This past weekend, the Menomonee Falls Fire Department, WI, held its annual awards ceremony in the engine bay of Station 99, recognizing promotions, pinnings, and years of service within the department. The event also honored individuals and partners who have positively impacted the department and the community.

The first award of the afternoon was presented to LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Charity (Brookfield Lutheran - Brookfield, WI) and her handler, Gary Kilvinger. For many years, the duo has visited the firehouse each month, bringing warmth, joy, and a morale boost to the firefighters, paramedics, and EMS personnel at Station 99. Their visits are consistently welcomed with smiles, laughter, and plenty of hugs for Charity. In times of tragedy, Charity and Gary have also been quick to respond, offering support and comfort to department members during their most difficult moments.

Chief Pulvermacher invited Charity and Gary to the front of the audience and presented them with the Community Service Award. The plaque read: “Recognizing Charity and the Comfort Dog Ministry for their dedication and service to the Fire Department and Village of Menomonee Falls. In appreciation for being readily available to provide comfort when we need it most.”

The Chief noted that the helmet shield featured on the plaque had once been worn by a firefighter during their service, adding, “It’s pretty beat up around the edges. It’s just like us—we are pretty beat up when we see Charity. She is an inspiration to many of our firefighters. She helps put our problems in front of us and then behind us.”

Members of the department smiled with pride as the award was presented. Team Charity is honored to receive the recognition and remains grateful for every opportunity to support the brave men and women of the Menomonee Falls Fire Department.

Call it a “great Golden sandwich.”

With LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams sending off service members on this month’s Stars & Stripes Honor Flight in Milwaukee, WI, celebrating them as they landed in Washington, D.C., and then welcoming them back at day’s end, there was a lot of tail-wagging joy and Golden Retriever salutes across the country this week.

Lutheran Church Charities saw nine K-9 Comfort Dog teams from Wisconsin, Illinois, Maryland, and Virginia work together to thank and honor 161 veterans and their guardians as they flew from the Midwest to the nation’s capital and back again to recognize their service.

In all, three planes’ worth of heroes, many who served in World War II and Vietnam.

The day began with Charity Comfort Dog (Brookfield Lutheran Brookfield, WI) and her team on hand early Saturday morning to wave to the veterans and see them off from Mitchell Airport in Milwaukee.   

Teams Solomon (King of Glory Williamsburg, VA), Amos (Our Savior Ashburn, VA), and Kezia (Emmanuel Baltimore, MD) were at Dulles Airport in Virginia to greet the veterans as they landed and express appreciation for their service. With flights from Green Bay, WI, also arriving, more than 190 vets total made the “Flight of Champions” trip.

Solomon, Amos, and Kezia also met up with them at the memorials in Washington, D.C. Amos, Kezia and Solomon’s teams gathered for a photo at the Lincoln Memorial and then walked alongside those that went to the Vietnam Memorial.

When the veterans returned home, Samson (Zion Marengo, IL), Rejoice (St. Paul’s Janesville, WI), Mary (St. Paul’s Janesville, WI)), Charity, Sage (CUW Mequon, WI), and Samaria (Shepherd of the Hills Greenville, WI) teams all were there to celebrate the whole day.

One handler at Dulles shared this beautiful moment, “After petting the dogs, a veteran said, ‘Today was perfect. I’m getting a little emotional’ and pointed to the tear forming in his eye. He gestured toward the dogs again and reiterated, ‘Perfect.’ ”  

Another handler commented about shaking hands with all 190 veterans: “We made sure each one felt truly seen, valued, and appreciated. The emotions were powerful—as they always are at Honor Flight arrivals. The veterans don’t know there will be crowds gathered to celebrate and welcome them home, and the surprise moves many deeply.”

One veteran responded, “This is bringing tears to my eyes.”

Another asked in amazement, “Where’d you get all these people?”

Each moment was a reminder of the humility and grace these heroes share — and how God uses simple acts of love, presence, and gratitude to bring comfort and healing to those who have served.

At the Vietnam Memorial, one veteran searched the wall for the name of his childhood friend and then showed his picture. He shared that his friend had gone home for just two days to meet his new baby, returned to Vietnam, and never came back.

Another veteran paused at a pair of boots left at the wall and quietly recalled how often their feet were wet because they didn’t have enough dry socks to wear.

A third handler recalled, “As we waited for the planes to land, we met with people gathered to welcome an Honor Flight arriving from Macon, GA, which had 13 veterans onboard, including a 101-year-old man named Jerry, who was a Screaming Eagle during WWII. His family was there and reminded us that the youngest WWII veterans are now 97 years old!”

