Does your funeral home have a friendly, four-legged employee on staff yet? Grief therapy dogs, also known as comfort dogs, have been around for quite a while and they are an increasingly common sight in funeral homes across the country — with good reason. These sweet, specially trained dogs provide unconditional love and comfort to families as they deal with the grief of losing a loved one.
While it’s not new to see a therapy dog in a hospital or nursing home setting, it is surprising to some to find one at a funeral home. Although any gentle, well-behaved dog with training can become a grief therapy dog, some of the most popular breeds include Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Pugs, Corgis and Yorkies.
From the first time a family walks through the front door, to attending their loved one’s service, these empathetic dogs know just who to gravitate toward. They provide a happy distraction when it’s most needed. For children especially, the dogs help get them through a sorrowful, confusing time.
Beyond making a visit to your funeral home easier for grieving families, comfort dogs bring the added bonus of a happy work environment for you and your employees.
If you’re thinking of making your next new hire the tail-wagging sort, check out this helpful information from the American Kennel Club, on Training Your Dog to be A Therapy Dog and Therapy Dog Programs.
Learn more ways to cater to families you serve with our funeral home lending options.
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