 As grief and shock settled over Florida State University in Tallahassee on Good Friday, a young woman sat quietly in front of Lizzie Comfort Dog, tears welling in her eyes. She had just come from visiting her injured roommate—one of the survivors of the tragic Maundy Thursday campus shooting. She didn’t speak her name. She didn’t need to. In that moment, what she needed was presence, not words—and she found it in Lizzie’s calm gaze and the quiet compassion of the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministry teams. Since Good Friday, volunteers from seven LCC affiliate congregations in five states have traveled to the college campus to offer warm words, listening ears, comforting prayers, and unconditional love. An Unthinkable Tragedy and a Timely Response Only hours after tragedy struck in Tallahassee, Senior Pastor Jay Winters of University Lutheran Church was able to connect with Rev. Chris Singer, President and CEO of Lutheran Church Charities (LCC). “I didn’t think it was even possible that you all would be able to show up in time for the vigil,” Pastor Winters said. “Thank you all so much for mobilizing so quickly and serving our students.” It was Good Friday, and LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams from three congregations in three states, plus a Hearts of Mercy & Compassion team from South Carolina, were headed to the Florida State University campus to do what they do best: offer warm words, listening ears, comforting prayers, and unconditional love. “It was the start of Holy Week weekend, yet our volunteers chose to serve,” Rev. Singer said. “Just as Jesus came to bring mercy, our teams showed up to be His hands and feet.”  Candles, Crosses, and Compassion That evening, the teams gathered at a solemn candlelight vigil near the Unconquered statue, offering comfort through fur and faith.
At the heart of the growing memorial were two Hearts of Mercy & Compassion crosses, surrounded by signatures, tears, and silent prayers. Students, faculty, alumni, and university staff knelt in moments of silence, some for extended periods. “Having the crosses there became a focal point,” said HMC volunteer Greg Beste of Island Lutheran , Hilton Head Island, S.C. “I think it gave the people a chance to channel their emotions in one spot. God definitely had us here for a purpose.” The university mourned the tragic losses of Robert Morales and Tiru Chabba, whose lives were cut short in the shooting. FSU President Richard McCullough addressed the crowd, saying, “This is the kind of trauma that changes people, and it changes a place. But it does not define us. What defines us is how we respond.” And the Comfort Dogs, donning gold and garnet FSU bandanas, were part of that response, sitting beside tearful students, offering calm to trembling hands, and reminded everyone present: love still shows up. Comfort Recalled, Hope Rekindled While new for many, LCC’s presence was familiar and comforting to some. Some students shared that they remembered LCC's K-9 Comfort Dogs from past tragedies—Parkland in 2018 and FSU’s own campus shooting in 2014. “The dogs helped then, and they’re helping now,” said Paul Soost of Trinity Lutheran Orlando, who led Friday’s deployment. Their presence stirred memories but also brought peace. Gentle Companions Continue Healing in a Time of Grief As students and staff returned to FSU on Monday, the campus felt markedly different. Lingering grief, painful memories, and uncertainty clouded the start of a new week. The university resumed classes with optional attendance. But into this somber atmosphere, four more LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs — Amos, Faith, Hope, and Moriah —joined Peace and Zoara for more ministry work. The six, accompanied by compassionate handlers from five different states, were present Monday night at the memorial near Oglesby Student Union. Students approached in silence, some smiling through tears as they approached. For many, returning to campus meant facing rooms, buildings, or memories now tinged with trauma. The Comfort Dogs served as a much-needed emotional anchor—offering warmth without words and connection without expectations. “We knew students were returning to spaces marked by grief,” said Dawn Gilfry of Trinity Lutheran Fremont, NE. “But that’s why we came — to offer peace, a gentle distraction, and hope.” Monday’s teams included LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs:
 A Personal Mission, A Greater Love This deployment was more than just a response—it was deeply personal. One LCC handler's daughter attends FSU. Another’s niece does too. “We saw it as a reflection of Easter love,” said one team member. “A love that is sacrificial, unconditional, and full of grace. A love that sits in sorrow and says, ‘You are not alone.’” Healing Moments, One Visit at a Time On Tuesday, the comfort dogs and their handlers visited:
 Hope That Never Fails As the world celebrated the resurrection of Jesus, the Comfort Dog ministry embodied His message of hope: that in the darkest of nights, light still shines. That even amid heartbreak, healing is possible. And that love—true love—never fails. To the FSU community: You are not alone. You are deeply loved. And even in this grief, may you feel the hope of the One who makes all things new. You Can Help Bring Comfort and Hope The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry is only possible through the support of people like you. Whether through prayer, financial gifts, or spreading the word, you can help us continue to show up in moments that matter most. Donate to support deployments like the one at FSU Share this story to remind others that love still shows up Pray for the students, faculty, and families affected by this tragedy Together, we can keep bringing hope, healing, and comfort where it’s needed most. Click here to read the Special Appeal “LCC K-9 and HMC Teams deploying to Florida State to BE THERE for university community after shooting.”
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