For all the K-9 Comfort Dog teams, It was a privilege to walk with these heroes, listen to their stories, and witness how God brings comfort and connection even through the weight of remembrance.
 
Serving at Mitchell Airport, Milwaukee, WI, were:
Charity (with Becky and Gary Kilvinger)
Mary (with Tom and Cheryl Skelly)
Rejoice (with Faith Larson)
Sage (with Billy and Abigail Matt)
Samaria (with veteran Brian Rollefson and Katie Rollefson)
Samson (with  veteran Jeffery Schulman and Christine Schulman)

Serving at Dulles Airport in Virginia were:
Amos (with Jodi Folta and veteran George Folta)
Kezia (with Ric Durham and Ed Cohen and former police officer Patrick Donnelly) 
Solomon (with Dawn Forgit and veteran Philip Forgit)

Even in the saddest moments and memories, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs can bring comfort through their gentle presence.

Two weeks ago, LCC Comfort Dogs Kezia (Emmanuel - Baltimore, MD)  and Amos (Our Savior's Way - Ashburn, VA) and their teams attended an American Foundation For Suicide Prevention Out Of Darkness Community Walk in Washington, D.C., an event that brought people together to remember lost loved ones and bring hope to those affected by mental health struggles.

The Kezia and Amos teams shared smiles, encouragement, and God’s love with attendees, reminding everyone they met that they are not alone — and the love of Christ brings light in dark places. It was the teams’ fifth appearance at an Out Of Darkness event.

Before the walk, the teams sat with a couple who shared that their son had taken his life in March, and before that, their beloved dog had passed away a year ago. As the husband gently petted Kezia, he told us that just last week, he had dreamt of his son walking with their old dog. “In that tender exchange, we knew that God was present — offering a sacred moment of comfort and connection through Kezia’s gentle presence,” said handler Jodi Folta.

The teams also met some veterans from Poughkeepsie, N.Y., spending the day at the D.C.  memorials. One veteran insisted on having his picture taken with Kezia and Amos. “We were honored to thank them for their service, and he expressed deep gratitude for being acknowledged and appreciated,” Folta shared.
 
She continued: “Each encounter that day was a reminder that God’s love reaches into every heart and every story — bringing healing, hope, and light. Remember: You are loved.”

On Sunday, October 26, St. Paul Lutheran Church in Westlake, OH, was filled with joy, worship, and wagging tails as they celebrated the commissioning of Honey Comfort Dog and the St. Paul K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry team.

It was more than a service—it was a community coming together. Teams from across the region joined in the celebration, including Damascus Comfort Dog (Napoleon, OH), Claudia Comfort Dog and Lazarus Comfort Dog (Toledo, OH), Dove Comfort Dog (Fremont, IN), Saul Comfort Dog (Parma, OH), and Eternity and Magdalene Comfort Dogs (Carmel and Cornerstone, OH). Together, they created a living testament to God’s love and compassion in action.

During the commissioning, the pastor blessed Honey and the team, sending them forth to serve God’s people with comfort, compassion, and unconditional love. The congregation cheered, prayed, and celebrated this new chapter, knowing that Honey’s presence would touch countless lives.

Honey’s own verse, Psalm 119:103 (NIV), perfectly captures her mission: "How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" Every wag of her tail and every comforting nuzzle will serve as a living reminder of God’s sweetness and grace

When Loss Strikes

Daniel Kevin “Danny” Bayles was an energetic 11-year-old who lit up every room he entered. A beloved Sunday School student at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Lenox, IL, Danny’s sudden death from an unexpected medical issue left his family and community in shock. For the town of Manhattan, Illinois, grief was immediate and overwhelming.

In these moments of heartache, the presence of compassion can make the unbearable a little more bearable. For Danny’s family and friends, that compassion came in the form of Michael, Jael, and Caleb—the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs—and the dedicated volunteers of the Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT).

Comfort in Motion

Pastor Doug Hoag requested the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs for Danny’s wake and funeral. But the sheer scale of the anticipated attendance required more than dogs alone. The Southwest Suburban Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) was called in to assist with logistics, crowd management, and spiritual care. Some LERT members, trained in Spiritual First Aid, worked side by side with the comfort dogs' teams to meet both practical and emotional needs.

