Gethsemane Comfort Dog Helps Family Find Calm Before Takeoff

This past Friday, Gethsemane Comfort Dog from Lord of Glory, Grayslake, IL, made her way through the busy terminals of Chicago O’Hare International Airport with a very special purpose: to help a family with a child with special needs find the courage to fly again.

United Airlines had reached out to the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs to assist with a tender and meaningful situation. Bella (Isabella) and her family hadn’t traveled by plane in years following a deeply unpleasant experience. This journey held special significance, as it was part of Isabella’s 16th birthday celebration. To help her feel safe and prepared, her family spent a month intentionally practicing for the trip—reading a photo book each day that walked through every step of the airport experience so nothing would feel unfamiliar.

They hoped that having a Comfort Dog walk beside Isabella—especially through TSA—would ease her fears and bring a sense of calm before takeoff.

When travel day finally arrived, Gethsemane was ready.

Despite freezing cold weather, Gethsemane and her handlers arrived eager to serve. Almost immediately, her presence made an impact. As the team stepped into an elevator, Gethsemane gently pulled toward a woman nearby. The woman knelt down, wrapped her arms around her, and began to cry. “I miss my baby,” she whispered. It was the first reminder of the day of what Comfort Dogs do so beautifully—drawing people in and offering a safe moment to release what they’ve been carrying.

The team met United staff members Laurie and Linda, who were absolutely wonderful, and then met the special family—Bella, her brother Thomas, and their parents, Amber and Dad. The handlers introduced Gethsemane to the children and shared Comfort Dog stuffies, instantly creating smiles and easing nerves. Amber was a rockstar throughout it all—steady, encouraging, and incredibly prepared.

Together, they walked through security, with Gethsemane gently leading the way so Bella could follow with confidence. The elevator was especially hard, and Bella grew nervous, but Gethsemane stayed right by her side, offering a steady presence and a soft coat to pet—helping Bella regulate and breathe through the moment.

While waiting at the gate, the magic continued. An older woman in a wheelchair passed by twice, each time stopping because she wanted just a little more time with Gethsemane. Make-A-Wish families were also nearby, and one unforgettable moment stood out: a toddler, about two or three years old, who giggled, smiled, and wrapped Gethsemane in the biggest, purest hug. The joy on that child’s face lit up the entire space.

Gethsemane and her handlers were then invited into the airport operations and control room, which looked much like a 911 dispatch center. Staff members kept coming over—petting her, asking questions, and sharing stories. They truly couldn’t get enough of her calming presence.

They also visited the pilots’ and flight attendants’ lounge, where a woman who had just returned from maternity leave approached Gethsemane with tears in her eyes. She quietly shared her gratitude, explaining that Gethsemane helped her through the day in a way she deeply needed.

The visit came full circle when Gethsemane and her handlers walked Bella and her family all the way onto the plane. Watching Bella step forward—supported, brave, and no longer alone—was incredibly moving. Along the way, Gethsemane comforted kids from Make-A-Wish, touching countless hearts, reminding everyone she met that sometimes all we need is a little courage… and a warm paw to help us find it.

Gethsemane and her team touched more hearts that day than they could have imagined.

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