LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Bring Love and Support for the Third Week in a Row to the Firefighters Helping Battle California Wildfires

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As thousands of firefighters battled dozens of fires in California, LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams provided much needed emotional relief to hundreds of firefighters for the third week in a row.
 
Lutheran Church Charities was invited by Jeremy Sanders, Battalion Chief, Cal Fire, Employee Support Services, to bring the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs to be with the first responders protecting life and property of those affected by the California wildfires.

Last week, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Aaron (St. John’s – Napa, California), Micah (Light of the Valley – Elk Grove, California), and Reuben (First Lutheran – Yuba City, California) and their K-9 Ministry teams were at the Santa Clara Unit (SCU) fire base camp.
 
On Wednesday, September 2, the K-9 Ministry teams were recognized by the Incident Commander Jeff Veik at the morning briefing. They were told by a couple of Cal Fire people that being recognized like that is rare at a Cal Fire briefing. 
 
On Thursday, September 3, Micah and Reuben Comfort Dogs and their K-9 Ministry teams visited the Santa Cruz Unit (CZU) Fire Command Center base camp and support group.  

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On Saturday, September 5, the K-9 Ministry teams had opportunities to pray with people, as most have been gone from their families and pets for a few weeks and missed them. One firefighter came up to pet Micah, then said privately, that he was so thankful we were there! The last time he came to pet Micah, it was emotional for him because he was missing his dog. They prayed together.
 
Another Camp worker found us, so he could pet Micah. He said the day before was a tough day for him, as he was missing his sister, who had passed away a year ago. Prayers were lifted up.

So many people thanked the teams over and over, told us how much they appreciated what they did, and that they were there for them regularly. 
 
Employee Support Service (ESS) shared that they were getting many inquiries as to when the dogs would be at camp daily. It is wonderful to be of service and present for these heroes! 

Please pray for these courageous men and women who put their lives on the line to stop these dangerous and destructive fires. God bless them all and those affected by these fires.
 
“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.” (Isaiah 40:1)
 
LCC never goes where we are not invited. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry NEVER charges those we serve. We pick up all of our travel and meal costs. We put boots and paws on the ground within 24 hours (often fewer) from the time we get the invite.
 
Please consider a donation to the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry so that we may continue to show the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.

DONATE — LCC K-9 COMFORT DOG MINISTRY