Handlers with LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Caleb, Jael, and Michael recall powerful, quiet moments: Danny’s grandmother sitting on the floor, surrounded by the gentle presence of the Comfort Dogs, finding solace in their warmth. Children, uncertain and grieving, would pause on their way to the snack room to pet a dog, allowing a moment of comfort to soothe their hearts. One handler said, “Like God is always there for us, the dogs were there for them to bring them comfort.”

A Community Comes Together

LERT volunteers coordinated overflow parking, shuttle buses, and the post-service luncheon, working alongside church members to ensure every aspect of the funeral and reception was handled with care. Team members—Michelle Buell, Tom Buell, Mike Voight, Jennifer Kojro-Badziak and family, Jenny Kwasniewski, Mike Hemme, Kim Blecke, Deaconess Barb Hemme, and Team Lead Mark Razny—demonstrated how collaboration multiplies comfort.

Just four days later, Manhattan faced another heartbreaking loss when Chance Hunnicutt was killed in a bicycle accident. Grief rippled across the community, and a support network called “Manhattan Strong” formed to aid both families.

A Unique Partnership in Ministry

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs trained to provide comfort, LERT volunteers trained to provide spiritual and practical care, and congregations ready to support—all working together to meet the deep needs of a hurting community. Their partnership turns tragedy into an opportunity for connection, faith, and healing.

Corvallis, Oregon — LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Isaac (Redeemer - Spokane Valley, Washington), along with his handlers and ministry partners, responded to an Emergency Site Visit (ESV) at Zion Lutheran School following a heartbreaking tragedy.

Beloved kindergarten teacher Caroline Moses lost her life on Sunday, October 19, after being swept out to sea by a sneaker wave off the Oregon coast. As teachers, students, and staff returned to school on Wednesday, Isaac was there to greet them—offering calm, warmth, and comfort in the midst of deep sorrow.

Isaac and his team met with teachers during their staff meeting and attended the school’s chapel service. Caroline’s family—her husband, his parents, and their two sons—also joined the service and spent meaningful time with Isaac afterward. Caroline’s boys, who both attend Zion Lutheran, were each given an Isaac Stuffie and spent time hugging Isaac and sharing their hearts with the team.

Later, Isaac visited the classrooms of Caroline’s sons as well as the kindergarten class she had lovingly taught. Teachers spoke about the pain of losing a friend and colleague, finding quiet comfort in Isaac’s gentle presence.

Team Isaac shared, “We could really see God at work through Isaac, especially as the family spent time with us and expressed their grief. It was a blessing to witness how God used Isaac to provide a safe and peaceful space for the family and school community to share their sorrow and receive the unique comfort that only a comfort dog can offer. Many told us they couldn’t believe we had traveled so far just for them—giving us the opportunity to share that our church and ministry teams, the family of God, were praying for them and lifting them up in their sadness.”

Please continue to keep Zion Lutheran School, Caroline’s family, and the entire Corvallis community in your prayers as they walk together through this season of loss and healing.

When sudden tragedy strikes, the weight of grief can feel unbearable. There are no easy words to fill the silence—only the promise that we do not walk through sorrow alone. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry exists to bring that reminder of God’s presence and peace, simply by showing up, listening, praying, and offering comfort through the gentle touch of a dog.

Responding When Tragedy Strikes: What is an Emergency Site Visit (ESV)?

When a crisis or tragedy occurs, an Emergency Site Visit (ESV) allows our Comfort Dog teams to respond quickly—often within hours or days—to bring emotional and spiritual support to those affected. These visits are coordinated with local churches, community leaders, or workplaces to offer care and presence when words are not enough. Our mission is simple but powerful: to bring the mercy, compassion, presence, and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.

A Call for Comfort in Mt. Pleasant, Wisconsin

Last week, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Mary and Rejoice responded to an ESV at Sola Salon Studios in Mt. Pleasant, WI, where a community was mourning the sudden loss of one of their own.

On Thursday, a beloved stylist collapsed suddenly at work due to a brain aneurysm. Despite immediate efforts by those nearby—including one co-worker who courageously performed CPR—she passed away on Saturday. The tragedy deeply shook the entire Sola Salon community of 38 independent stylists and salon professionals.

Our Comfort Dogs were invited to visit the salon to bring comfort, love, and calm to those grieving and processing what had happened.

Comfort in the Midst of Grief

The visit revealed a community both deeply connected and hurting. The salon’s landlord, Christina, knew every tenant personally—their families, pets, and stories. She wanted each one to receive a moment of peace after such a traumatic loss. As Mary and Rejoice made their way through the circular hall of studios, Christina introduced them to stylists, nail technicians, and barbers—each processing the loss in their own way.

