Emergency Appeal: LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Deploy to Mass Shooting in Thousand Oaks, California

Update: November 9, 2018

We responded to the mass shooting and God had more plans for us!

What had started as a deployment to comfort those impacted by the tragic shooting in Thousand Oaks, California has slightly changed into comforting those affected by the shootings and those impacted by the growing wildfires in California. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs have served at one of the shelters that was last used a few days ago as the reunification center for families of the fallen at the  Borderline shooting, as well as at California Lutheran University and in the community. Please keep everyone in these communities in your prayers, as well as those impacted by the shootings, and the first responders who have been working tirelessly this past week.

The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs are safe from the fires. If you are so moved, please give to our travel expense fund.

Donate - LCC K-9 Travel Expense Fund

Donate - LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Fund

Shootings in one of the "Safest Places"
Safety and Hope come from being in the arms of our God!

"God is our safe place and our strength. He is always our help when we  are in trouble."  Psalm 46:1

Just before Midnight on Wednesday, November 7, a mass shooting occurred at Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks, California. Thousand Oaks is considered "one of the safest cities in the country and consistently ranked one of the highest with respect to the lowest crime rate per capita, we're proud of that,"  according to the mayor Andy Fox. "The reality is that these types of incidents can happen really at any place, at any time, even in communities that are considered extremely safe,"  he added. 

Hundreds of people were there attending a weekly College Country Night, many of whom are students from the various universities nearby. Twelve people were killed, including the brave and heroic Ventura County Sheriff Sergeant Ron Helus who responded and was the first to enter the bar, immediately met by gunfire. 

Within hours of the shooting, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were invited in by Pastor Tim Barkett of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Newbury Park, California to bring comfort to a shocked and devastated community. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Ruthie, Emma, Jacob, and Hannah (LCC Staff), Aaron (St. John's - Napa, California), Lois (First Good Shepherd - Las Vegas, Nevada), and Cubby (Redeemer - Fort Collins, Colorado) and their handlers will be on the ground today to bring comfort and compassion to students, first responders, and the community. Additional comfort dogs will respond in the next few days. 

LCC never goes where we are not invited and the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog ministry NEVER charges those we serve. We pick up all of our travel, hotel, and meal costs. We also 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 suffering and in need. 
 
We know that comfort is needed to help this shocked and devastated community and the first responders who serve them. Please support us with prayer and if you are moved, to help with travel expenses.   

Donate - Thousand Oaks, CA Shooting - LCC K-9 Travel Expense Fund

Donate - LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Fund

Working Together, Serving Christ, so we can serve others IN HIS NAME!
 
Peace in Jesus Christ,

Tim Hetzner
President/CEO 
Lutheran Church Charities