Five LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams—Samson (Zion - Marengo, IL), Bethesda (St. Matthew - Hawthorn Woods, IL), Julia (King of Glory - Elgin, IL), Rejoice (St. Paul - Janesville, WI), and Eunice (LCC Staff)—along with their ministry partners, gathered at Immanuel Lutheran Church in East Dundee, IL last Tuesday. They came to offer comfort and support to the family of Commander Edward J. Landers.

Ed was a devoted family man and faithful member of Immanuel. Answering a calling to serve, he became a Navy pilot and dedicated 20 years to his country. After retiring from the military, Ed went on to author several books and continued his passion for flying as a pilot for Northwest Airlines, piloting international flights aboard a Boeing 747.

His wife, Barb Landers—formerly a handler for Levi Comfort Dog—is planning to play an active role in welcoming the next LCC K-9 Comfort Dog to Immanuel.

Through time spent with the dogs, handlers, and ministry partners, family and friends of Commander Landers were able to share heartfelt stories of his life, career, and adventures. These moments brought smiles, comfort, and cherished memories.

It was a true honor to provide support to the family of a man who gave so much in service to his country and others.

Grief settled heavily over Sterling Public School in Nebraska after the tragic loss of Chloe Jane Paulson, a 16-year-old sophomore whose life was cut short in a car accident on March 23, 2026. Chloe was a vibrant and deeply involved student. She earned honor roll recognition and participated in volleyball, basketball, speech, band, choir, and cheerleading—leaving her mark on nearly every corner of school life.

Her absence is deeply felt by students, staff, and especially her family, including her two younger brothers in 8th grade and 3rd grade, who share the same school building and now navigate unimaginable loss within its walls.

In response, an Emergency Site Visit (ESV) was requested by Felicia Martin, Director of Health Services. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams Glory (Christ Lincoln - Lincoln, NE) and Phinehas (Trinity - Fremont, NE), arrived ready to offer presence, compassion, and a quiet kind of healing that words often cannot provide.

“When we get an ESV request, we usually have to quickly change our whole day. That happened this time too—it felt like we were meant to be there,” one handler shared.

Though it was their first time in the Sterling community, a sense of familiarity met them at the door. “When we walked into the school and saw counselors we already knew—we had worked with most of them from another ESV a few months back—it felt comforting right away.”

From the youngest students to staff and crisis counselors, the weight of Chloe’s loss was unmistakable. “From the kindergartners to the 8th graders to the staff and Crisis Response Team counselors, it was evident from the moment we arrived that Chloe’s death had a profound impact.”

In such a small school—where the sophomore class includes just 17 students—connections run deep. Everyone knew Chloe. Everyone felt the loss.

Throughout the day, students processed their grief in different ways. Some gathered in the library, exhausted after sleepless nights. Others shared stories, tears, or simply sat in silence. Phinehas moved gently among them, offering quiet companionship.

“We never know how the day will go,” a handler reflected. “Some students were in the library resting because they hadn’t slept, and Phinehas quietly stayed with them, just being there. Others shared memories of Chloe, while some sat, cried, and petted the dogs. Everyone was thankful we came.”

One powerful moment unfolded in that same library. As the team entered, a librarian encouraged a student to sit with the comfort dog, Glory. The student hesitated only briefly before sitting down. Glory instinctively curled up, resting her head in the student’s lap.

No words were spoken.

The student began to cry.

Later that afternoon, she returned. This time, she shared that Chloe had been her best friend since first grade. In that quiet space, with Glory beside her, she found the ability to speak her grief aloud.

“I feel our presence helped give Ellen (and others we saw) some peace in the moment,” the handler said.
Another interaction offered a different kind of insight. An eighth-grade student lingered nearby, asking thoughtful questions about what comfort dogs do and how they help.

“I asked her how she felt when she saw Phinehas,” the handler recalled. “She said it made her happy and want to snuggle him. I told her—that’s comfort.”

