Claire Zimmerman: Dogs Help Mourners

A funeral home in Iowa has decided to try something that is truly genius: have a dog that is a part of the funeral home that helps cheer the mourners up. The golden-doodle, known as the "...ambassador of grief...", will sit with the families when their waiting. The dog is supposed to be used as a means for conversation starters between a family, because after the loss of a loved one sometimes it's hard to talk to anyone. With this furry guy around, it brings a sense of happiness to the room, and the people can reminisce about old times, like if they used to have a dog or something of the sorts. This canine- companion has also been taught to kneel down until it hears the word "amen." So it's sort of the only dog that can pray.

I thought  this was a heart felt article. The presence of dogs (and cats, for cat people) can be a very soothing and even therapeutic thing for people. I remember at senior showcase, all the seniors were stressed out, and someone brought puppies in and everyone forgot their worries and were just focussing on the little fuzz-balls in front of them. Animal presence brings peace to people, and using dogs to help soothe people mourning the death of a loved one is a perfect idea. It's difficult to deal with deaths of people around us: we want some comfort. What better comfort is there than a sweet dog? I cannot believe that there are only two funeral homes in Iowa that implement this idea. It would bring me personally great comfort to have a dog there when dealing with a death. I think this idea could not only work with dogs, but cats, too. It is more work on the funeral home directors, I understand, but it will pay of a lot for the people who unfortunately require their services.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2014/02/23/grief-dog-helps-to-comfort-mourners-in-iowa/