One stylist, Paul, had been the first to respond when his colleague collapsed. It was a particularly heavy burden for him—he had lost his wife exactly one year earlier on that same day. Though he kept busy with work and told others he was “okay,” the Comfort Dogs’ gentle presence brought a much-needed moment of relief and a small smile amid his pain.

Another new tenant, whose father is a pastor working just a few doors down, shared that she had been holding back tears all morning. When Rejoice leaned into her, she quietly stroked the dog’s soft fur and finally allowed herself a moment to rest and breathe.

Even Christina, who had once served as a 911 dispatcher and had experienced tragedy many times before, admitted how much she needed that visit too. “Death is never easy,” she said, “but it can feel even more overwhelming when it’s so unexpected.”

God’s Presence in Every Moment

It was clear that this was not just a visit—it was a sacred encounter. God weaved people and moments together for a purpose far greater than any of us could see. The Comfort Dogs’ calm presence opened hearts, softened sorrow, and reminded everyone that God is near.

Please keep the Sola Salon Studios community, Christina, and especially Paul, in your prayers. May they find God’s peace, comfort, and hope in the days ahead.

The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their handlers stand ready—always prepared to respond when tragedy strikes—to bring the light of Christ into the darkest places.

To learn more, or to request an ESV for your community, visit lutheranchurchcharities.org/k-9-comfort-dogs-about.html

On Tuesday, October 14, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry was honored to attend the National LOSS Team Conference at the Hilton Omaha in Omaha, Nebraska. The event brought together approximately 150 attendees, including volunteers, clinicians, firefighters, law enforcement officers, mental health professionals, and survivors of suicide loss—all dedicated to postvention and healing.

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Eden , Glory Comfort Dog, and Phinehas, along with their handlers, represented the comfort dog teams at the conference. Throughout the day, the teams offered gentle companionship and moments of emotional relief to attendees who devote their lives to helping others heal after loss.

During the conference reception, the comfort dogs greeted participants as they arrived, providing calm presence, warm hugs, and friendly faces after emotionally challenging sessions. Many attendees paused to interact with the dogs—sharing smiles, quiet reflections, or heartfelt stories. These simple moments of connection offered comfort and lightened the emotional load for many who had spent the day addressing deeply personal and difficult topics.

The teams also hosted a Comfort Corner, a peaceful space where conference participants could take a break, recharge, and receive comfort. Whether through a gentle hug, a few moments of quiet companionship, or the reassuring presence of a furry friend, the Comfort Corner reminded attendees of the importance of rest and connection in the healing process.
The conference’s mission—to offer hope and immediate support to survivors of suicide loss—resonated deeply with the comfort dog teams. Witnessing the dedication of LOSS Team members, clinicians, and survivors was both inspiring and humbling. The compassion and resilience shared among those present reflected the strength of a community united in caring for others.
Participating in the National LOSS Team Conference was a privilege for the comfort dog teams. They were grateful for the opportunity to share comfort and hope with a remarkable group of individuals who give so much of themselves to help others. The experience served as a powerful reminder of how connection and compassion can ease heavy burdens and bring light to those walking through grief.
The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams left Omaha thankful for the chance to serve, encouraged by the people they met, and committed to continuing their mission—to bring the healing power of comfort, compassion, and presence wherever they are needed.

This past week, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry was honored to continue a life-changing program first started in Nevada in 2021 by Chaplain David Bartlett—a ministry that has brought the healing presence of Christ to our nation’s servicemen and women.

While serving as chaplain at Nellis Air Force Base, Chaplain Bartlett witnessed firsthand the incredible impact that visits from the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs had on airmen struggling with stress, loneliness, and suicidal thoughts. Through regular visits from Lois Comfort Dog (First Good Shepherd - Las Vegas, Nevada), Salome Comfort Dog (Faith Community - Las Vegas, Nevada), Zechariah Comfort Dog (First Good Shepherd - Las Vegas, Nevada), and their dedicated ministry teams, Nellis AFB experienced an 83% reduction in suicidal ideations. The power of the Holy Spirit was clearly at work—bringing peace, hope, and healing through wagging tails, warm hearts, and prayerful conversations.

After two years stationed in Korea, Chaplain Bartlett is now serving at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, where he hopes to replicate the same life-saving program. This month, the Southwest Region LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs--Martha (Bethany - Austin, Texas), Olive and Pax (St. Paul - Fort Worth, Texas) — were blessed to visit Lackland and share the love and comfort of Christ with the airmen there.

