Special Olympics

On Thursday, September 20, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Noah (Timothy – St. Louis, Missouri), Sheba (Immanuel – Washington, Missouri), and Tabby (St. Paul’s – Des Peres, Missouri) spent a beautiful sunny morning visiting with and cheering on athletes, helpers, their families, and the many dedicated volunteers during the Special Olympics held at Lutheran High School South in St. Louis, Missouri.
 
The LCC K-9 Ministry handlers enjoyed seeing the joy on the athletes faces (and on the high school students helpers' faces too!) when they see and interact with the dogs. The Comfort Dogs have been asked to keep coming back to this event. For Sheba Comfort Dog, this is the 5th time she has participated as Special Olympics which is held in the Fall and in the Spring each year. Since the teams are able to participate twice a year, they recognize some of the Special Olympians and high school students, and they recognize us! One of the athletes said to us, "I remember you!" Another girl said Sheba's name over and over as she smiled. 

Donate - LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Fund

A favorite memory for Sheba’s handler is the first time Sheba participated in 2016. There was a boy there who had never touched an animal before, but because the Comfort Dogs are so calm and gentle, he was able to pet these dogs. Everyone was so excited for him! This has been seen other times as well that some of the children or teens who had been apprehensive about touching a dog were able to overcome their fears and pet the Comfort Dogs. It gave them such a sense of accomplishment, and the teachers and caregivers with them were so grateful and appreciative to see the students have a breakthrough like this.
 
The LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams are proud of these athletes for their skill, determination, and all of their accomplishments! Way to go!