Comfort on Four Paws: Bringing Healing to WI C.O.P.S. Kids Camp

A Week of Healing for Young Hearts

During the week of July 14–19, several LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their dedicated handlers spent time providing love, support, and healing to the families attending the WI C.O.P.S. Kids Camp (Concerns of Police Survivors) in Wisconsin. This camp is a safe haven for children and their surviving parent after the loss of a law enforcement officer in the line of duty.

Families from around the country flew into Milwaukee and gathered for four meaningful days filled with classic camp experiences—swimming, archery, zip lines, crafts, and snacks. But more than fun, the camp is a place for emotional healing. In group counseling and one-on-one sessions, campers are encouraged to share their stories and speak openly about their grief. That’s where the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs make a world of difference.

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A Best Friend in the Hardest Moments
Whether welcoming kids at the airport, comforting them during tearful stories, or giving snuggles at the end of a long day, the Comfort Dogs were always near. Children lay on the ground and looked deeply into the kind, steady eyes of the dogs—an unspoken bond offering reassurance and trust.

“There were some great conversations, and it was wonderful just listening to the participants share what they wanted to say,” shared one handler. “They are very resilient, but it helps to have moments just to be and continue to grieve.”

The presence of the Comfort Dogs allowed kids to open up in ways that words alone could not. One handler recalled a boy crying during a BMX show. “I walked over and asked if Candace could sit by him; it took a while, but he then began to pet her and later, he was doing much better.”

In another moment, a handler reflected, “It was emotionally draining to hear the children tell of how their parents were killed in the line of duty… but after their presentations, they would hug Candace, and you could see the healing begin.”

Building Trust Through Familiar Faces

Many campers reconnected with dogs they had met in past years—faces they remembered, trusted, and looked forward to seeing again. Others formed new bonds and left with a treasured collection of Comfort Dog cards, a camp tradition loved by many.

At the close of camp, the LCC teams received heartfelt hugs and a touching thank you from the volunteer coordinator. “All of them enjoy reconnecting with the Comfort Dogs they have met before and meeting new ones.”

A Team Effort with Big Hearts and Paws
This year’s dedicated teams included:

LCC K-9 Comfort Dog/Police Ministry Benjamin (LCC Staff)
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog/Police Ministry Candace (LCC Staff)
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog/Police Ministry Charity (Brookfield Lutheran - Brookfield, Wisconsin)
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog/Police Ministry Gethsemane (Lord of Glory - Grayslake, Illinois)
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog/Police Ministry Julia (King of Glory - Elgin, Illinois)
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Mary (St. Paul's - Janesville, Wisconsin)
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Michael (LCC Staff)
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Rejoice (St. Paul's - Janesville, Wisconsin)
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Tobias (Lord of Glory - Grayslake, Illinois)

Each Comfort Dog, along with their handler teams from the LCC K-9 Police Ministry, played a vital role in helping these young survivors feel seen, supported, and loved.

Be Part of the Comfort

The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry brings the healing presence of Jesus Christ to those in crisis and need—one paw, one prayer, and one person at a time. You can help make a difference.
👉 Support the mission by donating.
👉 Follow the journey on social media to see how Comfort Dogs continue to bring peace and healing across the country.

Because sometimes, the most powerful comfort comes on four paws.