting, Gethsemane was born: July 6, 2023. 

On Sunday, after nearly two years of training, Gethsemane Comfort Dog officially joined Lord Of Glory, commissioned to bring her furry friendliness to the church’s ministry work and to share the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ. She is ready to share compassion and comfort to those who are hurting, lonely, or in need of a little tail-wagging encouragement.

Twelve other LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs from three states traveled to celebrate the beautiful occasion, including Gethsemane’s Lord Of Glory ministry partner Tobias Comfort Dog. 

“I am looking forward to serving alongside so many of the teams that joined us to celebrate this special moment in my story,” Team Gethsemane shared on her Facebook account. “Thank you to everyone who supported me to get to this day.”

On hand to join the celebration were:

Abednego Comfort Dog, Immanuel Lutheran Crystal Lake, IL
Caleb Comfort Dog, Immanuel Lutheran Valparaiso, IN
Charity Comfort Dog, Brookfield Lutheran Brookfield, WI
Grace Comfort Dog, LCC Staff
Hannah Comfort Dog, LCC Staff
Julia Comfort Dog, King Of Glory Lutheran Elgin, IL
Mary Comfort Dog, St. Paul Lutheran Janesville, WI
Myra Comfort Dog, St. Andrews Lutheran Park Ridge, IL
Rejoice Comfort Dog, St. Paul Lutheran Janesville, WI
Samson Comfort Dog, Zion Lutheran Marengo, IL
Shadrach Comfort Dog, Prince Of Peace Lutheran Palatine, IL
Tobias Comfort Dog, Lord Of Glory Grayslake, IL
 
“It was the day we have looked forward to for many months,” said Nichole Todd, top dog for Team Gethsemane. “We can’t wait to see how God works through Gethsemane to bring comfort and connection in our community — and wherever we are called to serve.”

Training with Purpose
Apprentice Trainers commit to raising a Comfort Dog in training for 18 to 24 months, guiding them through early socialization, obedience training, and consistent daily care. Each dog completes more than 2,000 hours of preparation before being placed in ministry—and behind every hour is a volunteer answering God's call.

Becky Kolzow, an LCC K-9 Trainer for seven years, reflects on just how vital these volunteers are to the mission: “Without the apprentice trainers opening their homes and their hearts... we would not be able to place as many dogs as we do.”

Apprentice Trainers don’t just shape the dogs—they’re shaped by the experience themselves. Patience deepens, faith grows, and hearts open.

Whether in classrooms or community centers, grocery stores or grief groups, Joan has witnessed how Comfort Dogs open hearts. “It’s amazing how many times someone starts petting the dog and then shares something personal. The dog just lets them release that.”

Growing in Faith, Walking in Love

The act of training a Comfort Dog is deeply relational and spiritual. Every walk, every command, every interaction becomes an opportunity to reflect Christ’s love—and be transformed by it.

Gina Grant shared how the ministry has drawn her closer to God:
“This work has helped me focus on how God calls us to serve others with humility and grace. There are days when training is hard, but then I think about what this dog will do one day, and I find strength in prayer and purpose.”

For Chris Jensen, training Comfort Dogs has been a daily spiritual practice:
“When I pray before we head out for training or visits, I’m reminded that we are not just walking a dog—we are walking into someone’s life. I’ve learned to listen better, to be present, and to trust God more fully.”

Faith becomes action, and action deepens faith.

Strengthening Relationships, Building Community
The LCC K-9 Ministry doesn’t just transform the dogs or their trainers—it weaves together a community rooted in love and support.

Joan B. Katterjohn, a retired teacher, found not just purpose, but people:
“I have made deep friendships with other trainers and handlers. We share joys, frustrations, and prayers. You don’t do this work alone—you become part of a family.”

She’s also seen how her connection with each dog has been a bridge to others:
“When people stop to pet the dog, they often open up about personal struggles. It’s a moment of real connection. And I’m always amazed at how God uses those simple interactions to do something powerful.”

Chris echoed that sentiment:
“This ministry has connected me with people I never would have met otherwise—from fellow trainers to the strangers who stop us in the park. Each conversation, each encounter, has reminded me that God is always working.”

