“We Are Here for You”  For two weeks following the heartbreaking tragedy in Chatham, IL, on April 28, the Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams have been faithfully serving the grieving community. Last week, they continued their presence at Chatham Elementary School, Glenwood Elementary School, and the YNOT Day Camp—bringing what one handler called “a quiet ministry of presence” to children, families, and staff aching with sorrow.  Many of the children they met are grieving the loss of four classmates and friends: Ainsley Johnson, Rylee Britton, Kathryn Corley, and Alma Buhnerkempe. Others are anxious for their injured friends still in the hospital. And all are trying to make sense of a day that forever changed their small town. “We didn’t have answers,” said one handler, “but we had time. We brought calm. We sat with those grieving. We reminded them: you are not alone.” Another added, “When we hear of need, we respond. A smile, a tear, a hand on the shoulder. It’s always worth it.” Showing up for people, she said, “is always worth it.” At every stop, the ministry of presence spoke louder than any words could. One Glenwood Elementary student even gave Michael Comfort Dog a new name: “Michael Love.” In a moment of lightness amid heavy hearts, she saw in him what the ministry hopes everyone sees—pure, unconditional love. Mrs. Melissa Reed, Instructional Coach at Glenwood Elementary School, shared her gratitude in a heartfelt note: “Your K-9 Comfort Ministry has been an integral part of healing from our recent tragedy. What a wonderful ministry this is...reaching out to help people in a quiet way. It has been amazing to watch our students lay with your sweet dogs and just ‘be’ with them. Thank you for providing us this service!” Handlers also met a 3rd grader named Rose at Chatham Elementary, who had lost her little sister in the tragedy. Comfort Dogs greeted Rose and her parents at the school doors, then stayed with her and her class for the morning—quietly offering comfort that words could not. The dogs also spent time at YNOT Day Camp, a growing summer program that began with 20 children and now hosts around 135. The camp provides daily field trips and a sense of normalcy—something especially precious right now. Ainsley’s family, including her parents and sister, visited YNOT during the Comfort Dogs’ time there. They expressed heartfelt thanks for the care, compassion, and peace these visits brought. We are grateful to the following LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams for their presence in Chatham: Esther & Jordan (Holy Cross - Collinsville, Illinois), Jael (Trinity - Hobart, Indiana), Michael (LCC Staff), Noah (Timothy - St. Louis, Missouri), Rachel (Immanuel - Charleston, Illinois), Tabby & Zion (St. Paul’s - Des Peres, Missouri), and LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Britta with Veteran Dale.
Help Us Be There When Hearts Are Hurting
In the wake of unimaginable tragedy, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams were able to be present in Chatham, IL—offering calm, compassion, and the quiet reassurance of Christ’s love. From grieving children to heartbroken families, our Comfort Dogs and their handlers were a steady reminder that no one walks through sorrow alone. Your support makes this ministry possible. Every mile traveled, every moment spent sitting beside a grieving child, and every hand reached in comfort is fueled by your generosity. Help us continue to be there—wherever and whenever we’re needed. Donate today to the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry. Because presence matters. And healing begins with being there. Comments are closed.
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