 A Week of Remembrance and HealingDuring the past week, Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dog® Ministry was present in Uvalde, Texas, for the one-year anniversary of the Robb Elementary School mass shooting that occurred on May 24, 2022, killing nineteen students and two teachers. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Abner (Bethany – Austin, Texas), Damaris (Memorial – Katy, Texas), Gabriel (Messiah – Houston, Texas), Gideon (St. Michael – Bloomington, Minnesota), Jael (Trinity – Hobart, Indiana), Joanna (Christ – Lincoln, Nebraska), Joy (Gloria Dei – Houston, Texas), Martha (Bethany – Austin, Texas), Peace (Trinity – Orlando, Florida), Persis (King of Kings – Glenpool, Oklahoma), and Triton (Messiah – Plano, Texas) were a support to the community as they commemorated the anniversary of the tragic shooting. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams were present at vigils comforting families and the community. They spent time with the staff at Uvalde Memorial Hospital, who cared for the wounded. They visited each of the Uvalde Schools, providing a calming presence to the students and teachers. They were a frequent presence at the local Walmart, providing an opportunity for the community to spend time with the Comfort Dogs. On Wednesday, May 24, the anniversary date of the shooting, the teams walked with the community through this heartbreaking day as they remembered the 21 lives lost one year ago.
On Friday evening, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Abner, Gideon, Jael, Martha, Peace, and Persis and their handlers celebrated with families and friends of the seniors graduating from Uvalde High School. It was an honor to be invited to attend as a support to them on this very special occasion.
Rev. Chris Singer, LCC President & CEO, presented LCC Hearts of Mercy & Compassion to the school bus drivers who, on the day of the Uvalde shooting, transported children who were wounded inside Robb Elementary School to the hospital.
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams are grateful for the warm welcome in Uvalde to help process many painful memories and emotions brought up as the community honored the 21 lives lost last year. We treasure the Uvalde community, lift them up in ongoing prayer and feel honored to be a small part of their healing.
Here are a few Facebook comments on our presence in Uvalde: Thank you for coming. You are always welcome here.
 A Week of Remembrance and HealingOn Sunday, May 21, Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dog® Ministry arrived in Uvalde, Texas, to be present for the one-year anniversary of the Robb Elementary School mass shooting that occurred on May 24, 2022, killing nineteen students and two teachers. LCC was invited by Rev. Michael W. Newman, President, Texas District Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), and Rev. Mark W. Tews of Trinity Lutheran Church in Uvalde. Also present in Uvalde is Rev. Chris Singer, LCC President & CEO, and Bonnie Fear, LCC K-9 Crisis Response Coordinator.
In May and June 2022, Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion (HMC) Ministry responded to the Robb Elementary School Shooting in Uvalde, Texas. In September 2022, the LCC K-9 Ministry teams returned to Uvalde for the first three weeks to help students, teachers, and staff as they returned to school. A Week of Remembrance and Healing On Sunday, the teams were present at Uvalde Town Square Memorial Site, where they met several teachers from the Uvalde schools who remembered the Comfort Dogs from their previous visit in September. On Monday, eleven of the returning LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams spent time with the students at eight of the Uvalde schools. It was their last day of school. The students and staff were so happy and touched to see the Comfort Dogs and handlers as they had become friends. On Tuesday, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs visited with the staff at Uvalde Memorial Hospital. We remember them as they cared for the wounded and the families. 
During their week in Uvalde, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams will also spend time in the community in different locations sharing the presence of comfort and love on the anniversary date of May 24. On Friday, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Abner, Gideon, Jael, Martha, Peace, and Persis will visit with the teachers and staff at each of the Uvalde schools. On Friday evening, those LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and handlers will celebrate with families and friends of the seniors graduating from Uvalde High School. It is an honor to be invited to attend as a support to them on this very special occasion. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams look forward to continuing to build on the relationships they started in the Uvalde community last year and help process many painful memories and emotions brought up as we honor the 21 lives lost last year.
WE REMEMBER
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. John 15:9 Twenty-six LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their handlers from across the country deployed to Uvalde, Texas, over the course of three weeks to walk with the students, teachers, counselors, bus drivers, and office staff as they returned to school. We invite you to watch the video below with touching scenes from our treasured time in Uvalde and hear from a few of the many handlers who served this incredible community.   It was not easy to say goodbye as the love felt for the children and adults of Uvalde grew each day the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams were in the schools. At times the K-9s and their handlers walked with the children to class when they were afraid or sat silently with them as they experienced a moment of sadness and grief. At other times they listened with care and gentleness as they shared their loss and pain. When needed, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and kind handlers would surround the children and teachers with love and comfort after a stressful or upsetting school drill. Each day for three weeks, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were a calming presence greeting the students with love and soft golden fur to hold onto as their handlers welcomed the children with warm smiles and gentle hugs. This is how they began each morning, as well as those moments throughout the day. Dear comfort dogs, We are writing to you to thank all the comfort dogs for coming to our school. And having Katie and all the other dogs come in the classroom to comfort us and all of the school. We are very grateful that you and the dogs came here to our school. The below LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their dedicated handlers will forever hold in their hearts the students, teachers, counselors, office staff, and bus drivers of Uvalde. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry is honored by the trust given by Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District (UCISD), allowing us to walk with them during this most difficult and heartbreaking time.