Lives Forever Changed
Apprentice Trainers are essential to the mission of Lutheran Church Charities, preparing future Comfort Dogs that will one day walk into the lives of those who need God’s love the most.

Being an Apprentice Trainer means more than teaching a dog to sit, stay, or heel. It means learning to listen to the Holy Spirit, to trust God’s timing, and to love without condition. It’s an invitation to walk by faith—sometimes literally—with a future Comfort Dog by your side.

As apprentice trainer Chris Jensen shared,
“This ministry has changed me. You can’t give this much of yourself and not be changed. God uses these dogs to grow us, just as we help grow them.”

In a world often filled with noise, confusion, and pain, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry brings a clear message: you are not alone, you are loved, and God sees you. Our trainers help carry that message—one paw, one prayer, one person at a time.

And while the Comfort Dogs go on to serve communities across the country, the trainers are never left unchanged. Their hearts are expanded. Their faith is deepened. Their lives are blessed.
They are ordinary people who choose to say “yes” to an extraordinary calling—and their lives are richer for it.

So when God asks, “Whom shall I send?” They answer—not with hesitation, but with humble courage:
“Here I am. Send me.”

Interested in becoming an Apprentice Trainer?

LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Weekly Training Classes are held in
Northbrook, Illinois 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 we invite you to learn more.

Visit https://www.lutheranchurchcharities.org/traink9s.html or contact us at [email protected]

You just might find that by raising a Comfort Dog, God raises something new in you too.

Since its founding in 2008, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry has expanded across the country, with more than 130 dogs placed in churches, schools, and ministries in 27 states. 

With rooftops blown apart, homes devastated with damage, and tree limbs scattered across yards and streets, Missouri has endured a week and a half of severe weather and heavy hearts. From St. Louis to Springfield, communities across the state have been hit hard following multiple tornadoes and straight line windstorms. 

Lutheran Church Charities has been on the ground this week with Disaster Response, Human Care, and K-9 Comfort Dog teams to help local LCMS churches with damage assessments, chainsaw work, debris removal, food and resource distribution, and spiritual care and comfort. 
​

Disaster Response

In Springfield, Missouri, last week and into this week, Deaconess Kathy O’Day, LCC Director of Disaster Response, and Jason Johnson, LCC Disaster Response & Volunteer Engagement Coordinator, have been assessing damage from an EF-1 tornado with 95 to 100 mph winds, followed by a second storm with 80 mph straight-line winds. 

The damage is widespread with more than 200 households impacted, according to Katie Kovach, Green County Emergency Manager.

After weather delays on Memorial Day, LCC LERT volunteers arrived Tuesday to work with Hope Lutheran Church, Republic, Missouri, and Trinity Lutheran in Springfield — both are assisting with the volunteer camp at the Lutheran Student Center and providing meals for LCC LERT chainsaw volunteers who will serve until Saturday.

O’Day and Johnson report widespread devastation, with numerous homes and properties bearing the brunt of severe tree and structural damage. Among those affected was an elderly, disabled veteran whose property was left in ruins—12 massive trees toppled across his land, and his home suffered significant harm. On Tuesday, the teams used chainsaws to cut through the fallen trees and worked tirelessly to clear his property. He was very grateful for their help and mercy shown to him. As a heartfelt gesture, they presented him with a cross, lovingly carved from one of the downed trees and signed by each team member. Deeply moved by their kindness and the mercy shown to him, he expressed heartfelt gratitude for the help he never expected but desperately needed.

The man shared how frustrating it is that he can no longer take care of his own property. He expressed great thanks that LCC could send chainsaw volunteers to help him clean up his yard this week. O’Day said they met several elderly homeowners that are grateful for the offer of assistance and a willingness to listen to their stories.
 
In St. Louis, another crew of LCC Disaster Response chainsaw and lift volunteers have joined forces with other LERT volunteers from around the country to clear tree damage at Concordia Seminary, which was swept by an EF-3 tornado on May 16. Officials estimate that more than 100 trees were uprooted or leaning on the campus and nearby park. Some caused damage to the chapel and several dormitories and apartments on the grounds.

Faced with challenging cleanup maneuvers, crews have been using heavy equipment and lifts — even climbing trees — to remove fallen and dangerous branches and limbs off buildings and clearing walking pathways.

