 The quiet hum of voices softened as the doors opened. One by one, they padded in — golden coats gleaming, blue bandanas swaying gently with every step. Fourteen LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs entered the hallway, their calm presence filling the space with warmth and peace. Blue — Renée Michelle Ressler’s favorite color — seemed to surround everything that morning. It was in the scarves worn by the handlers, in the bandanas tied around bouquets, and in the tears and smiles of those who came to remember her. Renée, only 46, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, October 31, from a pulmonary embolism. She was a woman of deep compassion, faith, and purpose — a wife devoted to her husband of 21 years, Bret, and a loving mother to her two daughters, Grace and Ella. Her passing left a space impossible to fill, yet her legacy of care continues to ripple outward through every person she touched. A Family Woven in Ministry For the Ressler and Piske families, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry isn’t just a mission — it’s a calling that has shaped their lives and the lives of so many others. Renée was the daughter of Sue Piske, the “Top Dog” for LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Bekah and Kye (Permanently Deployed) and now part of the In Process team, and the daughter-in-law of Elanie and Terry Ressler, who served as apprentice trainers and later handlers for Bekah and Kye. Together, these families have spent years helping others through moments of pain and loss, always led by faith and compassion. So when the news of Renée’s passing reached the K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry, hearts stirred and plans began forming. Invited by Renée's family, handlers and dogs from across Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin came together — 14 teams in all — to surround the family who had so often surrounded others. Comfort That Shows Up The Comfort Dog Ministry is built on the simple, powerful act of showing up. Whether in times of tragedy, disaster, or quiet grief, these dogs — and their handlers — bring the presence of Christ through calm, compassion, and love. This time, they came for one of their own. “I often use the illustration of a tapestry when I think about how God works,” shared Tobias’ handler. “He weaves things in one area that connect with another. Think about how many dogs are out serving that learned from Elaine and Terry. All the love that those three gave over the years came back to them. I didn’t have to move heaven and earth to be there. But I would have.” Handlers spoke of the deep sense of unity that filled the room — the unspoken understanding that this ministry isn’t just service; it’s family. “We show up for others in their time of need,” said Charity’s handler, “and in those moments, bonds are formed that last for years. When one of us becomes the person who needs support, it never ceases to amaze me that everyone moves heaven and earth to be present. I still catch myself smiling when I see that crew of 14 dogs rolling in.” From Abednego to Shadrach, Jael to Mary, the comfort dogs offered what words could not — quiet companionship, unconditional love, and the reassurance that no one grieves alone. Threads of Memory and Grace Throughout the visitation and memorial service, moments of connection reminded everyone why the Comfort Dog Ministry exists. One handler, who had previously served with Ezra Comfort Dog (Permanently Deployed), recalled a profound encounter. “A woman came up to me who remembered Ezra from years ago,” she said. “They had bonded at a book signing for Extraordinary Dogs. She hadn’t heard that he’d passed. We both cried, but it was heartwarming to know she was keeping him alive in her memories. I realized God led me to this funeral not just for Sue and her family, but for her too. We never truly know the effect these dogs have on others.” Another handler reflected on the generosity that had come full circle that day. “The Ressler and Piske families have been so generous with their time and talent,” said Samson’s handler, “that everyone wanted to be there to give back. It was touching to see how much the dogs mean to people — even a single mention of one who’s gone brings tears.” And among the children who came, there were moments of innocent joy. Shadrach's ministry partner shared how the kids’ faces lit up when offered a Little Jesus plush. “Their sincere ‘thank yous’ were beautiful,” they said. A Legacy of Listening Beyond her family’s deep ministry roots, Renée’s own life was defined by compassion. She worked in the medical field, where her colleagues remember her not only for her dedication, but for her ability to truly listen — to make each person feel seen, valued, and loved. Her kindness, humor, and quiet strength inspired those who worked beside her. Whether at home, at work, or among friends, she gave her full heart to every moment. “The feeling of family, love, and support between the teams — and between the former teams of Immanuel, Belvidere — it’s something you can’t quite describe,” shared Mary’s handler. “I felt so blessed to be part of this family.” Love That Comes Full Circle As the memorial service ended, the dogs rested quietly beside chairs, their calm presence steady and sure. Blue bandanas caught the light, a shimmering reminder of the color Renée loved — a reflection of her grace and her spirit. The ministry she and her family have nurtured over the years came together that day, not only to grieve, but to give thanks — for a life lived with purpose, for faith shared freely, and for love that never stops showing up. Through every comforting paw, every prayer offered, and every hug exchanged, Renée’s legacy continues — woven into the tapestry of compassion that defines the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry. Her story now joins the many others of comfort, faith, and love — carried forward by golden paws, gentle hearts, and the color blue. Thank you to the following LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry teams for answering the call to serve:
Abednego – Immanuel, Crystal Lake, IL Believe Comfort Dog in training with Apprentice Trainers Charity – Brookfield Lutheran, Brookfield, WI Claudia – Trinity, Toledo, OH Eunice – LCC Staff Gethsemane – Lord of Glory, Grayslake, IL Hannah – LCC Staff Jael – Trinity, Hobart, IN Julia – LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry – King of Glory, Elgin, IL Mary – St. Paul's, Janesville, WI Michael – LCC Staff Samson – Zion, Marengo, IL Shadrach – Prince of Peace, Palatine, IL Tobias – Lord of Glory, Grayslake, IL Comments are closed.
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