The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry attended the Wings of Mercy fundraiser to meet and greet the supporters of this wonderful charity. K-9s Bekah (Immanuel – Belvidere, Illinois), Kye (Immanuel – Belvidere, Illinois), and Tobias (Lord of Glory – Grayslake, Illinois), with LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Brutus helped bring comfort and compassion to all in attendance.

Since 1991, Wings of Mercy pilots have been donating free flights to distant medical facilities for patients who cannot afford to fly commercially. They take the travel expenses out of a person's treatment choices.

LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dogs Brandy and Brutus (LCC Squad) were invited to and attended the Des Plaines Optimist Club’s Movie in the Park event at Lake Opeka in Des Plaines, Illinois. The Movies in the Park event occurs four times each summer and attract hundreds of adults and children. The Kare 9 Military Ministry has been involved in the Movies in the Park event for the past three years. Those in attendance enjoyed meeting the Kare 9s and hearing about how they serve veterans, active-duty men and women, as well as their families.

For the fourth year in a row, the LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry greeted veterans from local VA medical facilities at the AmVets Veterans Picnic in Fox River Grove. It was a wonderful day of fun, music, games, boating and, of course, food. LCC Kare 9s Brandy, Blitz, Britta, Butch, Flex (LCC Squad), and LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Asher (Faith – Lake Forest, Illinois) brought love and comfort to these, our nation’s heroes.

The LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry was recently invited to the Huntley Vet Fest on June 23. Kare 9s Brandy, Brutus, Blitz, Britta, Spike, Butch and Flex (LCC Squad) spent the day greeting veterans from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, OIF, and OEF and their families. The Kare 9s shared comfort and mercy with everyone in attendance.

LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Brutus (LCC Squad) and Veteran Gene paid their monthly visit to Midway International Airport to help travelers relieve some of the stress of airline travel during the busy summer season. Hundreds of travelers had a chance to meet and greet Kare 9 Brutus. As often happens, Kare 9 Brutus got to hear the story of a person who lost he beloved dog just last week. The lady said seeing Kare 9 Brutus and loving him was the best medicine she could get.

On Wednesday, June 27, LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Brutus (LCC Squad) and Veteran Gene were part of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) Awareness Day at Johnson College Prep in Chicago. Presentations on PTSD, causes of PTSD, and treatment options were shared from a variety of professionals. Various vendors shared information about services offered to those with PTSD. Of course, Kare 9 Brutus offered his own special brand of love and mercy, which went a long way to help those in attendance. A highlight was when Kare 9 Brutus and Veteran Gene met Chicago Police Department 7th District (Englewood) Commander Kenneth Johnson. Commander Johnson enjoyed hearing about the LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry.

On Monday, June 25, LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Brutus (LCC Squad) and veteran Gene visited the Wooddale Park District’s Summer Camp for kids. The camp kids all had a chance to meet and greet Kare 9 Brutus and hear his story as a Kare 9 dog. Many campers shared stories of their dogs and the love they get from them. Kare 9 Brutus gave lots of love and comfort to the campers.

On Thursday, June 21, LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Brutus and Veteran Gene were invited to Rejoice Lutheran Church in Geneva, Illinois to be a part of their Summer of Serving (SOS).

The Summer of Serving is a summer long event that Rejoice Lutheran Church organizes for children of their congregation and community. Every day for a week, children prayed, sang songs, studied God’s Word, and participated in acts of service.

Rejoice Lutheran Church invited the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry to explain how it serves people who need mercy and compassion. Kare 9 Brutus was the center of attention, bringing love and comfort to the children and adults.

This past Wednesday, June 20, the LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry helped kick off the 2018 Daily Herald Cruise Night Series at Stratford Square in Bloomingdale, Illinois. A variety of approximately 200 classic cars were on display. Hundreds of people came to admire them.

Kare 9s Butch, Britta, Reba, Brutus, Brandy, and Blitz (LCC Squad) were excited to greet the auto enthusiasts and the Kare 9 veteran handlers shared the LCC mission with many adults and children

The LCC K-9 Ministry was recently invited to St. Andrew Lutheran Church and School in Park Ridge, Illinois, to assist in raising funds for the Comfort Dog they are awaiting. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Susie (St. Peter – Arlington Heights, Illinois), LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Brutus (LCC Squad), and Comfort Dog in Training Kezia greeted the members and their families. A short presentation was given to the congregation during the worship service. After worship, a "Hog Dogs for the Comfort Dog" gathering was held in the school gym. The Comfort Dogs enjoyed greeting those in attendance.