LCC Care Teams

Two LCC Care Teams partnered with Bethlehem Lutheran St. Louis to distribute food, blankets, and essential care items to individuals affected by the storms. With stores closed, these are among the first supplies to reach the residents in the area.

One team included members from Living Word Galena, Ohio, along with staff from LCC. The second Care Team was from Trinity Green Trails Lisle, Illinois. They distributed gift cards and children’s activity back packs, with grooming supplies, hygiene kits, toys, books, and a blanket.

As they served the community, they provided Spiritual First Aid™ to those in need of emotional and spiritual support to take their next steps in their journey to recovery and healing.

While assisting community members, LCC Care Team volunteers spoke with Wanda. She expressed deep gratitude, saying she believed God had carried them through everything. Speaking quickly and with urgency, Wanda explained that she was helping her 80-year-old neighbor, who couldn’t leave the house. She had come to the distribution center to pick up food and supplies for her, as no one else was offering assistance.

Though thankful, Wanda also voiced concern about how long it might take for her neighbor to feel safe and comfortable again. Her stressed body language was noticeable, so one of the Care Team members placed a hand on her arm gently and spoke to her softly. As she began to calm down, Wanda shared how much she appreciated the team's presence and said she believed God had sent them to help.

K-9 Comfort Dogs in action

On Sunday, LCC church affiliates St. Paul Des Peres, Missouri, and Timothy St. Louis, brought K-9 Comfort Dogs Tabby, Zion, and Noah to partner church Bethlehem St. Louis, which has served as a hub for community members, distributing food and supplies, operating as a call center, and welcoming those who need shelter. Rev. Dr. Gerard Bolling invited the community to attend the Sunday service and spend time cuddling with the comfort dogs.  

LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministries volunteers were:
Sheryl Schucart with K-9 Comfort Dog Zion
Ruth Agne with K-9 Comfort Dog Tabby
Ministry Partners Sue and Jon Burford with K-9 Comfort Dog Zion and Tabby
Glenn Nielsen with K-9 Comfort Dog Noah

At LCC, we never go where we are not invited. We never charge those we serve.
 
If you are compelled to give, please donate to the May 2025 Tornado Outbreak Response Fund. Thank you for being a part of the Mercy and Compassion Ministry of Lutheran Church Charities.

On Mother’s Day, a devastating fire tore through the Highland Court Apartments in Milwaukee, WI, claiming the lives of five residents and displacing nearly 100 more. In the aftermath of this tragedy, amid the rubble and grief, Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry and the Hearts of Mercy & Compassion (HMC) teams stepped in—not only to honor the lives lost but to bring hope and healing to the survivors.

On Memorial Day, the community gathered for a heartfelt vigil to remember the victims. Led by Red Cross Spiritual Care leader Catherine Neal and volunteer John Draper, the event aimed to reflect not only on national sacrifices but also on the personal, painful losses still unfolding in the shelter housing the displaced residents.

Recognizing the emotional toll, the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office extended a hand of compassion—bringing lunch and inviting the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs to join the vigil. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Mary (St. Paul's - Janesville, Wisconsin), Samaria (Shepherd of the Hills - Greenville, Wisconsin), Tobias (Lord of Glory - Grayslake, Illinois), and Comfort Dog in Training Gethsemane with their dedicated volunteer handlers offered their calming presence to those overwhelmed by grief and trauma. The comfort dogs didn’t just comfort—they opened hearts. Survivors, many still reeling from the fire, found moments of peace and courage in their company.

What emerged was not just sorrow, but resilience. Residents opened up about the emotional bond they shared with their 90-year-old landlord, who had given many of them a second chance at housing and stood with them as flames consumed their homes. Their grief was not just for their belongings or lost neighbors, but also for the woman who had become family.

Hearts of Mercy for Hurting Souls
Recalling the impact the HMC ministry had on the community during a previous engagement in Waukesha, WI—following the 2021 Christmas Parade attack—Red Cross Spiritual Care leader Catherine Neal requested their presence in Milwaukee.

