LCC K-9 Ministry Teams Comfort the Community of Aurora, Illinois, Following Shooting Tragedy

On Monday, February 25, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams deployed to Aurora, Illinois, to comfort employees returning to work following the horrific shooting on February 15 at the Henry Pratt Company. LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Ruthie, Adeena, Eve and Tobias, and their handlers met with hundreds of employees from the office and the manufacturing plant. As expected, it was a very emotional day for everyone, especially those who worked side-by-side with the victims.

On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday last week, Comfort Dog teams spent time with students at 16 schools in the Aurora school district, comforting hundreds of students, faculty and staff each day. The district schools were on soft lockdown during the incident.

Following a tragedy such as a shooting, the effects can be far-reaching into the community. Students are anxious, teachers are anxious, and administration does their best to help everyone feeling stressed return to normal. LCC worked with Pastor Alex Merlo of Iglesia Evangelical Lutheran Church and St. Paul Lutheran Church in Aurora, Aurora School District 129, and with Aurora city officials to help bring comfort to those affected by the shooting.

The LCC K-9 Ministry teams spread throughout the Aurora community: 20 teams served on Tuesday, 17 teams served on Wednesday, and 14 teams served on Thursday. The handlers and Comfort Dogs brought much needed serenity to the anxious school communities, and many teams met almost every child in the school they visited!

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Angel & Charity teams shared:

Teachers and counselors bring small groups of 4-6 students at a time to spend time with the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs. We saw lots of smiles and the Comfort Dogs got lots of hugs. Several students even asked if the dogs were there to protect them from a shooter. The Comfort Dogs were clearly needed. The teachers and staff were very appreciative!

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Chloe & Zippy shared:

At one point a girl came in with tears in her eyes. She took one look at the Comfort Dogs and she showed signs of joy. At first, she didn’t say anything, just a peace and joyful feeling on her face. She came back about an hour later as she wanted just a bit more time, but this time she had a lot of questions while petting the Comfort Dogs.

LCC received the following thank you from Marti Neahring, Director of Student Services, District 129:

I wanted to extend a very sincere thank you for reaching out to us following the tragic situation that took place in Aurora on 2/15. We had no idea what to expect when our staff and students returned to school on Tuesday, but I can tell you that the presence of the comfort dogs and their handlers was a welcome addition to the week.
 
Thank you again,
Marti

On February 19th and 21st, LCC K-9 Police Ministry Dogs Shiloh and Eve, along with their law enforcement handlers, visited the Aurora Police Department. They had the opportunity to meet with officers who attended special briefings intended to help them maintain their wellness following the tragic shooting. The K-9 teams also met with detectives, secretaries, records clerks, and dispatchers to thank them for their service, and let them know that they are all in our prayers!

LCC K-9 Ministry Teams
Adeena (St. John – Burlington, Illinois)
Angel (St. John’s – La Grange, Illinois)
Asher (Faith Lutheran – Lake Forest, Illinois)
Barnabas (Trinity – Hobart, Indiana)
Bekah (Immanuel – Belvidere, Illinois)
Brutus (LCC Squad)
Charity (Brookfield Lutheran – Brookfield, Wisconsin)
Chloe (Lord of Life – Elburn, Illinois)
Cyrus (Comfort Dog in Training)
Esther (Holy Cross – Collinsville, Illinois)
Eunice (LCC Staff)
Eve (St. John’s – Lombard, Illinois)
Hannah (LCC Staff)
Isaiah (Trinity – Hobart, Indiana)
JoJo (Living Christ – Arlington Heights, Illinois)
Julia (King of Glory – Elgin, Illinois)
Kye (Immanuel – Belvidere, Illinois)
Ladel (St. Matthew – Hawthorn Woods, Illinois)
Levi (Immanuel – East Dundee, Illinois)
Malachi (St. Matthew – Hawthorn Woods, Illinois)
Marie (Comfort Dog in Training)
Ruthie (LCC Staff)
Seth (Comfort Dog in Training)
Susie (St. Peter – Arlington Heights, Illinois)
Tobias (Lord of Glory – Grayslake, Illinois)
Zippy (Trinity – Roselle, Illinois)

LCC K-9 Police Ministry Teams
Eve (St. John’s – Lombard, Illinois)
Shiloh (Christ Our Savior – Dixon, Illinois)

Please join LCC in keeping the Henry Pratt Company employees, students, teachers, school staff, first responders, and the community in your prayers for continued healing in Aurora.

Donate - LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Fund