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The ministries of Lutheran Church Charities are followed by local, national and international media, specifically in the areas of LCC K-9 Ministries, Disaster Response and Crisis Response. To read more about how LCC shares the mercy, compassion, presence and proclamation of Jesus Christ to the communities we serve, follow us In The News.
Comfort Dogs Relieve stress of those traveling though o'hare airport
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Tobias (Lord of Glory - Grayslake, Illinois) (Friday, December 21, 2018 - WBBM News Radio / Rob Hart) CLICK HERE to listen to the broadcast and read the article Police K-9’s from Northbrook Church Comfort First Responders
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Emma, Ruthie, Hannah & Jacob (LCC Staff) (December 19, 2018 – CBS 2 Chicago) CLICK HERE to read the entire article ‘God is Good’: Lutherans Bear Christ’s Mercy after Taylorville Tornado
Winamac Community Mourns the Loss of Child Killed in School Bus Crash
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Barnabas (Trinity – Hobart, Indiana) and Caleb (Immanuel – Valparaiso, Indiana) (Thursday, December 6, 2018 – WSBT 22 News / Katlin Connin) CLICK HERE to view broadcast and read article Giving in time of need
Turning to Animals During Disasters
LCC President / CEO Tim Hetzner & LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Zina (Thursday, November 29, 2018 – The Weather Channel / Alex Wilson) CLICK HERE to see broadcast The Animals of California’s Devastating Camp Fire
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry (Monday, November 26, 2018 – vision.org.au) CLICK HERE to read the article The Animals of California’s Devastating Camp Fire
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Reuben (First Lutheran – Yuba City, California) & Aaron (St. John – Napa, California) (Tuesday, November 20, 2018 – theatlantic.com / Alan Taylor) CLICK HERE to read the article & see photos Lutheran Comfort Dogs Bring Compassion, Care During Disasters
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs (Tuesday, November 20, 2018 – Care2.com / Laura Goldman) CLICK HERE to read the article Lutheran Comfort Dogs Bring Compassion, Care During Disasters
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs (Thursday, November 15, 2018 – Religion News / Cathleen Falsani) CLICK HERE to read the article Comfort Dogs Gather to Send Off Firefighters Battling California Wildfire
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs (Tuesday, November 13, 2018 – WHDH News / Frank O’Laughlin) CLICK HERE to read the entire article These Dogs Travel to Offer Comfort During Tragedies like the Thousand Oaks Mass Shooting
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs (Saturday, November 10, 2018 – San Gabriel Valley Tribune / Christopher Yee) CLICK HERE to read the article Comfort Dog Helps Students Read Aloud
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Mary (St. Paul’s – Janesville, Wisconsin) (Monday, November 5, 2018 – Beloit Daily News / Hillary Gavan) CLICK HERE to read the entire article Furry Peace, Fluffy Justice will Visit Crime Victims
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Peace (Trinity – Orlando, Florida) (Tuesday, October 23, 2018 – Orlando Sentinel / Gail Tziperman Lotan) CLICK HERE to read the entire article Attendees Get Warm Reception at Fire District Open House
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry (Friday, October 19, 2018 – Prospect Heights eNews) CLICK HERE to see photo and caption Rebecca Rosario and Casey Fiut, Victim Advocates with City of Prospect Heights
LCC Disaster Response (Friday, October 19, 2018 – Prospect Heights eNews) CLICK HERE to read the article Double the Love
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Sage & Zoey (Concordia University Wisconsin – Mequon, Wisconsin) (Fall/Winter 2018 – Concordian Magazine / Kali Thiel, University Affairs) CLICK HERE to read the entire article Real World ‘Paw Patrol’ Responds Wherever There Is Trouble