Debbie Endres, HMC Ministry Coordinator from Brookfield Lutheran, WI, and team member Mary Stafford-Nunez brought five Hearts of Mercy to honor each life lost. Survivors signed the hearts with heartfelt tributes—one remembering a man as “such a joy, always checking on people.” These symbolic blue hearts, filled with handwritten memories and love, will be presented to the families of the victims.

The simple yet profound act of sharing a memory and placing it on a heart brought comfort. It allowed residents to grieve together and begin healing—one name, one memory at a time.

A Ministry of Presence, A Message of Hope
LCC's presence reminded everyone that healing begins with being seen, heard, and loved. The Red Cross volunteers, themselves exhausted from weeks of support, welcomed the encouragement and care. As one K-9 handler observed, "They were so happy to have the comfort of the dogs and listening ears."

Though many survivors are still struggling to find stable housing and rebuild their lives, the spirit of hope remains strong. Their courage, faith, and gratitude were visible in every story shared, every tear shed, and every embrace exchanged with a gentle dog or a compassionate volunteer.

Join Us in Spreading Comfort and Compassion
Your support helps LCC Comfort Dogs and the Hearts of Mercy & Compassion teams continue to respond in times of crisis.

Together, we can continue to honor the lost, comfort the hurting, and bring hope where it’s needed most.

Recently, the Red Cross and the VA Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE) came together to host an employee appreciation event at the Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System. It was a meaningful celebration of the dedicated, hard-working individuals who play a vital role in caring for our nation’s veterans and their families.

One of the most heartwarming highlights? LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Persis (King of Kings - Glenpool, Oklahoma) made a special appearance and  instantly stole the show.

With her calm demeanor and gentle presence, Persis brought smiles, comfort, and a sense of calm to everyone she met. She plays a vital role in supporting individuals who are experiencing stress, crisis, or trauma. Her visit added a unique and therapeutic touch to the event, creating meaningful moments of connection and joy.

Throughout the day, the Red Cross and CDCE emphasized the power of teamwork and the positive, lasting impact that each employee has on the lives of veterans. This thoughtful gesture of appreciation not only lifted spirits but also reinforced a strong sense of purpose and community among staff.

Sometimes, a wagging tail says it best — thank you, Persis, for reminding us of the healing power of comfort and compassion.

The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry was honored to participate in the 2025 MDA Muscle Walk held in Wheaton, IL. Hosted by the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), the event supports individuals and families affected by rare neuromuscular diseases. MDA continues its mission by funding critical research, improving access to specialized care, advocating for policy changes, and providing essential education and resources.

Southern Valley Elementary School in Oxford, NE, is known for its close-knit culture, but this past week, it came together in a deeper way—through heartbreak, love, and the quiet comfort of therapy dogs. The community is mourning the loss of Emerson “Emmy”, a joyful and spirited kindergartner whose light and laughter touched every person she met.

As School Board Member Emily White shared, Emmy “would light up the room—and the world.”

A Community in Mourning
Emmy's passing left behind a grieving circle of classmates, friends, staff, and especially her second-grade sister, Sage. Her memory was honored in the laughter she once sparked and the tears now shared.

With the support of school leadership, including Principal Mark Grove, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Eden (Peace - Columbus, Nebraska), Keren (Immanuel - Ellsworth, Kansas), and Meshach (Peace - Grand Island, Nebraska) and their teams arrived at the school early in the morning. Before entering, they gathered in prayer, asking for strength and peace as they walked into a school heavy with loss.

Meeting Pain with Presence
Principal Grove introduced the comfort teams to Emmy’s father, who expressed heartfelt gratitude for their presence. The teams were stationed in the school library, where over 200 K–5 students and staff visited throughout the day. Among them were Emmy’s sister and cousin.

Children were drawn to the dogs not only for cuddles but also as companions in grief. Some shared their feelings, memories of Emmy, and even Bible verses—expressions that might have otherwise been too difficult without a paw to hold or a comforting gaze to meet their own.

Remembering Emmy’s Beautiful Life
Emmy’s life was a shining example of joy and connection. She was full of personality—a little girl who danced, laughed, and hugged with abandon. Known for her “gorilla walks,” spontaneous dances in the lunchroom, and her favorite phrase, “Well, that went well,” Emmy left a trail of laughter wherever she went.

