K-9 Comfort Dogs in the Community

2/25/2025

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs serve every day in their communities as a beacon of hope and compassion.
They are friends who bring a calming influence and allow people to open up their hearts and receive help for what is affecting them.

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The students and staff were devastated by the death of a sixth-grade student who lost her life tragically to suicide. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Mary and Rejoice from St. Paul's, Janesville, WI, and LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Michael (LCC staff) were requested to be a loving and compassionate presence at Eisenhower Middle School, Rockford, IL, for the students and staff as they processed this heartbreaking loss.

One handler shared, "Walking into the school we could feel the overwhelming sadness of the staff as they prepared for their day of 'unknowns'. The students showed their grief, sadness, and anger about the loss of one of their classmates, some through tears and hugs and many by petting Michael Comfort Dog silently. Some of the discussions we had with the students focused on kindness, compassion, and forgiveness with each other and the need to seek out help from trusted adults when feeling overwhelmed. We felt that we were instruments of God’s love and peace through our actions and prayers."

Another handler shared, "As everyone had a chance to be with our 3 Comfort Dogs over the length of the school day, we had many of them returning for another visit. Upon their return visit we noticed a calmer mood which allowed for a more relaxed and reflective visit. Many people from the school were truly appreciative of the Comfort Dog visit. God gave us the words to say and the ability to listen at the right moment!"

The loss of a student at Eisenhower Middle School serves as a painful reminder of the importance of open conversations about mental health. By adopting a compassionate, educated, and supportive environment, the community can honor the memory of the student while striving to prevent future tragedies.

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

On Tuesday, February 18th, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Esther & Jordan (Holy Cross - Collinsville, IL), and Jael (Trinity - Hobart, IN), were invited to Auburn Junior High School in Divernon, IL, to support the school as they continue to grieve the loss of Hunter, a seventh-grade student. Hunter passed away in a house fire along with his father and younger brother.

Esther and Jordan started the day in the gym during PE class. They continued visiting classrooms giving staff and students support in the setting of the counselor/social work room. All three dogs met with seventh graders as the students finished lunch.

Jael Comfort Dog and her handlers spent the time at Auburn Junior High School with the students, teacher and staff in the Life Skills class. Their teacher Mrs. Amanda Castleman, along with classroom paraprofessionals, welcomed Jael into the classroom as she spent time comforting each student and adult. Mrs. Castleman’s son Reed is also in this class and was close friends with Hunter. While there were tears when sharing memories of Hunter as a student and friend, Jael’s calming presence throughout the room and the joy she provided as she was pet and hugged certainly shared the compassion and presence of Jesus with those who were hurting.

We were present to bring comfort and smiles to a hurting school community. It is our prayer that the students and staff feel the love and comfort of Jesus through us. Our love and prayers go with you.

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)