Therapy dogs have been working in the US since the 1960s,
according to the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. “Animal Assisted Therapy” became an
actual recognized practice in 1989, although any pet owner will tell you that simply
petting a dog or cat can help calm and balance a person’s disposition.
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| Courtesy AKC |
Science has shown that petting a dog has physiological
effects. It can reduce stress and anxiety by helping raise a person’s levels of
dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin. Dogs put most people at ease. They can sense
when a person is unhappy and grieving, and provide comfort and unconditional
love to those in need. And dogs sense who needs them most.
Since the turn of the 21st century, funeral homes
have been offering clients the comfort and companionship of grief therapy dogs.
The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) reports that more than half
of their clientele are interested in having a therapy dog present at a funeral
or memorial service.
While the NFDA doesn’t keep track of the number of funeral
homes that have working therapy dogs, it is steadily rising as the public learns to understand and accept therapy dogs in everyday life.
Grief therapy dogs come in all shapes and sizes. The most
popular are Labradors, Labradoodles, Golden Retrievers, and Golden Doodles. But
other breeds, even mixed breeds are acceptable, if trained correctly.
A funeral home grief therapy dog is usually owned by the
funeral director, or another member of the staff. But before joining the staff, a
therapy dog must be trained.
Ultimate Canine is one of the best training services for therapy dogs. Located
near Indianapolis Indiana, the company is owned by Julie Case, who has been
training dogs for nearly 30 years. Her company helps with the selection of the
dog, the actual training, and certification for therapy dogs. And, there are courses for handlers.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), there is a
checklist for therapy dogs working in funeral homes.
Some key points include being able to tolerate excessive
petting, willing to sit on laps, or placing head on knees for extended periods of time. The dog shows no signs of stress, and can “work the room,” seeking out
those who need them.
A grief therapy dog is trained in the art of comfort. The
dog knows how to approach different people. While one person might simply need
the dog laying by their feet, others would welcome a head in the lap, or a paw
on the knee. Therapy dogs sense who would welcome more interaction and offer
it. They are comfortable being held and
cried on. Many times, people talk to the dogs, sharing things they would not be
comfortable voicing to others.
Funeral homes check with family to see if they want a
therapy dog present during the visitation, funeral, or memorial service.
Visitors are notified by a small sign at the door that indicates the family has
requested a therapy dog be present.
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| Courtesy Ultimate Companion |
Therapy dog owners always watch for signs of stress in therapy dogs after long
interaction with those grieving. By visiting schools, nursing homes and other
establishments, the dogs get a chance to reset and get ready for another day to
share their unconditional love and comfort at the funeral home.
~ Joy