Their conversation deepened. The student asked if it was difficult to be around so many people who are hurting.

“That made me pause,” the handler shared. “She’s only in eighth grade. I told her yes, sometimes it is hard to see people hurting, especially when they’ve lost someone. But just being there in that moment can help them feel a little less alone.”

They sat together for about 20 minutes, talking quietly.

“At the end, I asked her name. She smiled and said, ‘Faith.’ In that moment, it felt like a little Godwink just for us.”

Moments like these—simple, human, deeply meaningful—are where healing begins. Not in fixing the pain, but in sharing it. In sitting together. In remembering. In allowing space for both tears and small glimpses of comfort.

As the Sterling community continues to grieve, they do so side by side—students, staff, families, and friends holding each other up through heartbreak. The presence of the comfort dogs did not erase the pain, but it softened the edges, offering connection in a time of overwhelming loss.

Our thoughts and prayers remain with Chloe’s family, her brothers, her friends, and the entire Sterling Public School community. In the midst of sorrow, their closeness—and their care for one another—shines through.

With six families displaced and the school closed for more than a week while serving as a relief zone, Grace Christian Academy in Kankakee had one request.

“We would like some joy to come through our doors!”

In response, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Caleb (Immanuel – Valparaiso, IN), Jael (LCC Staff), and Michael (LCC Staff) visited the campus last week to give students and families a few moments of peace.

Circled around the three K-9 comforters, the students began petting and talking to the dogs. A lot had happened and there was much to share.

“They were comfortable talking about their own personal experiences and handling the trauma,” one handler recalled. “A couple of the older students told me about the damage to their homes, but they assured me that it was going to be OK. It was almost as if they were worried that I would be concerned rather than thinking about their own problems.”

The handlers also shared prayers and words of comfort with a pre-kindergarten teacher who relayed a harrowing story about a father who protected two of his daughters at the last moment by crawling into his home’s crawl space.

“He decided to take the girls into the crawlspace, opening up the trap door and dropping the girls in and then climbing in after them,” a handler said. “Soon after, he heard a loud whooshing noise, which was his home above him being completely destroyed. Had he not gone to the crawlspace all three of them would be gone.”

Kankakee has a long road of recovery ahead. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog ministries stands ready to return with as much care and encouragement as is needed.    

How can an LCC K-9 Comfort Dog team leader act as salt and light in a hurting world? 

Last week, 54 Top Dogs wrestled with the question and other topics as the Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Ministries staff welcomed them to LCC’s Northbrook, IL, headquarters for training and encouragement. Together, they studied Jesus’s words in Matthew 5 as they renewed their commitment to their ministry callings. 

The gathering attracted leaders from 50 K-9 Comfort Dog teams, representing 42 churches in 16 states. 

Over the course of two days, the group worked in small groups to share about obstacles and challenges they have walked through recently, prayed for one another, and discussed how to strengthen relationships on their teams, energize their congregations, and uplift their hometown communities. 

Top Dogs who attended said the gathering was just what they needed.

“This conference really filled my bucket and gave me so many things to bring back to my team. So much practicality, and yet so much love shared and relationships built as well,” one top dog stated.

Another said: “It was such a joy reconnecting with familiar faces and meeting so many wonderful new people. My heart — and my social battery — is full.”

A third shared, “I am so thankful that I have had the opportunity to witness God’s love poured out from everyone this weekend. As we reflect on our own ‘Why’ this will forever be one of mine. You all truly shine His light! Stay Salty!”

Top Dogs step into leadership with humble hearts. They are strong, compassionate, caring, supportive, and faith-filled leaders. Much of what they do happens quietly behind the scenes, but their faithfulness makes a powerful difference. 

They attend special training, help launch the ministry in their congregations, coordinate schedules, communicate details, go on visits, and lovingly support their teams. They regularly go above and beyond to bring Christ’s love to those in need.
​
At LCC, we know that Top Dogs are the heart behind each team, offering their time, energy, and prayers so others may experience comfort and hope. They serve not for recognition, but out of love for Jesus and a desire to care for His people. 