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Charity (Brookfield Lutheran – Brookfield, Wisconsin) (Sunday, October 7, 2018 – CBS 58 Sunday Morning News / Brendan Cullerton) CLICK HERE to view the broadcast Students Raise Money for Comfort Dogs from Oct. 1 Shooting
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Lois (First Good Shepherd – Las Vegas, Nevada) (Monday, October 1, 2018 – Las Vegas Review-Journal / Richard Velotta) CLICK HERE to read the article North Joshua Students Interact with Comfort Dog
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Pax (St. Paul – Fort Worth, Texas) (Friday, September 28, 2018 – Cleburne Times-Review / Ashley Rose) CLICK HERE to read the entire article St. Paul Lutheran Hosting A Night of Faith and Fur
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Leah (Immanuel – Danbury, Connecticut) (Saturday, September 22, 2018 – Observer) CLICK HERE to read the article Emergency Situations
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Mahlah (Our Savior – Milford, Illinois) (Wednesday, September 12, 2018 – WCIA 3 The Morning Show) CLICK HERE to view broadcast Reuben the Comfort Dog
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Reuben (First Lutheran – Yuba City, California) (Monday, September 17, 2018 – Good Day Sacramento / Cami Brown) CLICK HERE to view broadcast Dogs Provide Comfort to Students after Tragedy
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Barnabas (Trinity – Hobart, Indiana), Bethany (Trinity – Danville, Illinois), and Naomi (Holy Cross – Indianapolis, Indiana (Monday, August 27, 2018 – The Seymour Tribune / Zach Spicer) CLICK HERE to read article Coping with Loss: How Hines VA Helps Grieving Families
LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry (LCC Squad) (August 2018 – Hines Happenings Newsletter) CLICK HERE to read article (page 3) As California burns, Lutherans care
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs (August 17, 2018 – Reporter- Official Newspaper of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod/Tiffany Silverberg) CLICK HERE to read the article Editorial: Reflections On Fire
Comfort dogs help communities Dealing with tragedy
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Gabriel (Messiah – Houston, Texas) and Joy (Gloria Dei – Houston, Texas) (July 19, 2018 – KPRC Click2Houston/ Rose-Anne Aragon) CLICK HERE to read the article K-9 Ministry Links Faith and Fur
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Gideon (St. Michael’s – Bloomington, Minnesota) (July 6, 2018 – Star Tribune / Jean Hopfensperger) CLICK HERE to read the article Downtown Trinity Lutheran Church offers 'Peace' through trained Golden Retriever
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Peace (Trinity – Orlando, Florida) (Sunday, July 1, 2018 – Orlando Sentinel / Lisa Maria Garza) CLICK HERE to read the article Dog lovers are at home in Scituate
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Obadiah (Christ Lutheran – Scituate, Massachusetts) (Thursday, June 14, 2018 – Wicked Local - Scituate / Ruth Thompson) CLICK HERE to read article Great Mills Strong
(Thursday, May 31, 2018 – Winston Media / Ed Winston Delmoro) In a time of tragedy, the community surrounding Great Mills High School comes together to show their love and support to the students and staff. The outpouring of love has helped in the process of transitioning and healing to those who were affected. These are just some of the ways the community has shown their support. #GreatMillsStrong #WeAreGreatMills #HornetStrong CLICK HERE to watch the video FBI Responded to Dixon High School Shooting to Comfort Students
LCC K-9 Police Ministry Dog Shiloh (Christ Our Savior – Dixon, Illinois) (Wednesday, May 23, 2018 – Fox 32 Chicago) CLICK HERE to watch video After Santa Fe High School Shooting, These Comfort Dogs Are Helping Victims
(Thursday, May 24, 2018 - Corpus Christi Caller-Times / Julie Garcia) CLICK HERE to read the entire article Dogs Help Community Deal with Santa Fe Shooting
Lutheran Women’s Group Helps Missions
We’re spending a day in the life of JoJo the comfort dog to find out how she’s making a difference in the health of the seniors she visits.
