LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Prove to Be a Vital Resource In Waukesha’s Flood Recovery

On September 11, Waukesha County, WI, hosted a Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) at the Waukesha County Expo Center, providing residents affected by the devastating August 9–10 flooding with a one-stop event to connect with critical recovery resources.

Dozens of agencies and organizations came together under one roof to guide residents through the next steps after the storm. But alongside the practical help, there was another kind of resource present: the quiet, gentle presence of LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs.

Bringing Calm Amid the StormAt the request of Waukesha County Emergency Management, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were invited to be part of the MARC, recognizing the deep emotional toll that natural disasters leave behind. For many flood victims—and even for the responders themselves—the stress, loss, and uncertainty linger long after the waters recede.

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Gethsemane, Mary, and Tobias and their handlers were there to help and shared that while the event had fewer public visitors than anticipated, that slower pace opened the door for meaningful interactions. Volunteers and staff from organizations like the Red Cross—many of whom had been on the front lines of disaster response for years—took moments of respite with the dogs.

One handler reflected:
“We maybe didn't minister to who we had anticipated encountering, but it was clear those who visited needed the comfort offered.”

---

Healing Beyond the Flood
For some, the dogs were a welcome distraction from the stress of recovery. For others, they became a safe presence for sharing personal stories of grief and struggle, even those unrelated to the flooding. Julie, the weary head of Red Cross operations and a former firefighter, found a moment of peace with the dogs amid her heavy responsibilities.

A Community Rebuilding, Together
The August storm left a profound mark on Waukesha County—2,135 emergency calls in just two days, widespread outages affecting 76,000 customers, and countless homes and livelihoods disrupted. Recovery is ongoing, but the MARC highlighted the power of community partnerships: agencies offering practical help, and the Comfort Dogs offering something equally vital—the reassurance that no one has to walk through recovery alone.

The presence of the comfort dogs and their compassionate handlers was a reminder that compassion and connection are essential resources too.