LCC is grateful for their servant hearts and steady leadership. What a blessing they are to this ministry and to everyone God places in their path.

Isaac Comfort Dog of Redeemer Lutheran in Spokane Valley, WA, received a special Meritorious Service Award this week from Central Valley School District for providing a form of care that no human could replicate in quite the same way.

In a letter of recommendation, Opportunity Elementary School Vice Principal Brent Howard shared how each Friday, Isaac brings a “calming and compassionate presence that transforms our school environment.”

Students who are overwhelmed or struggling with emotional regulation find comfort and safety in Isaac’s gentle nature, the school states in a letter of recommendation. Staff members also benefit deeply from Isaac’s visits, finding moments of peace and renewal in the middle of demanding days. Isaac strengthens relationships, supports emotional healing, and helps create a school where students and staff feel seen, safe, and cared for.

“Isaac represents the very best of what service looks like: kindness without judgment, love without condition, and support offered freely and patiently,” the letter read. “His presence helps hearts open and allows both children and adults to receive support for what is affecting them.”

Isaac works primarily with our Extended Resource classrooms, where his impact is especially meaningful. Students who have difficulty trusting others or expressing emotions often connect in powerful ways through time with him. He also visits kindergarten classrooms and the library, spreading warmth and reassurance throughout our school. His visits are eagerly anticipated and universally loved.

Isaac began visiting Opportunity Elementary after the unexpected passing of one of most beloved staff members, Cindy, a longtime head secretary.

Cindy was the heart of the school front office and was known for her endlessly patience, compassion, and eager heart ready to serve.

Cindy’s husband serves as head pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church, and in many ways, Isaac's visits feel like a continuation of Cindy's legacy, the school shared.

“Just as Cindy did, Isaac reminds us what is right with the world: love, patience, and compassion for others,” the letter continued. “His impact is lasting, meaningful, and truly meritorious.”

A Storm That Changed Everything

On the evening of March 10, a powerful EF-3 tornado with winds reaching 150 mph tore through Kankakee County, Illinois, and into Indiana—leaving behind a trail of devastation that spanned nearly 37 miles and stretched half a mile wide.

Communities including Kankakee, Aroma Park, and St. Anne were hit hard. Homes were flattened. Trees were uprooted. Entire neighborhoods were left unrecognizable. Three lives were lost, and many more were injured.

For countless families, everything changed in a matter of minutes.

Homes, vehicles, businesses, and treasured belongings were gone. In their place stood debris, uncertainty, and the overwhelming question of where to begin.

A Rapid Response Rooted in Compassion

The call for help came quickly.

At the invitation of Pastor Roger Drinnon of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Kankakee, IL,  Lutheran Church Charities mobilized both its Disaster Response and K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry.

By the very next morning, LCC Director of Disaster Response Deaconess Kathy O’Day and Southwest Suburban Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) leader Mark Razny were on the ground, meeting with the pastor, contacting affected congregation and school families, surveying accessible damage, and coordinating with the Emergency Operations Center to offer support. 

Within 48 hours, LERT volunteers were already serving.

Operating out of St. Paul’s, they stepped into devastated neighborhoods, ready to do whatever was needed.

The Work Begins: Clearing Debris, Carrying Burdens

By Thursday, March 12, chainsaws roared to life and teams got to work.

LERT volunteers began helping families salvage what they could from uninhabitable homes—sorting through debris, packing belongings, cutting downed trees, and clearing yards.

But the work quickly became about much more than cleanup.

It became about people.

Throughout the week, teams listened to story after story, accounts of the terrifying sounds of the storm, the chaos of the aftermath, and the emotional toll that lingered long after the skies cleared.

Families were overwhelmed. Exhausted. Trying to navigate insurance, loss, and uncertainty all at once.