A Day of Smiles, Hugs, and Healing

Teams traveled from Austin and Fort Worth to San Antonio, eager to build on the powerful legacy of the ministry at Nellis. They were warmly welcomed by Chaplain Bartlett, Major Mendoza, and several other chaplains who spent the entire day walking beside them in ministry.
The teams divided up to cover different parts of the sprawling base:

• Martha Comfort Dog’s and Olive Comfort Dog’s teams spent time with the international airmen and students at IAAFA, where language proved no barrier to connection—smiles, hugs, and gentle pets spoke volumes.
• Pax Comfort Dog’s team visited the Special Warfare Training Support Squadron, where they met airmen supporting elite special forces teams—men and women who carry heavy emotional and physical burdens.
  
  

At every stop, hearts were touched, spirits lifted, and God’s peace was palpable. As one team member shared, “Even the MTIs (Military Training Instructors) with their stern faces and tough exteriors ‘melted like butter’ when they experienced the unconditional love these dogs share.”

“Here We Are, Lord. Send Us.”

Handler LaRae Witsaman beautifully captured the heart of the day:

“Everywhere we stopped, the chaplains, Captain Bartlett, and Major Mendoza were intentional about building relationships. They took time to introduce themselves, ask questions, and share stories—and you could sense God’s presence in those moments as the soldiers began to relax. Through this ministry, we witnessed how He used the comfort dogs to bring peace and comfort to the soldiers’ hearts. What a blessing and honor it was to serve at Lackland AFB and see God at work in such a beautiful way.”

The team left with one resounding thought--we need to go back.
There is a clear and measurable impact when God’s love is shared through these K-9 ministries. As Chaplain Bartlett continues to build this program at Lackland AFB, our Comfort Dog teams stand ready to answer God’s call and support this mission in every way possible.

May the Lord continue to bless this ministry, the chaplains who lead it, and the brave men and women who serve our country.

“Surely God blesses this program and we say, ‘Here we are, Lord. Send us.’”

There’s something truly special about gathering in faith — especially when it includes wagging tails, laughter, and a shared mission. For the volunteer apprentice trainers of the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry, the annual Fall Fest Training Day is more than a time to work on obedience and commands. It’s a day to reconnect, encourage one another, and be reminded that God is at work in and through every trainer — and every dog.

Faith, Fellowship, and Four Paws

Held at Lutheran Church Charities headquarters in Northbrook, Illinois, this year’s Fall Fest brought together every Comfort Dog in training — from three-month-old pups to nearly ready-to-deploy two-year-olds — along with their dedicated apprentice trainers.

The day was filled with fun and faith: creative training games, fall-themed challenges, and a special visit to Arden Courts Memory Care. But beyond the activities, the greatest takeaway was fellowship.

“I really enjoyed the time together, especially as a new trainer,” shared Sylvia, an apprentice trainer since 2025. “It gave me an opportunity to get to know others sharing this journey better, to hear their stories, and to feel encouraged and supported. I left with a greater sense of belonging in this community.”

Growing Together in Christ

That sense of belonging runs deep among the trainers. “We get to share our love for the dogs together and our love for God together,” said Georgie, who joined in 2023. “It’s such a wonderful feeling being surrounded by people and dogs that are so loving and comforting. We all support each other and share the same values.”

Veteran trainer Chris echoed that joy:

“These fellowship moments—sharing delicious potluck dishes, exchanging laughter, and training alongside dogs and friends we don’t often see—are a beautiful reflection of the Body of Christ working in harmony. We uplift one another, bear each other’s burdens, and rejoice in the progress of these precious dogs who will soon bring the light of Jesus into hurting hearts.”

Encouraged, Equipped, and United

From new apprentices to seasoned trainers, Fall Fest is a time of encouragement and renewal. “Sharing stories of each dog while in training and finding out the successes and things we need to work on are so helpful,” said Gina and Tim, who have trained since 2019. “Wish we could get together more often.”

As Sarah, a long-time trainer, summed it up:

“We encourage each other, celebrate successes, and get to know new apprentice trainers. It’s all about sharing God’s love.”

Each Fall Fest serves as a joyful reminder that while the dogs are learning to comfort others, their trainers are also strengthened — in faith, friendship, and purpose.

Interested in becoming a volunteer apprentice trainer?
Learn more at www.lutheranchurchcharities.org/traink9s.html