Isaac, a certified comfort dog from the Redeemer Lutheran Church’s Canine Comfort program in Spokane Valley, Washington, returned home after a healing mission in Bend, Oregon. The dog was dispatched to the community following the deadly shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School that claimed the lives of three students and a teacher.

Comfort work on the ground

Isaac’s visit began at the school’s memorial site and continued with stops at the fire‑department headquarters, the school administration building, and local bus‑driver facilities. While there, he provided gentle hugs and sat with individuals, offering a calming presence during a time of deep grief.

Julie Blyckert, a spokesperson for Redeemer Lutheran Church, explained that the dogs help children feel safe sharing their experiences. “We tell the kids the dogs keep the best secrets if they want to tell them whatever,” Blyckert said. “Some children actually told Isaac their eyewitness story of what happened in that school.”

Special training for deeper support

Isaac has received advanced emotional‑support training, including a unique “hug” task. Blyckert recounted a moment when Isaac approached a staff member in the school administration building, instinctively recognizing her close connection to one of the victims. “He just has that sense of knowing who needs that,” she noted.

Ongoing commitment

The church emphasized that the mission is not a one‑time visit but part of a longer healing process. “The community is very much on our minds,” Blyckert said. “We are willing to go back when school starts up again, and we’ll return for anniversaries because we want communities to know we haven’t forgotten them.”

Throughout his time in Bend, Isaac walked among crowds, snuggled into laps, and provided quiet companionship to anyone in need. “He is a good boy,” Blyckert added, reflecting the affection the community feels for the four‑legged helper.

Original reporting: KHQ Spokane (news) — read the source article.