And in the middle of it all, LERT volunteers stayed.

They listened.
They prayed.
They offered hugs.
They showed up—again and again.

“I Felt Lost… But You Gave Me Hope”

In one of the hardest-hit neighborhoods in Aroma Park, volunteers spent three days working alongside a family connected to St. Paul.

Their home—and their vehicles—had been completely destroyed, just like so many others in the neighborhood.

Over those three days, the team helped salvage, pack, and move what belongings remained. They cleared debris scattered across the yard and used chainsaws to remove multiple downed trees.

But what stayed with the team most wasn’t the work—it was the words of the homeowner.

She shared that she felt “so sad, lost, and disoriented” after losing her family home and treasured items passed down from her parents.

And yet, in the middle of that grief, she clung to her faith—and saw something meaningful in the presence of the volunteers.

She believed they were sent to bring her hope, help, and care exactly when she needed it most

The Power of Presence

For much of the week, LERT volunteers remained in the same hard-hit Aroma Park neighborhood.
That consistency made a difference.

As days passed, neighbors who had initially been strangers became familiar faces. Conversations grew deeper. Trust was built.

“It is amazing how being present for three days in the same neighborhood makes a difference,” one team member reflected.

Not just in the amount of work completed—but in what couldn’t be measured:

Restored hope.
Shared tears.
Moments of connection in the middle of chaos.

Even beyond Aroma Park, teams traveled to other affected areas—helping congregation and school families remove fallen trees and begin the slow process of recovery.

Meeting Needs at Every Level

As the response continued, LERT volunteers also served at the Kankakee County Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC)—a one-stop location where disaster survivors could access support from government agencies, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations.

There, the teams connected residents with chainsaw and debris removal services, helping them take the next step forward.

But just as importantly, they offered something else:

A listening ear.
A prayer.
A reminder that hope still exists—even in the hardest moments.

That same spirit of service extended beyond the immediate tornado zone.

On Thursday, as Northern Illinois experienced powerful wind gusts reaching 45–70 mph, new damage continued to impact families already facing difficult circumstances. When a large tree fell in the yard of a family connected to Immanuel Lutheran Church in East Dundee, LERT volunteers responded immediately.
Jon Bartelt, Carl Fischer, and Steve Wright arrived that same day to cut and remove the tree, working alongside the homeowner and his father to clear the yard. The wood was even hauled to a neighbor’s home for future use.

It was a simple act—but a meaningful one.

In a time when needs continue to emerge, their quick response reminded this family that they were not alone , and that help can arrive right when it’s needed most.

Healing Beyond the Debris: Comfort Dogs in Indiana

While chainsaws and cleanup efforts continue in Illinois this week, another kind of healing is taking place just across the state line in Indiana.

In Lake Village and Roselawn—small communities deeply impacted by the same storm—families were navigating their own devastating losses. Twenty-six homes were destroyed. Dozens more were left unlivable. Over 1,100 power lines were down.

In the midst of cleanup efforts, tragedy struck again when a volunteer lost their life after being hit by debris.

The heaviness in the community was undeniable.

When students finally returned to school, many carried fear, grief, and uncertainty with them.

That’s when the K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry stepped in.

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Eternity and and Magdalene (Cornerstone - Carmel, Indiana) visited Lake Village Elementary in Lake Village, IN, and LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Caleb (Immanuel - Valparaiso, Indiana), Jael (Trinity - Hobart, Indiana), and Michael (LCC Staff) were present at Lincoln Elementary. 

Moments That Matter

Throughout the day, small moments carried enormous meaning.

Two young girls whose home had been hit smiled as they gently petted the dogs.

A third-grade boy, after spending time with them, declared:
“This is the best day ever!”

One handler described the day in a single word:
“Uplifting—to see so many people smiling in the face of adversity.”

Another chose the word:
“Supportiveness.”

They witnessed teachers delivering food and milk to families, checking in on students, and supporting one another in the days after the storm.