On the Job with JoJO
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog JoJo (Living Christ – Arlington Heights, Illinois) (Sunday, May 20, 2018 – WGN Living Healthy / Melissa Kula) CLICK HERE to see broadcast Immanuel Lutheran School Students Cheered to See Kare 9 Dogs Ride Fire Truck
LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dogs Butch and Britta (LCC Squad) (Monday, May 7, 2018 – Journal Standard / Jane Lethlean) CLICK HERE to read full article “Kare-9” Dogs Spend the Day with Local Students
LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dogs Butch and Britta (LCC Squad) (Friday, May 4, 2018 – WIFR 23 CBS) CLICK HERE to view broadcast and read article Caring companions
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Hope (Faith – Marietta, Georgia) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Luke (Christ the Sheperd - Alpharetta, Georiga) Faith Lutheran Church in Marietta’s new K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry shares pups for peace CLICK HERE to read the entire article ‘LCC Comfort Dogs on a Mission
‘We have to do what we have to do’ — classes resume at Great Mills High School
Comfort Dog Keeps Busy Schedule
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Shiloh (Christ Our Savior – Dixon, Illinois) (Monday, March 26, 2018 – Sauk Valley) CLICK HERE to read article Comfort Dog will be Outreach Tool for
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Mary (St. Paul’s – Janesville, Wisconsin) (Sunday, March 18, 2018 – GazetteXtra / Jim Dayton) CLICK HERE to read the entire article Katie the Comfort Dog Returns from Parkland
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Katie (Trinity – Fremont, Nebraska) (Tuesday, March 20, 2018 – KLKN-TV ABC8 Eyewitness News / Rachael Miner) CLICK HERE to view broadcast and read article Napa College Mourns Loss of Young Psychologist
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Aaron (St. John’s – Napa, California) (Monday, March 12, 2018 – KGO ABC7 News Napa / Laura Anthony, reporter) CLICK HERE to view broadcast and read article Colorado Comfort Dog Returns Home After Visit with Parkland Survivors
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Katie (Trinity – Fremont, Nebraska) (Wednesday, March 7, 2018 – KMTV 3 CBS) CLICK HERE to see photo and caption How Suburban Dogs Comforted Mourners After Parkland Shooting
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Ruthie and Hannah (LCC Staff) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Tobias (Lord of Glory – Grayslake, Illinois) (Wednesday, March 7, 2018 – Daily Herald / Eileen Daday) CLICK HERE to read the article Golden Retrievers Look Like Friends to Those in Need, They Bring Hope to Lousy Situations
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Ruthie (LCC Staff) and JoJo (Living Christ – Arlington Heights, Illinois) (Tuesday, March 6, 2018 – BBC Radio Ulster Thought for the Day / Nicky Cahill) CLICK HERE to listen to broadcast Local Comfort Dog Helps
Grieving Students in Florida LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Sheba (Immanuel – Washington, Missouri) (Saturday, March 3, 2018 – Missourian / Kavahn Mansouri, Staff Writer) CLICK HERE to read the entire article Memphis Canine Provides Comfort to Stoneman Douglas Students
LCC K-9 Comfort dog Job (Christ the King – Memphis, Tennessee) (Friday, March 2, 2018 – WREG News Channel 3 / Eryn Taylor) CLICK HERE to read the entire article Therapy Dogs Help Those Mourning After Parkland Shooting
Comfort Dog from Grayslake Church Gives
'A Moment to Escape' for Survivors of Florida School Shooting LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Tobias (Lord of Glory – Grayslake, Illinois) (Tuesday, February 20, 2018 – Chicago Tribune, Lake County News-Sun / Sheryl DeVore) CLICK HERE to read article Comfort Dog Team
Provides Consolation in Parkland LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Mercy (Our Savior – Louisville, Kentucky) (Friday, February 23, 2018 – KFVS12 / Sharon Yoo, reporter) CLICK HERE to view the broadcast and read the article Local Church Holds Dinner
