BEND, Ore. -- In a town full of fear, pain and every other emotion, a quartet of comfort dogs from across the West have come here to visit the epicenter of a distraught community, as well as with Bend-La Pine Schools teachers and staff.

Lutheran Church Charities' K-9 Comfort Dog teams traveled swiftly to visit with those gathering outside Silver Rail Elementary School to provide encouragement, hope and support. They also walked through the neighborhood, connecting with people deeply affected by what happened.

They also visited with Bend Police, at City Hall, Lava Ridge Elementary, Trinity Lutheran Church and School, and a bus driver debrief with peer support.

Launched in August 2008, the Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry says it's  "a national human-care ministry embracing the unique, calming nature and skills of purebred Golden Retrievers."

"We cannot undo the evil that took place, but we can respond with the love of Jesus. We will keep showing up, trusting God to show us the way," they said.

On Wednesday, the quartet of pooches and their handlers visited the Bend-La Pine Schools Education Center.