They saw students doing the same—comforting friends, sharing stories, and showing deep care for those who had lost more.

Resilience in Its Purest Form

“I was most impressed with the resilience of the children,” one team member shared. “Despite the recent tragedies, most of the kids seemed happy to be back at school with their friends—and grateful for the comfort dogs.”

Even students who hadn’t experienced damage themselves were deeply aware of others.

“They almost all knew someone who did,” a handler noted. “And they were very concerned for them.”

One young boy, hesitant at first, didn’t want to interact with the dogs. But later, when his class returned, he sat on the floor. A Comfort Dog named Michael gently placed his head on the boy’s knee.

That was all it took.

“He was a happy camper.”

A Quiet Moment of Healing

One of the most powerful moments came from a quiet fifth-grade boy.

At first, he stood at a distance while others gathered around the dogs. He left—but then returned. And then came back again.

Finally, he stepped into the circle of students, sat down, and wrapped his arms around two Comfort Dogs—pulling them close and holding them there.

No words.
No explanations.
Just a moment of healing.

“He stayed with them for a very long time,” the handler shared.

Unity in the Midst of Loss

Another word used to describe the day:
“Unity.”

“The school, the community showed amazing unity,” one handler reflected. “It was refreshing to be a part of people loving on people.”

In classrooms and hallways, students hugged one another, shared laughter, and told stories—small but powerful signs that healing had already begun.

The Work Continues

The road to recovery will be long for these communities.

Homes must be rebuilt. Lives must be pieced back together. Grief must be processed.

But they are not alone.

Lutheran Church Charities’ Disaster Response teams will continue clearing debris and walking alongside families. Comfort Dog teams will continue bringing calm, connection, and moments of peace.

Because long after the storm has passed, the need remains.

And so does the response.

On March 11, in the quiet, close-knit community of Rocksprings, TX, grief hung heavy in the air.

At Rocksprings Independent School District (ISD), a school where just about 200 students fill classrooms from pre-K through 12th grade, loss isn’t something that happens at a distance. It touches everyone. Every hallway. Every desk. Every heart.

Just days earlier, the unthinkable had happened.

Seventeen-year-old Samson Reyes lost his life in a tragic accident while helping move a large wooden pole to the school’s track area. Surrounded by teammates and a young coach, what began as a routine act of helping quickly turned devastating. The weight of that moment didn’t just fall on Samson, it settled into the entire school community. The boys who stood beside him, the coach who led them, the siblings who share his name, and the friends who shared his laughter are now left carrying something far heavier than that pole.

In a school where everyone knows everyone, grief doesn’t stay contained. It ripples.

And that’s where LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Martha (Bethany Lutheran - Austin, TX) and her team stepped in.

Martha, along with her compassionate team, arrived at Rocksprings ISD not with answers, but with something just as powerful: presence.

No speeches. No expectations. Just quiet, steady comfort.

Students who didn’t have the words found themselves sitting beside Martha, gently resting a hand on her soft fur. Some smiled for the first time in days. Others cried a little more freely. In those moments, Martha became a bridge between heartbreak and healing, between silence and expression.

For the young boys and their coach who witnessed the tragedy, the weight of that day is something that won’t easily fade. But even in their devastation, Martha offered something small yet meaningful: a pause. A breath. A reminder that they are not alone in carrying what happened.

Teachers and staff, too, felt the strain of holding space for their students while managing their own grief. Martha’s presence extended to them as well, offering comfort to the caregivers, the steady hands behind the scenes trying to keep the school moving forward.

In a place like Rocksprings, where the student body feels more like a family, healing doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens together—in shared spaces, in quiet conversations, in moments of connection.

Martha helped create those moments.

She didn’t take away the pain of losing Samson Reyes. Nothing could. But she brought something just as necessary in the aftermath of tragedy: a little peace, a little joy, and a gentle reminder that even in the darkest moments, comfort can still be found.

