LCC K-9 Ministry Teams Return with Comfort to Marshall County High School in Benton, Kentucky

Last year, a student from Marshall County High School in Benton, Kentucky, opened fire inside the commons area before school began. Two children were killed and many more injured. When the commons area re-opened, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were invited to the high school to be with the students as they returned.

On January 23, the Comfort Dogs were invited back for the one-year observance of this tragedy. Ten of the twelve teams were able to return: LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Anna (Trinity – Toledo, Ohio), Dinah (Trinity- Auburn, Illinois), Job (Christ the King – Memphis, Tennessee), Bethany (Trinity – Danville, Illinois), Mercy (Our Savior – Louisville, Kentucky), Tabby (St. Paul’s – Des Peres, Missouri), Noah (Timothy – St. Louis, Missouri), Tobias (Lord of Glory – Grayslake, Illinois), Rosie (Atonement – Columbus, Ohio) and LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dog Flex (LCC Squad). Within one hour of checking into the hotel, a giant gift basket arrived from the School Board and the local Ponderosa provided the handlers dinner. This loving community embraced the teams last year and opened their arms again for us this year!

Donate - LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Fund

Many people had been understandably dreading this day for months, but one counselor shared that she knew she would be able to relax when she heard the dogs were coming back. Through tears, she could not say thank you enough.

Comments such as these were shared on social media:

"You have no idea what comfort you brought our children.”
“Such love and support that these faces provided in our darkest hour.”
“In the days immediately following, talking about and loving on these dogs were the first/only smiles I saw from my daughter…God bless you and the work you do.”
“This is an amazing ministry!”

In addition to the love the dogs provided, the handlers were genuinely thanked for their presence. One teacher said “I still don’t have the words to describe the blessing you were to me (and many more) that week. Thank you for following God’s calling for you and touching lives all over!”

We pray for continued healing in this community. Everyone who deployed to Benton, Kentucky, has a special place in their heart for the people who live there. We will never forget you.