Because of the visits on my calendar during the coming week, it was good to start the week at Faith on Sunday morning. The congregation and my handlers said prayers for our safety and the opportunity to bring comfort to adults and kids.
Later on Sunday, I made a trip to downtown Milwaukee to participate in a prayer vigil at city hall to support the families and friends of the people that had died in a shooting at a Milwaukee brewery a few days before. I was there with a large group of other comfort dogs. The vigil took place from 6 to 7:30 PM. Several guest speakers expressed their sympathy to the families in mourning.
On a happier note, I next visited a middle school in a far northwest suburb. We visited with kids in the library. I was there with two other comfort dogs. As it turned out, the other dogs had white fur just like me.
Then later in the week, it was back to Milwaukee. This time other comfort dogs and I were set up in a visitor center at the brewery where the shooting took place. We had the opportunity to visit with the employees and share the comfort of Jesus. The employees were very pleased to pet us.
After we returned home, I had a chance to rest for about a half-hour, and then it was time to go again. I visited one of the senior residences at Luther Village. I was there with three other comfort dogs. The residents were waiting for us. They all petted each dog; one person sat on the floor to be able to rub each dog on the back and stomach. She said that she always looks forward to the day of our visit.
I then visited another school. This was a high school in a far northwest suburb. One of the students had committed suicide ten days before. Last week, I visited with the teachers at this school; this time it was for the students. I was set up in a large study hall room. During lunch hour and during the class change time, a very large number of students stopped to pet me. They seemed to find the visit comforting.
I ended the week visiting the International Care Center again in Chicago. The kids continue to be more relaxed when JoJo and I are there. These visits have become a very happy occasion.
As I have said before, the need to bring comfort and care for people continues to grow. We pray that we can be there to extend the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Be in touch. Peace!