LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Deployed to Fort Dodge Iowa to Bring Comfort to the Community After a Tragic Death of LCMS Pastor Allen Henderson

Following an invitation after the tragic passing of Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) Pastor Allen Henderson last week in Fort Dodge, Iowa, Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams deployed on Friday, October 4 to St. Paul Lutheran School to comfort the grieving staff, students, and community.
 
The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were invited by Principal Barbara Kozisek and Rev. Keith Haney, Assistant to the President, Missions, Human Care and Stewardship in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod Iowa District West.
 

Pastor Henderson was described as not only a pastor to his congregation but also a friend to many. He was also the chaplain for the Fort Dodge Police, Webster County Sheriff’s Department, District 7 Iowa State Patrol, and the Fort Dodge Fire Department.
 
On Friday morning a convoy of police cars, ambulances and fire trucks with lights flashing traveled to St. Paul Lutheran School where a chapel service about Pastor Henderson was held for the students and faculty along with a special half-staff flag ceremony in his honor. Throughout the day, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs visited the classrooms and met the staff and parents. The K-9s also visited the local fire station and first responders.The following LCC K-9 teams served in Fort Dodge: Eddie (Peace Lutheran - Grand Island, Nebraska), Gideon (St. Michaels – Bloomington, Minnesota), Joanna (Christ Lutheran – Lincoln, Nebraska), Katie (Trinity Lutheran – Fremont, Nebraska), and Nicodemus (The Rock – Seward, Nebraska).

Late afternoon, the K-9s were stationed at the visitation for Pastor Henderson. It was evident that Pastor Henderson was very well thought of and had benefited many people in and near the community of Fort Dodge. In addition to the congregation and general public, many police, fire department personnel and first responders came to give their respects to Pastor Henderson and his family. The K-9s greeted the attendees as they moved through the visitation line.
 
On Saturday morning, the K-9s were present at the church for Pastor Henderson's funeral service planned for one thousand people. More than 60 pastors from the district were in attendance, as were large groups of police and first responders. The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their handlers were on-site offering compassion and presence to all.  
 
Please join LCC in praying for Pastor Henderson’s family, the congregation and students, first responders, and all those within the community who grieve the passing of their beloved pastor and friend.

LCC never goes where we are not invited and the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs NEVER charge those we serve. We pick up all of our travel, hotel, and meals costs. We also always put boots and paws on the ground within 24 hours (often fewer) from the time we get the invite.

DONATE – LCC K-9 COMFORT DOG FUND