Comfort Dogs Bring Presence and Peace to Bennet School After Tragic Loss

In the wake of a heartbreaking tragedy that claimed the life of a second-grade student, the Bennet, NE, community leaned into one another for strength, comfort, and healing — joined by six teams from the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry whose quiet presence made a profound impact.

Charles "Charlie" Kohl, a 7-year-old second grader at Bennet Elementary, was killed on Monday, January 19 in an ATV/UTV accident near Bennet. 

Bennet Elementary, a K–5 building serving about 300 students, is especially close-knit. Charles has three siblings who also attend the school, deepening the ripple effect of the loss throughout the building and the broader community.

District OR-1 schools were closed on Tuesday, January 20, to allow students, staff, and families time to grieve and to access mental health resources. The district’s crisis response team, along with counselors and psychologists from neighboring districts, were on hand to support those affected.

It was into this space of grief that six LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry  teams arrived — Eden (Peace - Columbus, NE), Glory (Christ - Lincoln, NE), and Phinehas (Trinity - Fremont, NE) — each accompanied by their trained handlers, ready to serve simply by showing up.

“Just Being Present Was Where We Were to Be”

For Glory Comfort Dog handler Kim Eitzman, the day underscored the power of presence over words.

“Being present counts,” she said. “Having calm, warm dogs there is exactly what the students and staff needed.”

Eitzman described seeing the entire school community — from lunchroom staff to custodians, teachers, counselors, and students — all carrying the weight of the loss together.

“They’re all affected when something tragic happens. And yet they are together, dealing with it together,” she said. “I saw God with the teacher that needed to start her day with the dogs. No words, just pets. I saw God in a student being calmed by braiding a golden’s hair. Like I said… just being present was where we were to be.”

A Rapid Response Rooted in Unity

Phinehas Comfort Dog handler Dawn Gilfry reflected on how quickly the teams mobilized.

“It never ceases to amaze me when an emergency site request comes in,” she said. “In less than 24 hours, six teams responded with a simple but powerful ‘Yes, Lord, send me.’ That alone is a testament to God at work.”

Before entering the school, the teams gathered at the flagpole to pray together. It was there they were met by Superintendent Mr. Hart, who paused in awe at the sight of six golden retrievers waiting patiently.
“He thanked us sincerely for being there to support the staff, students, families, and the entire community,” Gilfry said. “When I asked if he would like to join us in prayer, he immediately said yes.”

In a small town like Bennet, Gilfry noted, tragedy touches everyone.

“A student teacher shared that she babysits for many families in the area and knows just how deeply this will affect them,” she said. “The weight of loss touches far beyond the walls of the school.”

She recounted conversations with staff members already burdened by multiple recent losses, and how sometimes the most meaningful response was simply to listen — or offer a hug.

“No matter the tragedy, when we are called to serve and bring comfort to those who are hurting, God opens doors — especially the doors of hearts — allowing us to meet people exactly where they are,” she said.

As the teams left, a message from school administration confirmed the impact of their presence: “Thank you very much for all your support and prayers! We greatly appreciate it!”

“In that moment, I knew that simply being there for a few hours made a difference,” Gilfry said.

Small Moments, Lasting Comfort

Eden Comfort Dog handler Warren Hellbusch said he witnessed healing already beginning among both staff and students.

“Our K-9s bring such a calming effect on everyone they’re around,” he said. “I noticed a fourth-grade student taking some of Eden’s golden glitter back to her classroom when leaving, as it was bringing her comfort.”

Nicodemus Comfort Dog handler Sara Moll echoed that sentiment, noting how even brief interactions mattered.

“The gratitude from the school staff — across every department — was overwhelming,” she said. “Often, just the sight of us walking through the halls was enough to bring a smile to their faces.”

For some children, the dogs created a safe space to process what had happened.

“One young girl, the best friend of the Kohls’ daughter, shared memories as she petted Nico,” Moll said. “Another young boy processed the events by giving us a factual account while stroking his fur.”

A Community Walking Forward Together

As Bennet Elementary prepares to resume classes, the loss of Charles Kohl will continue to be felt deeply. But through shared grief, compassionate support, and the steady presence of comfort dogs and caring adults, the community is taking steps forward together.

As one handler reflected, the mission remains simple — and sacred: to comfort, to show up, and to remind people they are not alone.

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