LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Finish Second Week in El Paso, Texas to bring Comfort and Love to Individuals After Mass Shootings

Following invites to respond to a mass shooting that took place on August 3 in El Paso, Texas, Lutheran Church Charities deployed teams from August 5 through August 16. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams continued to bring comfort last week to devastated individuals, families, and the first responders who serve their community.

On Saturday, August 3, a large crowd of back-to-school shoppers at Walmart in El Paso, Texas, were suddenly running for their lives when a young male began shooting throughout the store. The number who have died as a result of the shooting has increased to 22 individuals. Over 26 wounded, with victims ranging from 4 months to 82 years old.
 
Lutheran Church Charities worked in El Paso through Rev. Roger Schlechte, Rocky Mountain District President, Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS), Rev. Dr. Karl Heimer, Pastor & CEO of Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care and Pastor Stephen Heimer from Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church both in the heart of El Paso, Texas. Rev. Martin Danner from Bethany Lutheran Church in Austin, Texas, continued his support of our teams. K-9 Ministry teams were on the ground throughout the community serving with the love of Christ.

Janice Marut, Regional Director for the LCC K-9 Ministry Southwest Region led the second deployment efforts. Before the end of the first week, it became apparent that the work of the comfort dogs was not done. Requests for visits from individuals as well as facilities were coming in and a second team was deployed. Six LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and sixteen LCC K-9 Ministry Team Members, that included Pastor Stephen Heimer of Zion Lutheran in El Paso were present.
 
Arriving on Sunday, August 11 for the second week of deployment, the teams started with their first visit, a vigil on Sunday night. The teams immediately experienced the warmth and appreciation of the El Paso people as over and over again, they received thanks and hugs for coming to help. 

Throughout the week, visiting with first responders in the court houses, coroner's office and police departments, we listened to their stories and had the opportunities to thank them for their selfless work and commitment to the citizens throughout the communities.
 
We were able to provide the K-9s for visits with Walmart store employees as well as nearby stores which were on lock down due to the incident. We spent time with people who were at the Walmart that day and because of the swift actions of others, were spared. We visited schools where there had been loss of life. Counselors, teachers, and students visibly relaxed when they spent time with the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their handlers.

Throughout this two-week deployment, it was obvious to the teams that this multifaceted and large encompassing tragedy has affected every level of life in the El Paso area.
 
As we listened to children as well as adults express fear and sadness, we also were fortunate to attend an all-city vigil in which local leaders expressed love not hate; hope not despair; and light not darkness.
 
Hearing the mayor of El Paso quote in part the words of 1 Peter 3:12 – “For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil.” - we know the people of El Paso are headed in the right direction for recovery and healing.
 
We pray our small part of helping with healing will continue on even though our teams have returned to their own homes and cities. After all, we will always remember the people are EL PASO STRONG!

The deployment story lives beyond El Paso

Our deployment story doesn’t end in El Paso. During the second week, a mother in Abilene requested prayers from LCC for her daughter, an avid comfort dog follower, and a coworker. Working in conjunction with the Northbrook office, a visit was set up with LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Elijah (Our Redeemer – Wichita Falls, Texas) and his handlers, as they would be traveling home in that direction. The team was able to meet the mom and her daughters and begin the relationship with a real comfort dog. LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Phoebe (St. Paul - Fort Worth, Texas) will follow up with them when they come to Fort Worth in the fall to the children’s hospital.

Onboard the plane with LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Triton (Messiah – Plano, Texas), a flight attendant having learned what a comfort dog does, told the team of a family on board the flight who was returning from El Paso. When the plane landed, they were able to spend time with the family. The father remembered seeing us in the hospital. What a God moment to end as they only had two "stuffies" left; one for each child.

During our second week, the following LCC K-9 Ministry teams served in El Paso, Texas: Cubby (Redeemer – Fort Collins, Colorado), Eddie (Peace Lutheran – Grand Island, Nebraska), Elijah (Our Redeemer – Wichita Falls, Texas), Joanna (Christ Lincoln – Lincoln, Nebraska), Nicodemus (The Rock – Seward, Nebraska), Rosie (Atonement – Columbus, Ohio) and Triton (Messiah – Plano, Texas).
 
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 always put boots and paws on the ground within 24 hours (often fewer) from the time we get the invite.
 
Please help LCC as we bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those who are suffering and in need. Together, we can be the Hands, Feet and Presence of Jesus Christ to frightened communities.
 
Please support us by prayer and if you are so moved, help us with travel expenses.

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