Love Still Shows Up: Comfort Dogs Continue to Bring Healing After FSU Tragedy

In the days following the heartbreaking shooting on Maundy Thursday at Florida State University (FSU), the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry responded with the healing presence of Christ’s love—and a pack of gentle, furry companions.

From Good Friday through April 25, these dedicated teams walked the FSU campus offering something powerful: presence, peace, and unconditional love.

What they witnessed was a powerful reminder of God's presence in the midst of pain.

Smiles Through Tears and Peace in the Chaos

During a time of fear and uncertainty, countless students sought out the comfort dogs—some returning day after day for another quiet moment, another touch of peace. Each wagging tail brought relief. Each quiet nuzzle reminded the FSU community they weren’t alone.

One handler shared a memory of a student breaking into a radiant smile after being asked how her day was going:

“She said, ‘My day just got so much better!’”

Another student, still reeling from the trauma, simply sat in silence petting Zoara Comfort Dog  With no need for words, healing began. By the end of their time together, laughter had returned to her voice.

For some students, the pain ran even deeper. One young woman, a survivor of both the Parkland shooting and this most recent tragedy, found herself in the arms—paws, rather—of Hope. She melted to the ground, buried her face in Hope’s fur, and sobbed. The comfort dogs absorbed pain words could not touch.

A Parent’s Gratitude, a Community’s Strength

“My daughter is a student at Florida State University,” one parent wrote. “She sent me pictures of your sweet dogs and told me what nice dogs they were… I am simply moved to tears. You were truly God's hands today on that campus.”

And indeed, the FSU community rose with resilience. Through meaningful conversations, quiet reflection, and gentle touches, students, faculty, and staff began to piece hope back together. The Comfort Dog teams bore witness to the profound strength and kindness of a campus determined to heal.

A Ministry of Presence That Matters

It’s not easy to travel hundreds of miles to step into the center of someone else's grief. But that’s what the Comfort Dog teams did—answering God's call to “be there,” even when words fall short.

The quiet moments, the shared silence, the soft fur pressed against trembling hands—these were holy acts of ministry.

A heartfelt thank you goes to Pastor Jay Winters and the students of University Lutheran for hosting the teams during their deployment. Your hospitality gave strength to the servants bringing light in the darkness.

BE THERE FOR FSU FUND

You can help us keep showing up.

Even as the Comfort Dog teams return home, their hearts remain at FSU. And the need for healing—at FSU and in communities across the country—continues.

Your support enables us to send Comfort Dogs and trained handlers into places of heartbreak, fear, and trauma—bringing the peace of Christ in the most tangible way.

Donate to the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry today

Because even in tragedy, love still shows up—and joy still finds a way to break through.

---

READ ALSO: Hope on Holy Week: LCC Brings Comfort to Grieving FSU Campus

CLICK HERE to read the Special Appeal “LCC K-9 and HMC Teams deploying to Florida State to BE THERE for university community after shooting.”