 On behalf of Moms for Liberty-Bexar County chapter members, thank you so much for all that you have done for our neighbors in Uvalde. We just sent a donation your way to help alleviate some of the travel expenditures for these sweet dogs and their humans. I know you bring much comfort. Polly LCC's K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry never goes where we are not invited and never charges those we serve as we bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need. We pick up all of our travel, hotel, and meal costs.
Please prayerfully consider donating to the LCC K-9 Comfort Travel Expense Fund so that we can continue serving those suffering and in need when invited.  The K-9s Are Eager to Comfort Whoever Needs Them, No Matter Where They Are For the last two weeks, LCC has deployed to Uvalde, Texas, approximately ten LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their teams per week. On Monday, September 19, the third and final wave of nine LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their teams from across the country arrived in Uvalde to continue their calming and comforting presence following the tragic Robb Elementary School shooting in May. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Abner (Bethany - Austin, Texas), Charity (Brookfield - Brookfield, Wisconsin), Gideon (St. Michael’s - Bloomington, Minnesota), Jael (Trinity - Hobart, Indiana), Martha (Bethany - Austin, Texas), Mary (St. Paul's - Janesville, Wisconsin), Miriam (Emmanuel - Kingfisher, Oklahoma), Peace (Trinity - Orlando, Florida), and Triton (Messiah - Plano, Texas) will be a continual presence sharing love and comfort with the children and staff at the Uvalde schools as they begin their third week of school.  This week was off to a great start! When the students saw a new LCC K-9 Comfort Dog for the first time, there was much joy and excitement. Throughout the week, students will start to open up more as they find comfort in the familiar faces. “Some kids who remember the dogs [from the memorial, a few months back] are starting to talk to the dogs,” said Bonnie Fear, LCC K-9 Crisis Response Coordinator. The kids are laying beside the dogs, hugging and kissing them. “We’ve had kids who were distraught or teary-eyed in the morning, and by the time the dogs left, they have smiles on their faces,” she said. Providing Unconditional Love and Encouragement During Second Week of School (September 12-16) As the second wave of LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their teams wrapped up their week in Uvalde, they were amazed by all the teachers, counselors, office staff, and principals in the Uvalde school district. These incredible educators have set their own fears and anxieties to the side as they put the children of Uvalde first. “Our goal is to be present with those that are hurting and in need, and we show up and just be with them in whatever they’re feeling,” said Bonnie Fear.  A Mini Stuffed LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Can Provide Lasting Comfort
LCC's K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry never goes where we are not invited and never charges those we serve as we bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need. We pick up all of our travel, hotel, and meal costs.
Please prayerfully consider donating to the LCC K-9 Comfort Travel Expense Fund so that we can continue serving the Uvalde community.  On Monday, September 12, the second wave of ten LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their teams arrived in Uvalde, Texas, to continue their calming and comforting presence following the tragic Robb Elementary School Shooting in May. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Caleb (Immanuel - Valparaiso, Indiana), Claudia (Trinity - Toledo, Ohio), Eden (Peace - Columbus, Nebraska), Gabriel (Messiah - Houston, Texas), Joanna (Christ Lincoln - Lincoln, Nebraska), Job (Christ the King - Memphis, Tennessee), Keren (Immanuel - Ellsworth, Kansas), Pax (St. Paul - Fort Worth, Texas), Persis (King of Kings - Glenpool, Oklahoma), and Phoebe (St. Paul - Fort Worth, Texas) will be a continual presence sharing love and comfort with the children and staff at the Uvalde schools as they begin their second week of school. The K-9s and their teams will be present at the District’s eight schools for three weeks each morning, from September 6 to September 23. They will also be available to the parents to be present with them during their healing process.  Providing Unconditional Love and Encouragement During First Week of School (September 6-10) Last week, the first wave of LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Abner (Bethany - Austin, Texas), Cubby and Devorah (Redeemer - Fort Collins, Colorado), Damaris (Memorial - Katy, Texas), Elijah (Our Redeemer - Wichita Falls, Texas), Joy (Gloria Dei - Houston, Texas), Katie (Trinity - Fremont, Nebraska), Martha (Bethany - Austin, Texas), Priscilla (Trinity - Lincoln, Nebraska), and Triton (Messiah - Plano, Texas) provided unconditional love, comfort, and encouragement at the Uvalde schools. When the students got off the school bus and saw the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs, their faces lit up with a smile as they recognized their friends. When needed, one of the Comfort Dogs and their handler would walk with a child who was uncertain or afraid, giving them a gentle distraction from their fears. The teachers, counselors, and staff are working tirelessly to make sure the children feel safe, protected, and cared for as the relocated students adjust to a new class and school. Receiving the love and comfort from the K-9s greatly helped with the transition.  LCC's K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry never goes where we are not invited and never charges those we serve as we bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need. We pick up all of our travel, hotel, and meal costs.