for First Responders (Sunday, February 11, 2018 – KLKN-TV ABC8 / Zack Worthington) Members of the Trinity Lutheran Church came together to put on a meal for local first responders. "Typical of Nebraska, we walk in the door and there is just this warm friendly greeting, a very nice meal and everybody wants to sit down and just visit for a little while. It's just this overwhelming appreciation for first responders," said Lincoln Fire Chief Micheal Despain. This is the first time the church has hosted its Trinity Loves First Responders Dinner. Church member Jane Bedient brought the idea to her congregation a few weeks ago. She wanted to make Lincoln's first responders feel appreciated. "It's just our way to say thank you to the people who work very hard every day to keep us safe and serve us," said Bedient. And it took every member to thank them, from the children who made place mats with the words "heroes don't always wear capes" to the parents of local girl scouts who donated 350 cupcakes for the night. "They have served our country so much, it's a good thing to do for them. It's really fun, it makes us feel good about ourselves just to know that we're helping out someone that helps other people," said Haylie Chapman, a girl scout in the seventh grade. Trinity Lutheran also delivered 87 meals to workers in the 911 dispatch, Lancaster County Sheriffs Office and the Lincoln Police Department who had to work tonight. The gesture did not go unnoticed. "It just makes you want to do a better job in your first responder role and give back to the community. It's just kind of this symbiotic relationship that goes back and forth... It's great for relationship building and honestly just a very heartfelt thankful for what they did," said Lincoln Fire Chief Micheal Despain. Members of the church expressed a desire to make this a yearly tradition moving forward. CLICK HERE to read the full article Let’s Talk with Mark Elfstrand
(Wednesday, February 7, 2018 – WYLL AM1160 / Mark Elfstrand) Airlines recently rejected a peacock as a service animal, now allowing service animals on flights is the law but they were really referring to service dogs. Friend Tim Hetzner of the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Ministry stops by and he brought a friend as well. CLICK HERE to listen to broadcast Anna Provides Comfort in Kentucky
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Anna (Trinity – Toledo, Ohio) (Thursday, February 1, 2018 – WTOL 11 CBS / Abigail Martinez, Digital Content Producer) She has comforted flood victims in Louisiana and shooting victims in Las Vegas and recently Anna, the Trinity Lutheran comfort dog, visited Kentucky. Anna and her sister Tabby were recently at Marshall County High school in Benton. Anna and several other specially-trained dogs are there to provide comfort to students and staff after last week's shooting spree that killed two students and wounded more than a dozen others. Anna was deployed on Monday and will return home to Toledo Thursday night. Her handlers say the response from students and parents has been "amazing." CLICK HERE to read the full article. Comfort Dogs Help Students at
Marshall County High School (Tuesday, January 30, 2018 – KFVS12 CBS) MARSHALL COUNTY, KY (KFVS) – A week later, the community of Marshall County, Kentucky is still grieving. On Tuesday, January 30, comfort dogs were brought to Marshall County High School to help. Video and photos taken by sophomore Allison Vasseur showed the comfort dogs on hand to make things easier for the students. CLICK HERE to read the full article and watch the broadcast A Sense of Calm: Tinley Park Native Uses
K-9 Ministry to Reach Vets, Students (Thursday, January 18, 2018 – The Tinley Junction / Cody Mroczka, Editor) Local comfort dog handler provides stress relief for veterans and students Jim Morrison, a U.S. Army veteran – pictured with Brutus, just one of several dogs Jim handles – began working for Lutheran Church Charities in 2014 when a friend offered him a position coordinating a canine ministry program. Jim Morrison spends most days roaming the halls of veteran hospitals, in classrooms and areas devastated by either natural or man-made disasters. In times of need, whether it be a stress-filled final exam, a lonely veteran or a tragic event such as a tornado or mass shooting, Morrison and a four-legged companion, or some of the other dozens of handlers and comfort dogs from Lutheran Church Charities, headquartered in Northbrook, stand ready to be deployed. “We visit a lot of VA hospitals – sometimes four times