LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Support Lutheran School Students and Teachers in Fort Meyers Returning to School After Hurricane Ian

The families and staff at Saint Michael Lutheran Church and School in Fort Meyers, Florida, were impacted by the destruction caused by Hurricane Ian. More than 40 families from their congregation lost their homes. Some of the teachers' homes were flooded or have cars that were no longer drivable. It has been a challenging time for all. Through all of these challenges, their Pastor, Principal, Director of Christian education, teachers, parents, and congregation have worked together to help one another.

Lori Schwan, Director of Christian Education from Saint Michael, invited the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs to be at the school on Tuesday as the teachers, parents, and children returned for the first time since Hurricane Ian. It was a soft opening, allowing teachers and parents to meet with counselors from Lutheran Counseling Service in the morning and then an open house for the students in the afternoon.
 
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Jemimah (St. Paul - Boca Raton, Florida), Moriah (St. Luke - Oviedo, Florida), and Peace (Trinity - Orlando, Florida) traveled to be present with the staff, parents, and teachers to bring comfort, love and a gentle and kind distraction from all the stress and loss the community is facing.

The LCC K-9 Ministry teams were blessed to see the teachers' and parents' faces relax and the lines of stress ease as they petted and interacted with the dogs. Seeing the children smile and hug the Comfort Dogs was a gift. Even in our darkest times, God's light shines and directs our paths. People are working together, helping each other, and watching over each other during these times of tragedy to help lighten the load.
 
"For it is you who light my lamp; the Lord my God lightens my darkness." Psalm 18:28

LCC never goes where we are not invited.
We NEVER charge those we serve!

If you are so moved, please donate to the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Travel Fund 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 TRAVEL FUND