Please prayerfully consider donating to the LCC K-9 Comfort Travel Expense Fund so that we can continue serving the Uvalde community.  On Monday, September 5, the first wave of ten LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their teams arrived in Uvalde, Texas, to be a calming and comforting presence for the students, teachers, and staff as they return to school this week following the tragic Robb Elementary School Shooting in May. The K-9s and their teams will be present at the District’s eight schools for three weeks each morning, from September 6 to September 23. They will also be available to the parents to walk with them during their healing process.  Soon after their arrival, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Abner (Bethany - Austin, Texas), Cubby and Devorah (Redeemer - Fort Collins, Colorado), Damaris (Memorial - Katy, Texas), Elijah (Our Redeemer - Wichita Falls, Texas), Joy (Gloria Dei - Houston, Texas), Katie (Trinity - Fremont, Nebraska), Martha (Bethany - Austin, Texas), Priscilla (Trinity - Lincoln, Nebraska), and Triton (Messiah - Plano, Texas) and their handlers visited with families at the memorial site, with LCC Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, Crosses for Losses still present.
LCC's K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry never goes where we are not invited and never charges those we serve as we bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need. We pick up all of our travel, hotel, and meal costs.
Please prayerfully consider donating to the LCC K-9 Comfort Travel Expense Fund so that we can continue serving the Uvalde community.  During May and June of 2022, thirteen LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and handlers deployed to Uvalde, Texas, for two weeks to be a calming and comforting presence to the families and community after the horrific shooting at Robb Elementary, taking the precious lives of 19 students and two teachers.
The following LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their teams will serve in Uvalde, Texas, from September 6 to September 23, 2002.
We pray that having the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs present as school begins will help to bring a calming and comforting distraction. We lift up in prayer the parents, children, and teachers of Uvalde as school begins and the community continues to grieve the loss of nineteen students and two teachers taken tragically from them.
LCC's K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry never goes where we are not invited and never charges those we serve as we bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need. We pick up all of our travel, hotel, and meal costs. Please prayerfully consider donating to the LCC K-9 Comfort Travel Expense Fund so that we can continue serving the hurting community of Uvalde.
When Job’s friends heard of the tragedy he had suffered, they got together and traveled from their homes to comfort and console him. When they saw Job from a distance, they scarcely recognized him. Wailing loudly, they tore their robes and threw dust into the air over their heads to show their grief. Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and nights. No one said a word to Job, for they saw that his suffering was too great for words. Job 2:11-13 The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were present in Uvalde, Texas, to be with the hurting; to let them be seen, heard, and comforted in their grief.   The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and handlers were asked last week to attend two visitations to be there for the family and friends of the victims. The grieving needed the loving brown eyes and gentleness of the Comfort Dogs as they cried and mourned the loss of their loved ones. Many hugs were given, and prayers were shared at those times. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were a safe place for the children and adults to go to in their pain. No expectations, no judgments, only unconditional love and acceptance were found in time spent with LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Job (Christ the King - Memphis, Tennessee), Keren (Immanuel - Ellsworth, Kansas), Pax and Phoebe (St. Paul - Fort Worth, Texas), and Persis (King of Kings - Glenpool, Oklahoma).
At the Memorial site, the team spent time with police officers surrounding them in love, compassion, and prayer.
The team spent time with the Uvalde Memorial Hospital staff allowing Job, Persis, Pax, and Phoebe Comfort Dogs to do what they do best: love and comfort. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs helped the nurses and doctors to smile and relax for a moment and allowed them to process their thoughts, emotions, and loss they were feeling. Each day the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their handlers spent time with parents, children, friends, neighbors, and first responders all affected and grieving the loss of the nineteen children and two teachers. The loss is a heavy weight on this community. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry has hopes and plans to return to Uvalde when the students and teachers return to school in the fall as this will be a very difficult time for all of them, including the parents. Dear Lord, Please keep watch over the community of Uvalde who is grieving the loss of their loved ones. You know how deeply they are hurting, how painful the sorrow is, and what they need each day. We pray that you bring them the comfort and strength they need in their darkest moments. Please surround them with people who will show them love, care, and compassion. We pray they draw near to you for your love, hope, and healing as they continue to grieve. In Jesus’ name, Amen
LCC's K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry never charge those we serve as we bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need. We know that comfort is needed to help this shocked and devastated community and the first responders who serve them. 19 Students & 3 Adults Killed |
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