She shared a beautiful bond with her sister Sage. Together, they did everything—cartwheels, handstands, and sweet dance routines. Emmy also loved sheep showmanship and was fiercely proud of her lamb, Lilo, with whom she had already begun winning awards. She was a “Yee Haw” cowgirl with big dreams: to become a police officer and a farmer, just like Dad and Grandpa.

She cherished school, snuggles with her parents, and movie nights with ice cream or popcorn. Whether she was watching Lilo & Stitch, riding the golf cart, or showing her lamb in the ring, she made the world brighter.

Comfort Dogs: A Living Symbol of Hope
The Comfort Dogs and their teams didn’t try to fix anything—they simply showed up. In the stillness of their presence, children and adults alike found a space to begin healing. Their gentle companionship reminded everyone that even in grief, we are not alone.

As Emmy often said with her signature grin:

“Well, that went well.”

Support the Comfort Dog Ministry
The Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry provides trained teams to respond in times of tragedy, offering healing through presence, prayer, and compassion—just like they did for Emmy’s school.

If you’d like to support this ministry and help them continue their mission of care:
Click here to donate to the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry

Your donation helps fund travel, and the ongoing support of these incredible dogs and their handlers who bring hope where it’s needed most.

The anxiety and stress of the last day and a half was still overwhelming.

An armed man making threats, firing guns indiscriminately, and barricading himself in a house in a quiet neighborhood had thrust part of Fredonia, Wisconsin, into a 38-hour lockdown on Friday and Saturday, including St. John Lutheran Church just down the street. 

Even though the incident was over by Sunday morning, lingering trauma remained.

Joining them was a two-person LCC Care team of Parish Nurse Deb Hammen of Beautiful Savior Mequon, Wisconsin, and Cassandra Mammen of St. Paul Grafton, Wisconsin, both trained in administering Spiritual First Aid™. Each met with congregants and community members, assessing their emotional, physical, and spiritual needs and encouraging them to ease into a more relaxed frame of mind.

One moment stood out.

Becky Kilvinger, Top Dog for Charity Comfort Dog, noticed a woman with her head in her hands, seemingly overcome by distress.

“While greeting people before the second worship service, I noticed a church member grab a box of tissues and watched as the Pastor handed them to a woman,” Kilvinger recalled. “I asked [Pastor Frisque] if I could go over and say hello with Charity, and he agreed. We sat beside her, offered a hug, and she gently petted Charity. Charity then laid down at her feet. The woman was visibly distraught—sobbing, trembling, her face buried in her hands. We stayed with her through the entire service. She either looked at the cross or at Charity.”

Midway through the service, the woman’s grief and anxiety overwhelmed her.

“It was as if she had reached a point where she felt just safe enough to let go,” Kilvinger said. “We asked Deb, the Parish Nurse, to help her, and Deb guided her through breathing exercises saying, ‘Deep breath in, deep breath out. Look at the cross. You are here; you are safe.’” 

After the service, Kilvinger and Hammen sat with her, offered her food, and helped her get home safely.
“Before we left, she showed us photos of her family,” Kilvinger shared. “Her son passed away in October, and her husband died earlier this year. Her other son lives across the country. She’s endured unimaginable loss, now compounded by the recent traumatic events.”

Please lift Fredonia, Wisconsin, and St. John Lutheran Church up in your prayers as the community seeks peace in the coming days.

Help Us Be There When Crisis Strikes
When tragedy hits, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams and LCC Care Teams respond with the Mercy, Compassion, Presence, and Proclamation of Jesus Christ. In Fredonia, Wisconsin, they sat beside the grieving, comforted the anxious, and reminded a hurting community they were not alone.

Your gift makes moments like these possible.

Help us continue to show up with hope, prayer, and comfort—right when it's needed most.

Give Today to Support the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry

For two weeks following the heartbreaking tragedy in Chatham, IL, on April 28, the Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams have been faithfully serving the grieving community. Last week, they continued their presence at Chatham Elementary School, Glenwood Elementary School, and the YNOT Day Camp—bringing what one handler called “a quiet ministry of presence” to children, families, and staff aching with sorrow.

