At the request of LCC supporter Ginger Kalensky, LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Brutus (LCC Squad) and Veteran Gene paid a visit to her dear friend Mary at Harmony Healthcare Hospice on Friday, March 30. Mary’s positive attitude and wonderful sense of humor were an inspiration to the visitors. Mary paid most of her attention to Kare 9 Brutus, who did his best to brighten her day.

On Thursday, April 12, LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Brutus (LCC Squad) and Veteran Gene were invited to meet and greet the Internal Medicine Residents at Christ Advocate Hospital in Oak Lawn, Illinois. The residents enjoyed the break form their work schedule and received much needed stress relief from Kare 9 Brutus.

Caring for others in nothing new for Brad Schroeder. As an LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry veteran handler with Kare 9 Susie and former Top Dog for LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Susie (St. Peter – Arlington Heights, Illinois) for many years, Brad has shown the mercy, compassion, presence and the proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need. Brad is in the process of extensive home renovations to better accommodate five additional people living with them, including modifications for his daughter-in-law who needs physical assistance. Financial assistance is needed now to prepare for their arrival.
 
Brad and his wife Ginny have now taken on an expanded role as in-law’s and grandparents. After the sudden death of their son in late March, Brad and Ginny have welcomed their daughter-in-law and four grandsons into their home. As soon as the school year ends for the boys, the family will move from Utah to Arlington Heights to live with them. In the midst of their sadness, the boys are looking forward to beginning a new chapter in their lives at St. Peter Lutheran School where their father, grandmother, and great-grandfather attended as children to continue a legacy of four generations embracing the love of Jesus Christ in their lives.

On Wednesday, April 4, LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Brutus (LCC Squad) was invited to visit the children in the Easter Seals Childhood Development Center in Chicago, Illinois. The center provides day care to 90 children between the ages of 2-5. Kare 9 Brutus provided love and comfort to all 90 children. He was especially interested in the great number of balls in the activity room. The children and staff were very happy to have the love of an LCC K-9 for part of their day.

On Thursday, March 22, the LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry hosted its monthly “22” dinner and program with a meal of corned beef, cabbage, and all the trimmings. The evening was highlighted with a stirring talk by Fr. Ed McKenzie. Fr. Ed is a Franciscan Friar and Vietnam Veteran. The guests were moved and inspired by Fr. Ed’s recounting of his life events.

LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Dinah (Trinity – Auburn, Illinois) attended an Easter Egg Hunt at Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois, for Illinois National Guard families. It was a beautiful day with lots of eggs found and prizes given away. There was also some quality time spent with Kare 9 Dinah and some newfound friends! As always, it was a pleasure to be there with those that serve our country!

On Saturday, March 17, LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dogs Flex, Brandy, and Brutus (LCC Squad) were guests at the Apostolic Church of God’s monthly Vet Chat in Chicago, Illinois. The LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry has developed a wonderful friendship with the members of this inner city church. Vet Chat is held monthly to offer veterans of the community a day to enjoy fellowship, inspiration, and the love of Christ in a safe atmosphere. The LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry has become a vital component of the veterans’ ministry at Apostolic.

On Thursday, March 15, the LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry was invited to tell their story to the seniors group at the First Congregational Church in Crystal Lake, Illinois. LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dogs Blitz, Brutus, Brandy, and Flex (LCC Squad) brought their love and comfort to the seniors in attendance. A highlight for the veteran handlers was meeting George Haupt who spent his two years in the U.S. Army as an Honor Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arlington National Cemetery. George received an honor from our nation reserved for a very elite few.

On Tuesday, March 13, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were invited for a third session with the after school program at Springman Middle School in Glenview, Illinois. The program serves “at-risk” students who have a variety of issues. LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Brutus (LCC Squad) and LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Zina (LCC Staff) brought comfort and compassion to the students and staff who visited during the hour.