LCC Ministries Present and Continuing to Serve the Waukesha Community with Compassion Following Christmas Parade Tragedy

11/30/2021

We only go if invited and NEVER charge those we serve

LCC K-9 Ministries
Hearts of Mercy & Compassion, Crosses For Losses Ministry

The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their ministry teams continue to serve and bring comfort to the community of Waukesha, Wisconsin, that was devastated by the Christmas parade tragedy. On Sunday, November 21, the driver of a sport utility vehicle (SUV) plowed into participants and observers at a Christmas parade killing six people, including an 8-year-old boy, and injuring 62 others.

The LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs were invited by Pastor Peter Schmidt from Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Waukesha and were present at the Waukesha Candlelight Vigil that night.

LCC K-9 and HMC Ministry teams continue to serve with open hearts to listen to the hurting, bringing them hope, comfort, and prayer.

The hearts/crosses are placed at the Veterans Park memorial site for people to sign and leave condolence messages, pray, and pay their respects to the six lives lost so far.

Additional hearts/crosses were left with Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church.

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and ministry teams serving Waukesha, Wisconsin starting Monday, November 22- present:

Bekah (Immanuel – Belvidere, Illinois)
Candace (LCC Staff based in Wisconsin)
Charity (Brookfield Lutheran – Brookfield, Wisconsin)
Eve (St. John’s – Lombard, Illinois)
Hagar (Faith Lutheran – Appleton, Wisconsin)
Julia (King of Glory – Elgin, Illinois)
Mary (St. Paul – Janesville, Wisconsin)
Rhoda (Prince of Peace – Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin)
Samson (Zion – Marengo, Illinois)
Tobias (Lord of Glory – Grayslake, Illinois)
Sage (Concordia University Wisconsin – Mequon, Wisconsin)
Zoey (Concordia University Wisconsin – Mequon, Wisconsin)

On Tuesday, November 23, and Wednesday, November 24, Candace, Charity, Mary, Sage, and Zoey Comfort Dogs and their handlers spent time at the “Friends and Family Resource Center” at Carroll University Campus Center to support the hurting community of Waukesha. It was an honor to serve the families and those who came to assist them.

On Saturday, November 27, Bekah, Charity, Mary, Rhoda, Sage, Samson, and Zoey Comfort Dogs and their handlers were invited to spend time with members of the Waukesha High School marching band and their families at Waukesha West High School. The Waukesha High School Band was part of the annual Christmas parade last week and was impacted by the horrible tragedy of that day.

The students, families, faculty, and community members gathered together at Saturday’s bonfire to draw strength and comfort from one another. The Waukesha High School students and their families sought comfort and love from the Comfort Dogs. During these times of loss and hurt, all we can do is show up with love and let those who are hurting know we are there for them.

On Monday, November 29, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their handlers were at two schools affected by the Waukesha parade tragedy.

Hagar, Rhoda, and Samson Comfort Dogs and their handlers spent time with each class at Beautiful Savior Lutheran School. Monday was the first time the students had been back to school since the parade crash. Having the Comfort Dogs there brought a happy distraction during a very difficult time. The K-9s spent time giving the students much love and attention as they continue to process and heal from this tragedy that affected their hometown.

"The dogs are just doing their jobs in essence," said Gary Kilvinger, Lutheran Church Charities handler for Charity Comfort Dog. "That's what they're trained to do, to bring this calmness to people's lives."

Clarendon Elementary, Mukwonago, Wisconsin, was the other school that the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their ministry teams visited on Monday. Bekah, Charity, and Mary Comfort Dogs were there to capture the tears and receive the students' sweet hugs and gentle touches. The Comfort Dogs were good listeners and responded to the children and teachers with their soft, understanding eyes and unconditional love.

When the school counselor saw the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs arrive Monday morning, she breathed a sigh of relief. "People have dogs, but these dogs bring another level of comfort I have never seen. Your dogs helped in so many ways. Your teams are amazing."

The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry was honored to serve these two schools and their compassionate and dedicated teachers and principals.

On Monday evening, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their ministry teams visited and served the City of Waukesha 911 Dispatch and Police Department who had responded to the horrible incident at the Christmas parade.

LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Mary, Rhoda, Sage, Samson, Zoey, and LCC K-9 Police Ministry Dogs Candace, Charity, Eve, and Julia were there to love and comfort these brave men and women who give of themselves, their skills, and knowledge to help in difficult times. God gives us each other to lean on, love, and pray with when we are hurting.

A Heart of Mercy & Compassion was presented to the City of Waukesha 911 Dispatch and Waukesha Police Department in appreciation of their dedication and service.

Please keep the Waukesha community and the first responders who serve them in your prayers as they continue to heal.

LCC never goes where we are not invited. LCC’s K-9 Comfort Dog and Hearts of Mercy & Compassion Ministries NEVER charge those we serve as we bring the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those suffering and in need. Please keep the Waukesha, Wisconsin community in your prayers following the devastating tragedy.

DONATE — LCC K-9 TRAVEL FUND

DONATE — HEARTS OF MERCY & COMPASSION