Dogs provide comfort to Sandy Hook students
Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) of Addison, Illinois, and its squadron of K-9 Comfort Dogs headed to Newtown, Connecticut, in mid-December to provide support for survivors of the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. The comfort dogs will stay in Newtown at least through the end of January. Originally scheduled to be there just a few days, LCC staff responded to requests by teachers and town residents to stay and provide a comforting presence when the newly relocated school re-opened.
Twenty students and six teachers were killed in the mass shooting on December 14, 2012. In addition, the shooter killed his mother and himself.
Seven golden retrievers received the hugs and touches of hundreds of Sandy Hook students. According to the Religion News Service, the comfort dog program began in 2008 when LCC staff realized how important pets were for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
LCC is a Recognized Service Organization of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. It operates with a “Dollar In – Dollar Out” funding process, meaning every dollar given for a cause goes directly to that cause or need, with LCC acknowledging the gift and ensuring that the money is used as intended.
Tags: Comfort Dogs, LCC, Lutheran Church Charities, Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, Newtown Connecticut, Religion News Service, Sandy Hook Elementary School
