Kind Words for K9s

LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Tobias (Lord of Glory – Grayslake, Illinois) and Top Dog Jenni Hoffmeyer received a thank you note from a social worker they met during visits at Pine Trails Park following the LCC K-9 Ministry deployment to Parkland, Florida:

I just wanted to write a quick note to say thank you for all the work you and your team did while you were with us. Your impact continues to have a lasting impression on myself and all those you touched. I know that I said this before but I want to reiterate that it is not only the presence of the dogs but the presence of the handlers that made all the difference. I thank you for your dedication to the work you do, the professionalism that you do it with, and the true love you exude while doing it. Thank you for being present and supporting the grief process and not being interruptive of it.

I pray that there is not another crisis like ours, however if there is, I pray that they are able to benefit from your love and services as we did.

With a grateful heart,
Michele Myette
Licensed Clinical Social Worker

LCC received the following email on March 26 from Immanuel Lutheran Church in Downers Grove, Illinois:

Dear Lutheran Church Charities and the Comfort Dog Ministry,

Thank you so very much for being at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Downers Grove on March 22nd and 23rd for the visitation and funeral for 12 year old Laine VanHoutan.

Laine suffered from a hereditary disease called "Batten's Disease." She was diagnosed with the condition at an early age along with her brother, Noah, who passed away two years ago. It is a devastating disease and children rarely live past 12 years old. Laine's family withstood the losses of two of their children with grace and faith knowing that Noah and Laine are resting in the arms of Jesus, made whole again!

Thank you to all of the handlers and the sweet dogs (too many to name!) who gave some of their time to come and comfort those of all ages. Your ministry is so special to those who just need a little bit of "softness" in a sad and stressful day. We can never thank you enough!

Easter Blessings!

Josie Kalmar
Administrative Assistant to the Pastoral Staff
Immanuel Lutheran Church
Downers Grove, Illinois