The LCC K-9 Ministries were honored to receive the ESGR (Employer Support of The Guard and Reserve) Seven Seals Award for the work of the LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry in serving veterans, their families and active duty men and women. The Seven Seals Award is the broadest and most inclusive award given by ESGR. The award is presented in recognition of significant individual or organizational achievement, initiative, or support that promotes and supports the ESGR mission.

Matthew Warrick’s journey on the Pacific Crest Trail has surpassed the 300-mile mark in just 14 days, hiking from the boarder of Southern California / Mexico to Canada. The path is rugged and he sometimes runs across the wildlife residents of the desert, but Matthew is taking in the beauty of God’s creation, and enjoying the kindness and friendship of other hikers he’s meeting along the way.

During this time, Matthew is raising awareness and funds for the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry. Matthew is a member of Bethany – Austin, Texas, home of LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs, Abner and Martha.

“We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.” 1 John 1:3

The Southeast Regional Gathering was a great day to begin the month of June. LCC K-9 Ministry teams joined together at Christ the Shepherd, Alpharetta, Georgia. The LCC K-9 handlers and dogs had a wonderful time together in fellowship, prayer, and training

On Friday, May 24, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Kye and Bekah (Immanuel Lutheran – Belvidere, Illinois) and Samson Comfort Dog-in-Training were invited to attend Drug Court Graduation. Three graduates shared their stories on their hard work and commitment to succeed and graduate. Some have reconnected with family and two of the women have gotten their children back. Please pray for their continued success as well as the success of those who are currently in the Drug Court program hoping to succeed. The Boone County Drug Court was established with the mission of enhancing the quality of life by reducing criminal behavior and substance abuse among drug court participants through a collaboration of legal, clinical and community resources.

On Friday, May 17, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their handlers attended the Deerfield Police Department’s “Cop on a Rooftop” fundraising event at Dunkin’ in support of the Illinois Special Olympics. Each community member who visited a “Cop on a Rooftop” location and made a donation to the Law Enforcement Torch Run received a delicious free donut. As they flowed in and out of the restaurant, they were able to spend time with Miriam Comfort Dog-in-Training, Marie Comfort Dog-in-Training, and LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Flex (LCC Squad) and veteran Fred.

Chicago’s 93-XRT radio station was also on site promoting the event, and interacting with the LCC K-9s. Everyone’s hard work made the event a great success, raising almost $5,000 for the Illinois Special Olympics.

Lutheran Church Charities was present at the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod’s Northern Illinois District (NID) General Pastors Conference held at Concordia University Chicago last week. President & CEO Tim Hetzner, Director of K-9 Ministries Rich Martin, and Director of Disaster Response Kathy O’Day met and greeted the pastors of the NID.

On Friday, May 24, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Lizzie (Trinity – Savannah, Georgia) attended the Peace Officer Memorial Service held at the Savannah Police Department.

The ceremony was held to honor law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty, and comfort was offered to many officers and citizens who attended this emotional remembrance service.

On Thursday, May 23, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Eve (St. John’s – Lombard, Illinois) attended the office de-stress event at the American Academy of Pediatrics in Itasca, Illinois. Eve Comfort Dog did a great job at relieving their daily stress as shown by all of those smiles from the Chief Medical Officer and staff.