Healing Visit from Comfort Dogs at Ohio Four County Career Center after Teacher's Sudden Death

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Claudia (Trinity - Toledo, Ohio), Damascus (St. Paul - Napoleon, Ohio), and  Lazarus (LCC Staff) visited with the faculty, staff, and students at Four County Career Center, a public vocational school in Archbold, Ohio, which was a much-needed visit after the sudden death of one of their teachers.

The deceased teacher, Susan Myers, taught Early Childhood Education and worked at the public daycare on campus. The students had a two-hour delay but the teachers came in at their regular start time allowing them to meet before having students. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were there early for the staff as they needed the care, comfort, and support at times even more than the students. It was obvious that Susan was loved and had many close friends at the school.
 
From the moment the Comfort Dog Ministry teams walked in, the need was so apparent!  Lazarus and his handler were asked to go with a counselor to her office to meet with two teachers, one of whom taught closely with the deceased.  Soon after they walked into the office the teacher started crying and sharing her pain and loss while hugging Lazarus close to her. Lazarus Comfort Dog then just laid down by her and the counselor took over.  This teacher has lost not only her teaching partner but her very best friend ever - such an emotional time.

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Damascus Comfort Dog and her handlers really connected with one teacher.  She was with Damascus several times.  On her last visit, she shared with me that "they want the teachers to be strong " but she needed this time to be supported, seen, and heard by the handlers and Comfort Dogs. She went on to explain that this was the second unexpected death of a teacher within five days of each other.

The students were very open to us talking about how they were feeling, about their classes, and about their futures.  There were many great conversations.  The Comfort Dogs brought a calming influence in times of tragedies to allow people to open up and express themselves.
 
Claudia Comfort Dog , her handler, and the school counselor sat with a student who was struggling with severe anxiety due to the death of the retired teacher.  After talking with the counselor and petting Claudia, he seemed to calm down slightly.

The school was very well organized with the help of Maumee Valley Guidance and their suicide loss team. The Early Childhood Education students spent most of the day with us in a large room with games, cards, counselors, and us. Several of these students spent a great amount of time with the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry team. The handlers saw many of these students start the morning in tears but by afternoon they were joking with each other.

The handlers also saw friendships form across the dogs with former strangers. Their tears and then laughter brought them together. The counselors were wonderful and worked with us the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams of Claudia, Damascus, and Lazarus to support the students and staff who needed them.

In times of need, it is vital to remember that help is available. The National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is there for anyone who may be struggling; simply call 988 for support.

But beyond this lifeline, there is another powerful source of comfort: the connections we share with friends and family. During these challenging times, we encourage everyone to reach out to those who may be feeling upset or overwhelmed. Listening, extending compassion, and offering understanding can make a profound difference, especially as we approach the holiday season, a time that can be particularly difficult for many.

"Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant." (Psalm 119:76 )

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