Comfort Dogs Bring Light to a Dark Week at Nebraska Southern Valley School

Southern Valley Elementary School in Oxford, NE, is known for its close-knit culture, but this past week, it came together in a deeper way—through heartbreak, love, and the quiet comfort of therapy dogs. The community is mourning the loss of Emerson “Emmy”, a joyful and spirited kindergartner whose light and laughter touched every person she met.

As School Board Member Emily White shared, Emmy “would light up the room—and the world.”

A Community in Mourning
Emmy's passing left behind a grieving circle of classmates, friends, staff, and especially her second-grade sister, Sage. Her memory was honored in the laughter she once sparked and the tears now shared.

With the support of school leadership, including Principal Mark Grove, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Eden (Peace - Columbus, Nebraska), Keren (Immanuel - Ellsworth, Kansas), and Meshach (Peace - Grand Island, Nebraska) and their teams arrived at the school early in the morning. Before entering, they gathered in prayer, asking for strength and peace as they walked into a school heavy with loss.

Meeting Pain with Presence
Principal Grove introduced the comfort teams to Emmy’s father, who expressed heartfelt gratitude for their presence. The teams were stationed in the school library, where over 200 K–5 students and staff visited throughout the day. Among them were Emmy’s sister and cousin.

Children were drawn to the dogs not only for cuddles but also as companions in grief. Some shared their feelings, memories of Emmy, and even Bible verses—expressions that might have otherwise been too difficult without a paw to hold or a comforting gaze to meet their own.

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Remembering Emmy’s Beautiful Life
Emmy’s life was a shining example of joy and connection. She was full of personality—a little girl who danced, laughed, and hugged with abandon. Known for her “gorilla walks,” spontaneous dances in the lunchroom, and her favorite phrase, “Well, that went well,” Emmy left a trail of laughter wherever she went.

She shared a beautiful bond with her sister Sage. Together, they did everything—cartwheels, handstands, and sweet dance routines. Emmy also loved sheep showmanship and was fiercely proud of her lamb, Lilo, with whom she had already begun winning awards. She was a “Yee Haw” cowgirl with big dreams: to become a police officer and a farmer, just like Dad and Grandpa.

She cherished school, snuggles with her parents, and movie nights with ice cream or popcorn. Whether she was watching Lilo & Stitch, riding the golf cart, or showing her lamb in the ring, she made the world brighter.

Comfort Dogs: A Living Symbol of Hope
The Comfort Dogs and their teams didn’t try to fix anything—they simply showed up. In the stillness of their presence, children and adults alike found a space to begin healing. Their gentle companionship reminded everyone that even in grief, we are not alone.

As Emmy often said with her signature grin:

“Well, that went well.”

Support the Comfort Dog Ministry
The Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry provides trained teams to respond in times of tragedy, offering healing through presence, prayer, and compassion—just like they did for Emmy’s school.

If you’d like to support this ministry and help them continue their mission of care:
Click here to donate to the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry

Your donation helps fund travel, and the ongoing support of these incredible dogs and their handlers who bring hope where it’s needed most.