Many of the children they met are grieving the loss of four classmates and friends: Ainsley Johnson, Rylee Britton, Kathryn Corley, and Alma Buhnerkempe. Others are anxious for their injured friends still in the hospital. And all are trying to make sense of a day that forever changed their small town.

“We didn’t have answers,” said one handler, “but we had time. We brought calm. We sat with those grieving. We reminded them: you are not alone.” Another added, “When we hear of need, we respond. A smile, a tear, a hand on the shoulder. It’s always worth it.” Showing up for people, she said, “is always worth it.” At every stop, the ministry of presence spoke louder than any words could.

One Glenwood Elementary student even gave Michael Comfort Dog  a new name: “Michael Love.” In a moment of lightness amid heavy hearts, she saw in him what the ministry hopes everyone sees—pure, unconditional love.

Mrs. Melissa Reed, Instructional Coach at Glenwood Elementary School, shared her gratitude in a heartfelt note:

“Your K-9 Comfort Ministry has been an integral part of healing from our recent tragedy. What a wonderful ministry this is...reaching out to help people in a quiet way. It has been amazing to watch our students lay with your sweet dogs and just ‘be’ with them. Thank you for providing us this service!”

Handlers also met a 3rd grader named Rose at Chatham Elementary, who had lost her little sister in the tragedy. Comfort Dogs greeted Rose and her parents at the school doors, then stayed with her and her class for the morning—quietly offering comfort that words could not.

The dogs also spent time at YNOT Day Camp, a growing summer program that began with 20 children and now hosts around 135. The camp provides daily field trips and a sense of normalcy—something especially precious right now. Ainsley’s family, including her parents and sister, visited YNOT during the Comfort Dogs’ time there. They expressed heartfelt thanks for the care, compassion, and peace these visits brought.

We are grateful to the following LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams for their presence in Chatham:
Esther & Jordan (Holy Cross - Collinsville, Illinois), Jael (Trinity - Hobart, Indiana), Michael (LCC Staff),
Noah (Timothy - St. Louis, Missouri), Rachel (Immanuel - Charleston, Illinois), Tabby & Zion (St. Paul’s - Des Peres, Missouri),  and LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Britta with Veteran Dale.

Help Us Be There When Hearts Are Hurting
In the wake of unimaginable tragedy, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams were able to be present in Chatham, IL—offering calm, compassion, and the quiet reassurance of Christ’s love. From grieving children to heartbroken families, our Comfort Dogs and their handlers were a steady reminder that no one walks through sorrow alone.

Your support makes this ministry possible. Every mile traveled, every moment spent sitting beside a grieving child, and every hand reached in comfort is fueled by your generosity.

Help us continue to be there—wherever and whenever we’re needed.

Donate today to the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry. Because presence matters. And healing begins with being there.

There are no words when a young life is lost.

Last week, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry responded to a heartbreaking call from Old Quarry Middle School in Lemont, Illinois. An 8th-grade girl—so close to graduating, so full of promise—will not walk across the stage this spring. Her sister, her family, her friends, and her school community are now left to carry the weight of her absence.

In moments like this, when words fail and grief overwhelms, presence becomes everything. Simply sitting with someone in their pain—without trying to fix it or explain it—can bring a small measure of peace to hearts shattered by loss.

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Jeremiah (LCC Staff), Shadrach (Prince of Peace - Palatine, Illinois), Tobias (Lord of Glory - Grayslake, Illinois), and LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dogs Brutus and Nigel (LCC Staff), along with their devoted handlers, became that gentle, steady presence. They offered open hearts, listening ears, and a quiet space where students and staff could find a moment of calm amid the storm of their sorrow.

Before stepping through the school doors, the handlers paused to pray—seeking God’s guidance, His strength, and His comfort. With each step, they carried not only the presence of their dogs but the compassionate love of Christ, offering it freely to those in pain.

Our hearts ache with a mother who is not celebrating but grieving the irreplaceable loss of her daughter on Mother’s Day.

A Prayer for the Grieving
Dear Lord,
We lift up the broken hearts of those who grieve for their child. Be their refuge, their strength, and their peace. Fill the silence with your presence, and the darkness with your light. Give them courage to face each day, and may the memories of their beloved child bring comfort in time. In Jesus’ name, Amen.