K-9 Comfort Dogs welcome newcomers to Camp Hometown Heroes

They come from all over the U.S. 

About 140 children, aged 7 to 17, who share the tragic connection of having lost a military service member parent or loved one, arrive at a place called Camp Hometown Heroes for a weeklong summer camp experience where healing, connection, and hope start to grow. 

And there to greet them once again are LCC’s K-9 Comfort Dogs. To disarm the shyness. To minimize the homesickness. To ramp up the excitement for the week ahead. 

This week, seven K-9 Comfort Dogs served as golden-furred counselors offering the perfect blend of love, care, and tenderness.    

Serving at the Wisconsin camp in 2026 were Believe (Brookfield – Brookfield, WI), Bethesda (St. Matthew – Hawthorn Woods, IL), Charity (Brookfield – Brookfield, WI), Mary (St. Paul’s – Janesville, WI), Rejoice (St. Paul’s – Janesville, WI), Sage (Concordia University Wisconsin – Mequon, WI), and Samaria (Shepherd of the Hills – Greenville, WI).

And the impact was not hard to see. 

“After a long day of travel, it was beautiful to witness the love and comfort these dogs shared with these children,” said a member of Team Bethesda. “We loved talking to the kids about their travels and how excited they were for camp! I thought it was such a wonderful camp for these kids from all over the U.S.”
 
Two young boys were especially excited to show Bethesda that they made a cross from two sticks they found on the ground.

The camp gives them a chance to journal and work on crafts that helps them process grief and open up to friendships, and rediscover joy through play, therapy experiences, and bonding activities. 

“The kids often ask about the dogs,” said camp director Chloe Blish, “and we believe the dogs are perfect in offering their healing qualities.”

For Charity Comfort Dog and her handlers, it was a returning camper who needed some extra snuggle time. She had been to camp several times but needed some quiet time with her furry friend.

“There was a time she didn’t move and just laid there,” one of Charity’s handlers admitted. “She may have dozed off snuggling with her. No words needed, just needed a moment with a pup.”

That’s the kind of safety and calm the dogs bring. 

“These young people embody the truth that freedom isn’t free. The camp exists to honor their loss, support their emotional well-being, and surround them with a community that understands their unique journey,” said Blish. 

No know understands more than the K-9 Comfort Dogs.