Emergency Appeal: LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Arrived in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, to Comfort Students, Faculty, Staff and the Community Following STEM School Mass Shooting

“Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.”  Matthew 5:4

On Tuesday, May 7, another horrific mass shooting occurred in the afternoon at STEM School in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, which has over 1,800 students from kindergarten through high school. One student was killed, heroically saving many of his classmate’s lives. Eight other students were injured with some critical and many students, faculty and staff are emotionally devastated.

This school is approximately 6 miles from Columbine which had a mass shooting 20 years ago.

In less than 24 hours, on the morning of Wednesday, May 8, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were invited by Executive Pastor, Nathan Peregoy, from Our Father Lutheran Church in Centennial, Colorado, and will be working with Micah Steiner, Director of Christian Education, and their youth group which meets tonight. They currently have three students that attend STEM school.

LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Cubby (Redeemer – Fort Collins, Colorado) and Bonnie Fear, Top Dog, is also attending a vigil for victims of the STEM School at Mission Hills Church Middle School in Littleton this afternoon. Other teams deploying to serve are LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Katie (Trinity – Fremont, Nebraska), Joanna (Christ Lincoln – Lincoln, Nebraska), and Moses (Christ Lutheran – Cairo, Nebraska) will be arriving later today.

LCC never goes where we are not invited and the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs NEVER charge those we serve. We pick up all of our travel, hotel, and meals costs. We also always put Boots and Paws on the ground within 24 hours (often less) from the time we get the invite.

Please help LCC as we bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering and in need. We know that comfort is needed to help this devastated community and the first responders who serve them.

Please support us by prayer and if you are moved, to help with travel expenses.

Donate - K-9 Travel Fund - STEM School Shooting – Highlands Ranch, CO

Thank you for being a part of the Mercy and Compassion Ministry of Lutheran Church Charities

Peace in Jesus Christ that passes all human understanding,

Tim Hetzner
President/CEO 
Lutheran Church Charities