LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Share the Love of Jesus During the Visitation and Funeral of a Double Murder-Suicide

On March 3, Jack Ruckman (grade 7) and Christopher Ruckman (grade 8), students at Rockford Christian Academy in Rockford, Illinois, were killed by their father Peter Ruckman, a Northern Illinois University and Rock Valley College professor who then took his life. Chris was a gifted guitarist and his brother Jack was a member of the Junior High Jazz Band.

Thirteen LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were invited to be by the side of students, faculty, and family. Many were present for four days last week to bring the mercy, compassion, presence and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need.

Invited by the counseling services and principal of Rockford Christian Academy, the teams met with students and faculty on Sunday and Monday at Rockford Christian Academy, and then with the community and family at both the visitation on Thursday and funeral services on Friday. Parents and LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams lined the entrance to the school on Monday as a show of support and encouragement to the students as they arrived.

Comment from a parent on Tobias’ Facebook post: “What a blessing you are. Thank you for going to my son's school. It was a comfort for him and all the students.”

We often wonder why such tragic events occur but rely on the promise and hope of Jesus Christ to comfort all those impacted. Please join LCC in continuing to pray for the family, friends, students and staff.

Donate - LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Travel Expense Fund