When Words Fell Short, Comfort Dogs Showed Up

In the wake of an unexpected and deeply personal loss, St. Peter’s Lutheran School in Eastpointe, MI, opened its doors to the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry, welcoming four trained comfort dogs and their handlers to support a grieving school community.

The request came from Principal Beth Jablonowski, who shared that the mother of a fourth-grade and seventh-grade student had died suddenly. The family is closely connected to the small K–8 school, with the 7/8 grade teacher and church secretary both related to the mother. The loss sent shock waves through the tight-knit school and church community.

“Today was a rough day to get through here at our school,” Jablonowski said, expressing gratitude and relief that the comfort dog teams could be present for students, staff, and the grieving family.

Responding to the request, four LCC K-9 Comfort Dog teams arrived: Damascus (St. Paul - Napoleon, OH), Eternity (Cornerstone - Carmel, IN), Honey (St. Paul Westlake - Westlake, OH), and Magdalene (Cornerstone - Carmel, IN).Their mission was simple yet powerful—to be present, to listen, and to offer calm, compassionate support during a time of sorrow.

Quiet Moments of Comfort for a Grieving Family

For Damascus Comfort Dog handler, the visit was her first emergency support response, and the experience left a lasting impression.

“One moment that stuck out was when we were with the family, and Damascus edged toward the dad, who was petting her,” she shared. “That really touched my heart to see her ‘in action’ and know he needed comfort.”

She also recalled the young son, who quietly stayed close, petting Damascus again and again.

“They all seemed so grateful. What a blessing to be a part of this today,” she said, adding that she would continue to hold the family and St. Peter’s community in prayer.

Small Interactions, Big Impact

Magdalene Comfort Dog’s handler reflected on how even the smallest moments can change a child’s day.

“I was struck by how well behaved and polite all of the children were,” she said. One interaction in particular stood out when a young girl approached Magdalene quietly.

“I told her she had beautiful long braids and asked how long it took to make her hair look so nice. She gave the biggest and brightest smile. It was as if that one little comment changed her day,” she shared. “It reminded me how important it is to truly notice someone.”

She later shared that many students returned multiple times during recess just to spend more time with the dogs.

“One girl came over especially to thank us for being there, and a young boy told me he wished the dogs could come back next week,” she said. “We came to bring caring and love, and we felt love returned back to us.”

A Community United in Care

Eternity Comfort Dog’s handler reflected on the teamwork and faith that made the visit possible.
“I am grateful for all the ‘Yes’s that made serving on an ESV possible,” she said. “From gentle hugs to silent caresses, we saw God’s kingdom come in little voices and hands.”

She described the day as filled with moments of quiet healing—lap hugs, shared prayers, and reassuring presence.

“We trust this family—and especially the father—to You, Jesus, to supply all their needs in the weeks and months ahead,” she added.

In another reflection, she emphasized the sense of purpose guiding the team.

“From bringing joy and a break in the school day for some to genuine presence and caring for the family and friends of the deceased, we were the hands, feet, and paws of Jesus,” she said.

Support for Students, Staff, and a Close-Knit Church Family

For Honey Comfort Dog’s handler, the visit marked Team Honey’s first emergency response deployment.

“It was a blessing to be a part of sharing comfort with the faculty, staff, and students of St. Peter,” she said. “The adults we met seemed to need God’s help the most, many commenting on the difficulty of this sad experience within their church family.”

She noted the closeness of the community and how the dogs helped reinforce a sense of God’s presence.
“Honey and her K-9 colleagues seemed to reinforce to the folks at St. Peter that the Lord is present, He understands their loss and suffering, and He will help them get through this together,” she said.

The students, she added, responded with tenderness and joy.

“Older students seemed more subdued, and bonded with the comfort dogs—many hugs and kisses,” she said. “The kids were a joy.”

Healing Through Presence

Throughout the day, teachers and staff repeatedly expressed gratitude for the teams’ presence. Extra support was focused on the two grieving students, their teachers, and the school secretary who was related to the deceased mother.

Handlers said the visit was a reminder of the ministry’s purpose: to show up in moments of pain with compassion, faith, and quiet comfort.

As one handler reflected, “We were right where we needed to be.”

In the midst of grief, St. Peter’s Lutheran School found moments of peace, smiles, and connection—helped along by four gentle golden retrievers and the people who walked beside them in faith.

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