Good Dog Grief

Animals are a source of great comfort in time of need. Dogs, in particular, have earned the moniker “Man’s Best Friend,” despite intense competition from cats, rabbits, hamsters, lizards and more. Experts agree that canines possess the unique ability to sense when their masters are troubled. Whether they hear sniffles or see tears, they often run to their owners to offer a lick or snuggle up when the going gets tough.

In fact, a University of London study determined: “Dogs were more likely to approach a crying person than someone who was humming or talking, and that they normally responded to weeping with submissive behaviors.”

Therapy Dogs

As a result of their innate sense of how and when to render aid, dogs make perfect therapy animals. They serve in a number of arenas across the world, from natural disasters to assisted living centers, from hospitals to schools and (our personal favorite) …funeral homes. A proud member of the Foothill Funeral & Cremation family is Lola, our bereavement pug. She was trained to be a bereavement dog and has nearly completed her certification.

Lola, Lo Lo Lo Lo Lola

Weighing in at 23 lbs., Lola cheerfully greets families and wanders the halls of our Glendora showroom on a regular basis. The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) does not track the number of funeral homes in the U.S. with therapy dogs. However, the number has risen significantly over the last few years. Since imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, we take it as a compliment that bereavement dogs have joined the ranks of mortuary teams across the San Gabriel and San Fernando Valleys as well as the Inland Empire.

Our Lola is five years old and has spent her entire life in a funeral home. She greets our families and will accompany loved ones to their service at the request of the family. She has a special bound with grieving children and does her best to bring them comfort.

Dogs & Death

Not only do therapy dogs provide comfort, they improve overall mental and physical health. For example, petting a therapy dog increase serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain. This improves mood by lowering stress, anxiety and depression. Interacting with a therapy dog also lowers blood pressure and helps the lonely, which is how people often feel immediately after losing a loved one. So, we invite you to come by our Glendora showroom and say, “Hello” to Lola. She (and we) will be glad you did!

About Foothill Funeral & Cremation

Although we jest, we take death very seriously. We know your loved one was very important to you. And we value the opportunity to celebrate his or her life or help you pre-plan a service for yourself. Feel free to contact us now to pre-plan your own memorial or at your time of need (626) 335-0615. Our relationship with United Methodist Church and Sacred Heart provide great places for mourners to host funerals and memorials. You’ll love the grandiose yet intimate settings in both locations.

We also specialize in helping with burial arrangements and proudly serve the San Gabriel Valley, San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles Basin, Orange County and the Inland Empire. Finally, working in the mortuary industry since 1996, our reputation is one of quality, sincerity and trust. Please allow us to help you at your time of need or in the future. Call today (626) 335-0615 or contact us via email.