LCC Comfort Dog teams remember handler Rick Schwandt

When he retired in 2018, Rick Schwandt quickly transitioned to what he called “repurposement.”

Starting a new chapter in life, he jumped at the chance to serve with his church Faith Lutheran – Appleton, WI, and be a part of God’s redemptive work, particularly being a handler for LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Hagar.

Earlier this month, Rick passed away following a tragic accident while vacationing with his family in Maui. His family shared that Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry meant so much to him — especially Hagar Comfort Dog — that he was buried with his Comfort Dog Ministry quarter-zip shirt.

At the funeral and memorial service last week, 14 K-9 Comfort Dogs from Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin joined Hagar to honor Rick’s life and bring their canine comfort and encouragement to the Schwandt family, their friends, and the Hagar Comfort Dog team by lining up at the entrance and later the narthex. The HMC team at the Schwandts' church was honored to present a Heart of Mercy & Compassion with signatures from friends and loved ones.

“Thank you for your prayers, compassion, and presence!” shared Diane Frisque, Top Dog for Hagar. “You were a true gift for all of us. We are deeply blessed to be part of this ministry family, a community that reflects Christ’s love not only in joyful moments, but especially in times of sorrow. Your support for Rick’s family and our team has reminded us of the strength we share in Christ and the comfort He provides through His people. We are grateful beyond words for each of you.”
 
Before and after the service, members of Faith and friends of the family greeted the Golden Retriever brigade with smiles and gentle pets, exhaling at the calmness and peace each of the dogs seemed to bring.

LCC thanks the following K-9 Comfort Dog teams who were present for the memorial service and fellowship time:

Abednego (Immanuel – Crystal Lake, IL)
Always (LCC Staff)
Believe (LCC Staff)
Charity (Brookfield – Brookfield, WI)
Emma (LCC Staff)
Gethsemane (Lord of Glory – Grayslake, IL)
Grace (LCC Staff)
Hagar (Faith – Appleton, WI)
Mary (St. Paul’s – Janesville, WI)
Michael (LCC Staff)
Rejoice (St. Paul’s – Janesville, WI)
Sage (Concordia University – Mequon, WI)
Samaria (Shepherd of the Hills – Greenville, WI)
Shadrach (Prince of Peace – Palatine, IL)
Tobias (Lord of Glory – Grayslake, IL)