a month – we attend a quarterly memorial service to honor those veterans, veterans’ funerals, parades, Fourth of July events or anywhere we’re invited to go,” Morrison said. “We never charge people to go where we go.” Morrison, a village resident since 1961 and graduate of Tinley Park High School in the Kare 9 Military Ministry Coordinator for LCC. The unique thing about the military ministry is that all of the handlers, like Morrison, who served in the U.S. Army from 1967-1971, are retired veterans. LCC also offers the K-9 Comfort Dogs, which can be deployed to schools and other community organizations, as well as the K-9 Police Ministry with active and retired law enforcement handlers. The pure-bred Golden Retrievers along with their handlers can double or triple up on these roles, like Morrison does. As a friend of the President of LCC, Morrison was offered a position in 2014 when he began training classes with other veterans, learning basic obedience commands before moving on to more focused training. Comfort dogs differ from therapy or service dogs in that, although they are considered “working” when their handlers put on their camouflage or blue vests, people are encouraged to pet and cuddle the animals, as opposed to service dogs, who usually wear vests that state “do not pet.” “I think they get a sense of relief, the ability to approach the dog. Whatever stress they may be feeling, the dogs give them the opportunity to relieve some of that,” Morrison said. “What happens when we encounter a person, the dog relaxes them. Petting a dog reduces blood pressure, reduces your heart rate, they become calmer, and more apt to talking about what’s troubling them.” For Morrison, the ministry offers a way not only to help people but also share the church’s message. He enjoys visiting veterans and students alike, who always seem to be appreciative of Brutus or the other dogs. Any organization can request a visit - CLICK HERE. “Going to school today is a pretty stressful thing; student after student has told me that this is the best thing that can happen during finals,” Morrison said. “We are a Christian organization, spreading the word of Jesus Christ, and that just so happens through the dogs.” WINGS Brunch Supports Families
Affected by Domestic Violence Tuesday, January 9, 2018 – Chicago Tribune / Candace Jordan) WINGS hosted its 14th annual Sweet Home Chicago brunch at the Four Seasons Hotel with more than 350 guests, including over 200 kids, on December 10. The family-friendly fundraiser supports the nonprofit's shelters, programs and services for those affected by domestic violence throughout the Chicagoland area. … A room was set aside where children could interact with K-9 comfort dogs from Lutheran Church Charities. The dogs work year-round visiting churches, schools, funerals, airports, nursing homes and hospitals, as well as in disaster response situations. Their comforting presence allows children and adults to cope with and identify problems in their lives. Handler Mike Flaherty said, "By petting these dogs, it lowers your blood pressure and anxiety levels. The dogs are a bridge to wellness and healing." CLICK HERE to read the entire article LCC Director of Disaster
Response Installed as Deaconess (Wednesday, January 3, 2018 – Daily Herald) Kathy O'Day is installed as a deaconess by the Rev. Roger Pollock, Lutheran Church Charities congregational ambassador, and the Rev. Joshua Gale, Lutheran Church Charities executive director. CLICK HERE to read the entire article Former Fremonters Involved in
National News Events in 2017 LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Katie (Trinity – Fremont, Nebraska) (Tuesday, December 26, 2017 – Fremont Tribune / Tammy Real-McKeighan, News Editor) It was a year when former – and a few current – Fremonters would be caught up in national news. From horrific shootings to hurricanes, some of those who’ve called this Nebraska community home found themselves in some very different circumstances in 2017. These stories, combined, would rank No. 8 on the Top 10 stories list for the Tribune. “… Soon after hearing about the tragic shooting, Fremonters Dawn Gilfry, Brooke Johnson and Deb Heuer took one of 19 Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dogs to Las Vegas. The women brought Katie the Comfort Dog to various