Waukesha, Wis. (WBAY) — The Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry was deployed to Waukesha following the Christmas parade tragedy.
Seven golden retrievers, including five from Wisconsin, offered their services during a watch at Cutler Park on Monday evening.
“One thing they bring is a sense of compassion, and they bring a sense of presence,” said Gary Kilvinger, a dog handler in Brookfield.
LCC is a national non-profit organization striving to bring peace in the most difficult moments in people’s lives.
“Dogs have been deployed for nationwide tragedies. There are over 100 dogs across the country that are part of this program,” Kilvinger said.
Candace, Charity, Mary, Rhoda and Zoey are based in Wisconsin. Bekah and Tobias are from Illinois. They all completed 2,000 hours of training that allows them to relieve people in seconds.
“Dogs bring up in that moment – two or maybe five minutes when they are with the dog, that they (people) are really relaxed and they feel less anxious than they did before with the dogs to begin with. are,” Kilvinger said.
Relaxation dogs are also there to listen when it can be difficult for someone to share their feelings with others.
“The dog listens to what they are saying, and it may be several things that help them process what it is in their mind and their heart,” Kilvinger said.
LCCs participate in events to which they are invited, and provide their assistance for free.
“As we look forward to next week, we will be in some schools, and we will probably also be in the police department and other events where we can do these kinds of things,” Kilvinger said.
The dogs will also help Christmas parade victims and first responders helping witnesses.
“The dogs are just doing their job. This is what they are trained to do in order to bring this peace into people’s lives,” Kilvinger said.
The LCC Hearts of Mercy and Compassion Ministry sent crosses to Choksi on which people can write condolence messages. The cross has been taken to the memorial site in Waukesha where a place will be established for those killed in the tragedy.
To learn more about the LCC K9 Comfort Dog Ministry, Click here,
Copyright 2021 WBY. All rights reserved.
,