Comfort Returned, and So Did Hope

LCC Comfort Dogs Return to Chatham to Bring Healing and Hope After Tragic Accident

In the small town of Chatham, Illinois, healing continues after an unthinkable tragedy struck on April 28, when a vehicle crashed into the YNOT Outdoors Summer and After School Camp. The devastating incident claimed the lives of five young children, shaking the entire community to its core—from families and children to educators, first responders, and local residents.

In the aftermath, Lutheran Church Charities responded swiftly, sending teams from its K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion (HMC) to provide solace, presence, and the comfort of Christ during a time of overwhelming grief.

Last week, as the children of YNOT Camp returned for the first time to the building where the tragedy occurred, the Comfort Dog teams were there once again—ready to support, listen, and simply be present.

A Healing Return to YNOT
Roughly 70 children were welcomed back with wagging tails and open arms. Handlers and Comfort Dogs arrived on-site Wednesday and Thursday, June 11 and 12, between 3:00 and 5:30 p.m., to coincide with afternoon programming. This visit was specifically requested by Alison Loftus of YNOT Outdoors, recognizing the potential emotional difficulty for the children revisiting the site of the traumatic event.
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Dinah (Trinity - Auburn, Illinois), Michael (LCC Staff), Noah (Timothy - St. Louis, Missouri), Tabby (St. Paul’s - Des Peres, Missouri), and LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Britta (LCC Staff) were accompanied by a team of compassionate handlers.

Roxy, a handler reflected: “Today’s visit was well received. The children had a full day of off-site activities, and when they returned, the Comfort Dogs were waiting. The resilience of these children is amazing.” Roxy shared that Dinah Comfort Dog was exhausted from all the attention but kept her tail wagging the entire time. “Some children even did a survey to find which dog had the softest ears,” she added with a smile.

Honoring a Life Lost
As part of LCC’s Hearts of Mercy & Compassion ministry, a new heart and cross requested by Alison was also prepared in honor of 8-year-old Bradley Lund, who succumbed to his injuries on June 2, five weeks after the initial incident.  The K-9 teams brought the HMC with them to be signed. The heart stands as a visible reminder of grief, support, and hope for Bradley's family and the community. Hearts and crosses for the four earlier victims had previously been given to their families.

Small Moments of Connection
Kathy, another handler, described a touching encounter with a 10-year-old girl who bonded with Tabby. “She spent most of her time petting Tabby and coloring a picture of her. When I told her Tabby stays with Sharon and Dave, she carefully wrote their names down to make sure they got the drawing.” Kathy made sure to tell the girl’s father how thoughtful his daughter had been—a moment of light during a heavy time.

Many children shared stories about their own pets, asked questions about the dogs, and collected the special “calling cards” each Comfort Dog carries. One child even asked for an extra card for her sister, who couldn't attend.

“These children are resilient,” said another volunteer. “They’re coping, talking, laughing, and connecting. It’s humbling to be a part of their healing process.”

A Community Embraced
For Chatham, the return of the LCC Comfort Dogs was a symbol of continued presence, love, and faith. The teams didn’t just show up—they remembered, they listened, and they returned when it mattered most.

As the children of YNOT Outdoors slowly step back into routines shaped by both joy and sorrow, they are surrounded by a community—and by four-legged friends—who remind them they are not alone.

learn more & donate - lcc k-9 comfort dog ministry