Sometimes, healing begins with something as simple as a paw placed softly on your knee, and the feeling that, somehow, you’re going to be okay.

Last week, six LCC K‑9 Comfort Dog teams were called to serve at the funeral of Britney Ann Doyle, a young mother of three from Manhattan, IL. The team — Caleb (Immanuel, Valparaiso, IN), Gethsemane and Tobias (Lord of Glory, Grayslake, IL), Jael (Trinity, Hobart, IN), Michael (LCC Staff), and Shadrach (Prince of Peace, Palatine, IL) — positioned themselves at both ends of the funeral home lobby to gently welcome and support those who came to mourn.

Throughout the evening, mourners shared heartfelt memories of Britney with the handlers — stories that included words like kind, gentle, loving, caring. Many recalled not only her devotion to her daughters but also the deep impact she had on the volleyball players she coached. Her compassion clearly touched every corner of her life.

Noticing the golden retrievers, one mourner smiled through tears and said Britney “would be in her glory with all the goldens.” Another visitor approached Michael Comfort Dog and paused, sharing quietly, “You’re from Lutheran Church Charities. I know it’s not the same, but I was adopted from Lutheran Social Services.” As he knelt to pet Michael, memories resurfaced, overwhelming him with emotion. The handler was able to pray with him in that moment of unexpected vulnerability and connection.

Britney’s daughters received stuffed Comfort Dogs by the handlers. Throughout the night, they clutched the Comfort Dog pups close, holding tight to the warmth and reassurance they symbolized.

The presence of the Comfort Dogs brought moments of peace, steady companionship, and gentle reminders of hope to a grieving community. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry continues to be a quiet blessing in the places where hearts are heaviest.

With the red carpet rolled out at “Night to Shine” last week, five LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were on hand to bring their special presence of care, comfort, and joy.

Comfort Dogs Eden (Peace Columbus, NE), Glory (Christ Lincoln, NE), Keren (Immanuel Ellsworth, KS), Nicodemus (The Rock Seward, NE), and Phinehas (Trinity Fremont, NE) and their teams were glowing with excitement — still are — at the celebration sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation and hosted by Trinity Lutheran Church in Fremont, NE.
 
But the star of the night was Jesus, the Shining Light, whom the gathering celebrated as King under the theme verse Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

It was a powerful reflection of God’s love in action. With 238 honored guests on hand, crowns were placed. Limos arrived. Smiles stretched wide across the room. But what made Night to Shine truly extraordinary was the truth that every king and queen is a VIP — not just to us, but to God.

To shine is to visibly reflect the character, presence, and glory of God through a life surrendered to Christ, so that others are drawn to Him.
 
On this unforgettable night, God shined brightly — in ways only He can. His light filled every corner of the room, and darkness never stood a chance. Even when the enemy tried, God’s joy, peace, and purpose prevailed.
 
As part of the worldwide Night to Shine movement through the Tim Tebow Foundation, Trinity joined hundreds of churches across the globe honoring individuals with special needs. What unfolded was not simply a prom — it was a living testimony of dignity, joy, and community.
 
Hundreds of thousands around the world experience this celebration each year, made possible by the love and dedication of incredible volunteers. It is a reminder that when the Body of Christ comes together to serve, lives are transformed.
 
In Fremont, the evening was about being seen, celebrated, and crowned as royalty for the 238 honored guests.
 
From red carpet entrances and professional photos to hair styling, nail stations, shoe shines, dancing, and thoughtfully created low-stimulation spaces, every detail communicated value.

Confidence blossomed. Laughter filled the air. Light‑up shoes flashed across the dance floor. Painted nails were proudly displayed.

As one parent shared: “Watching my daughter SHINE was priceless.”
 
Moments like these affirmed what we know to be true: celebration has the power to uplift, restore confidence, and speak identity over a life. And the K-9 Comfort Dogs were happy to join the fun.

Night to Shine transforms those who serve just as deeply as those being honored.