locations including the Sunrise Hospital, where survivors were recovering. Katie made trips to hotels, including Mandalay Bay to comfort employees and to the Clark County Coroner’s Office, which had processed all those who’d been fatally shot. Katie also visited the Metropolitan 911 call center and a preschool. “It’s humbling to have someone you’ve never met allow you into some of their darkest moments and it’s all because of a bridge from a dog,” Johnson said. Throughout their visit, the women often heard people say, “This is the first time I’ve smiled,” “This is the first time I’ve cried” or “This is the first time I’ve felt normal” since the shooting.” CLICK HERE to read the entire article Walker School students comforted
by visits from an Angel LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Angel (St. John's - La Grange, Illinois) Avery Tam 13, pets a golden retriever Thursday inside Terminal 1 at O'Hare International Airport. It was one of several golden retrievers that United Airlines had at the airport, serving as comfort dogs to help travelers relax during a busy week for transportation. The dogs are provided by Lutheran Church Charities. CLICK BELOW to see photo and caption k9_chicago_tribune_12-22-2017.pdf Walker School students comforted
by visits from an Angel LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Angel (St. John's - La Grange, Illinois) (Wednesday, December 20, 2017 - Pioneer Press / Chuck Feldman, Reporter) It took no time at all for Walker School students and staff to fall in love with a new visitor, who in November began spending Monday afternoons in some classrooms. While students enjoy visiting with Mark Stapleton, the assistant to the pastor at St. John's Lutheran Church in La Grange, it's Stapleton's companion who's the real star of the show. Angel is a trained comfort dog for which Stapleton and his wife, Kristen, are the caregivers and primary handlers. As part of a church program, the 4-year-old golden retriever has spent the past 2 ½ years visiting places such as schools, hospitals and retirement homes, along with traveling to Houston after Hurricane Harvey and to Las Vegas after the October shootings that left more than 50 people dead. CLICK HERE to view the broadcast and read the entire article Comfort Canines Visit Salt Creek
to Hear a Good Book (Tuesday, December 12, 2017 – Community Consolidated School District 59 newsletter) (Friday, December 15, 2017 - KFKA 1310 Radio / Gail Fallen, Mornings with Gail) “Mornings with Gail” host Gail Fallen, KFKA 1310 Radio, interviews LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Cubby (Redeemer – Fort Collins, Colorado) Top Dog Bonnie Fear and handler Diana Haake about Redeemer’s LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry and their sponsorship of the Greeley Area Habitat for Humanity Cookie Walk Fundraiser. CLICK HERE to listen to the broadcast MSSU hosts comfort dogs for finals week
LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Jackson & Louie (Immanuel – Joplin, Missouri) (Monday, December 11, 2017 – ABC Action 12 / Adam Sherwinski) It's finals week at Missouri Southern which means students are getting stressed out. While it's the most wonderful time of the year for some, it's a crazy time for college students. "I'm an overachiever. I'm trying to keep my 4.0 and my government class is the only class I'm super stressed about,” says Sara Sargent & Leann Morrow, a couple of students from MSSU. Luckily there are some furry friends to help the worried college students take a step back and calm down, even if it's only for a few minutes. "There's a bunch of very busy young people studying for their finals and we’ve invited them to take a little break from their studying and their testing,” says Jason Glaskey. CLICK HERE to view the broadcast CLICK HERE to read the entire article Meet Ezra: the golden retriever comfort dog brought into the Lucas County Courthouse
