Journal & Topics Media Group

Comfort Dogs Dispatched To Florida Mass Shooting


A Comfort Dog is hugged by two local girls as a third awaits her turn.

Within hours of the Valentine’s Day mass school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL, Rev. Stephen Carretto called the Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dogs.

Carretto, from St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Boca Raton, FL, knew that if anyone could help students, parents and the first responders dealing with the shooting that claimed the lives of 17 students and teachers, it would be the Comfort Dogs.

Tim Hetzner, president and CEO of Lutheran Church Charities/LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs, said that 19 dogs and 39 handlers from 10 states deployed Feb. 15. After plans were swiftly made from the group’s Northbrook/Prospect Heights office, a monetary response appeared within seconds after an appeal to help with expenses was sent out. Transportation, hotel and meals were chosen and handlers placed blue Lutheran Church Charities K-9 vests on the dogs.

“Boots and paws were on the ground within 24 hours. Two of the 39 people are staff. Most are volunteers,” said Hetzner. “We wish we didn’t have to be deployed, but this is the kind of world we live in. Since the school is closed, we met with survivors at a local center which was set up by their park district. The first thing we went to was a prayer vigil.”

Hetzner said that the dogs do not approach people; rather, they are told where they should be so people can approach them. The dogs either sit or lay on the ground. Comfort Dogs from Illinois serving in Florida are Tobias from Lord of Glory in Grayslake; Jacob, Ruthie and Hannah from LCC Northbrook; and Chloe from Lord of Life in LaFox.

“The dogs have an incredible sixth sense and know when people need love. They are good listeners and they have qualities few people have,” said Hetzner. “They’ll meet parents, individuals, and with families. People will relax and talk about what they’ve gone through. It really aids in their healing.”

Hetzner said after the dogs return home Saturday, the group will decide if it should send out another groups of dogs.

A Comfort Dog in front of the City of Parkland memorial for the victims of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting.

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