With more than 400 volunteers giving their time — decorating, setting up, styling hair, serving in respite rooms, dancing as buddies, cleaning, praying, and cheering — generosity overflowed in every direction.
 
One returning buddy shared: “It is the most special night of the year for me… No other night compares to this!”
 
Buddies formed genuine friendships. Laughter was shared. Stories were exchanged. Many volunteers left saying they felt more blessed than the guests themselves.
 
Serving became a gift.

More than 100 family members gathered in the Respite Rooms to experience rest, reassurance, and connection. Parents were able to relax and breathe deeply, knowing their loved ones were safe, celebrated, and thriving on the dance floor.
 
For other families, Night to Shine is a reminder that they are supported, valued, and never walking alone.
 
Throughout the event, Eden, Glory, Keren, Nicodemus, and Phinehas loved sharing snuggles, smiles, and tail wags throughout the evening.
 
Guests found calm in gentle pets and quiet moments. Anxiety softened. Smiles returned. Volunteers witnessed hugs, prayers, and positive conversations unfolding in real time. Many described it as a glimpse of heaven here on earth.
 
Even the smallest interactions carried eternal significance.
 
Night to Shine at Trinity will be more than a one‑evening celebration.

It will linger as a powerful reminder of the joy, dignity, and purpose discovered when a community unites to serve.
 
From honored guests to buddies, from families to behind‑the‑scenes volunteers, every heart in the room was impacted.
 
The crowns, the music, the decorations — they were beautiful. But the true shine was Jesus.
 
When we choose to reflect His light in our homes, churches, schools, and community, lives change — including our own. Because when God shows up, nothing can stop what He is doing.
 
We are deeply grateful for the generous support of community businesses, church partners, professional service providers, volunteer teams, and the hundreds who gave their time and talents to make this night possible.
 
An evening to honor, celebrate, and value individuals with special needs and their families. An incredible night filled with love.  
 
And when God shines… the light reaches far beyond a single night.

Funeral home directors are no stranger to sorrow and grief, and they and their families need to be comforted and supported.

This week, Melanie Curtis, director of Haase - Lockwood Funeral Home in Wisconsin, reached out to the LCC K-9 Comfort Ministry for comfort dog teams to come and support her own family. Last week, Curtis’s father passed away. 

Curtis knew the LCC Comfort Dogs from times she had requested teams show up for the families during hard times of loss. She noticed how much the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry helped and cared for others.

Her mother, Heidi, also knew about the comfort dogs and is a ministry supporter.

In January, when Melanie was sharing a prayer request with LCC about her father nearing the end of his earthly journey, she mentioned how much LCC’s care meant to her mom.

This week, four K-9 Comfort Dogs were present with the Curtis family during a time of mourning. Bethesda Comfort Dog (St. Matthew Hawthorn Woods, IL), Charity Comfort Dog (Brookfield Brookfield, WI),  Shadrach Comfort Dog (Prince of Peace Palatine), and Tobias Comfort Dog (Lord of Glory Grayslake, IL) met with the family at Haase – Lockwood for prayer, pets, and warm encouragement.

Upon seeing Comfort Dog Charity’s team, Heidi Curtis hugged team members tightly and expressed her deep appreciation. Although virtual strangers, the moment was touching and warm. 

“Our presence felt like a warm blanket or good cup of coffee,” one of Charity’s handlers recalled, saying that they became like adopted family. The team left coloring books and stuffie toys for the family’s nephews.

Tobias’s team met with Melanie’s sister Shannon and her two children, who knew Comfort Dog Adeena from their high school days in Hampshire, IL. Michael Curtis’s cousin Kathy also knew the K-9 Comfort Dogs from working at a school in Hoffman Estates.

That’s the impact of the Comfort Dog Ministry — the presence of the dogs and their handlers becomes like a familiar friend.

The family also will receive a Heart of Mercy & Compassion through the HMC team at Brookfield Lutheran Church in Wisconsin.