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ezra (LCC) (Thursday, December 7, 2017 – WNWO NBC 24 News / Jay Hannah) TOLEDO, Ohio — The Lucas County Courthouse welcomed in a new, furry employee on Thursday. Ezra, the one-year-old golden retriever comfort dog was brought in to help those that have to go through the court system, and all employees inside the courthouse, as well. His primary handlers will include Lucas County Sheriff's Office Lieutenant Gary Condon, and Morgan Coulter and Katie Breier from the prosecutor's office. "Overall, I think Ezra will boost the morale of the courthouse, just because of the seriousness of what we do here. Everyone just wants to stop and pet him. We have to plan ahead to give him extra minutes, so he can see everybody. It will be rewarding for the court," said Condon. CLICK HERE to view the broadcast and read the entire article 5 things to do in scituate
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Obadiah (Christ Lutheran – Scituate, Massachusetts) LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Obadiah (Christ Lutheran – Scituate, Massachusetts) (Wednesday, December 6, 2017 – Wicked Local Scituate / Ruth Thompson) # 2. Spend some time with Obadiah the Comfort Dog Come read or just cuddle up with Obadiah the Comfort Dog at the Scituate Town Library, 85 Branch St. Obadiah will be at the library from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 7. Children in kindergarten and older are invited to sign up ahead of time in the Children’s Room for a 15 minute slot to hang out with Obadiah, who is certified through the Lutheran Church Charities. For more information contact Sue D’Arcangelo at 781-545-8727 or via email at sdarcangelo@ocln.org. CLICK HERE to read full article Heroes & Helpers: 7 Charities
Helping Victims of Recent Disasters (Friday, November 24, 2017 – Parade / Kathleen McCleary) Lutheran Church Charities, based in Illinois, sends trained K-9 Comfort Dogs wherever they’re most needed. The dogs recently brought comfort and compassion to victims’ families, first responders and the community after Hurricane Harvey and after the Las Vegas and Sutherland Springs, Texas, shootings. CLICK HERE to read full article The loving grace of a golden
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Bethany (Trinity Lutheran – Danville, Illinois) (Thursday, November 23, 2017 – Commercial News / Mary Wicoff) DANVILLE — Bethany the golden retriever scampered across the gym, chasing a ball and delighting the children who watched. Then, handler Sharyn Klepp put a vest onto the 2-year-old dog, and she soon switched into work mode, sitting patiently as the students petted her. She kept one eye on Klepp’s hands, however, knowing that’s where the ball was. After all, the highly-trained comfort dog is still a ball-loving, squirrel-watching canine at heart. The dog is owned by Trinity Lutheran Church, and is supported by a separate fund through donations. She lives with Mike and Sharyn Klepp in Oakwood. A team of seven handlers, as well as seven or eight ministry helpers, have been trained to take her out for appearances. CLICK HERE to read the entire article Seward Dog Comforts
those from Nebraska to las vegas (Thursday, NOvember 14, 2017 - KLKN-tv abc7 eyewitness news) (Tuesday, November 14, 2017 – KLKN-TV ABC7 Eyewitness News / Nicole Cousins) Seward has gained another resident, who doubles as Nebraska's newest and youngest comfort dog -- Nicodemus, or Nico, for short. Nico is sponsored by The Rock Lutheran Church at 237 S. 3rd Street. Though only in ministry for 2 months, Nico's mission of comfort has been far reaching — most notably, he was one of 23 golden retrievers — all trained through Lutheran Church Charities — to fly to Las Vegas following the shooting at the Route 91 Harvest Festival, only nine days after he had completed his training. “There was apprehension I think on all of our parts," one of Nico's nine handlers, Corey Gray, said. "About 'Oh what is he going to look like when its real? and Oh he's going to look like exactly how he looked in training, like he knew what he's doing.'” Gray and two other handlers, Danna Seevers and Marcia Newsome, accompanied Nico to Vegas. The foursome left October 3rd, two days after the shooting. The call came swiftly, but Nico was up to the challenge. CLICK HERE to read the full article 2017-11-09 - Comfort dogs report
for duty in texas (Thursday, NOvember 9, 2017 - 1Clickdaily news) The K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry arrived in Sutherland Springs, Texas. CLICK HERE to read full article CLICK HERE to view broadcast 2017-11-08 - Strangers Bringing Comfort, Support to Town of Sutherland Springs
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