GREENWOOD, Ind. (WTHR) — The death of a loved one, whether completely unexpected or foreseen is always challenging.
It’s the type of pain that leaves one in a fog and makes even daily tasks sometimes seem impossible, let alone those related to saying goodbye.
“Talking about funeral arrangements and picking out what you’re father is going to be laid to rest in is a very difficult time,” Beth English said.
English said the canine "grief counselors'" at G.H. Herrmann Funeral Homes helped bring some solace during one of the most challenging times in her life.
“Having a beautiful animal at your side to help you through those difficult moments is one of the nicest feelings you could ever want,” she said while sitting on the couch of the funeral home and petting two of their dogs.
Providing support and companionship during one of the most anguishing times in a persons life is something G.H.Herrmann’s Funeral director said she, her family and staff are grateful to be able to provide.
“Twelve years ago, my husband came up with the idea to introduce dogs during a funeral," funeral home Director April Hermann said. "And he had always loved animals and knew they provided comfort."
Hermann's husband and one of his high school friends work for two years to come up with their own training program. And they grew the program from two dogs to the eight they currently have among all their locations.
“The thing with the dogs is not only is it (their love) unconditional, it’s nonjudgmental,”Hermann said. “Especially with younger kids."
She said that the dogs provide additional comfort to the kids when the people they normally rely on — their parents — are grieving themselves.
“We’re able to allow them (the kids) to write notes, color pictures, which are often to the dogs," Hermann said.
Each of the dogs wears a vest. Sometimes the notes or pictures get put into the dog's vest pocket.
When the kids share what they’ve done with their parents, there’s often a look of relief on the mom and dad’s face.
“And that’s something we’re happy to provide,” Hermann said.
The dogs can be present at any stage. Some clients have requested to have the dogs attend the burial, while in the office making funeral arrangements and during services.
Each dog has its own personality.
Hermann said the funeral home matches the dogs based on which one they think would best serve the family requesting one.
But the dogs aren’t just therapeutic for clients of the funeral home.
She worked at the funeral home several years prior to the dogs being introduced.
“And this kind of an atmosphere. It’s tough. It’s tough to work in. It’s tough for family members and friends to walk through the door. No one wants to come into the funeral home,” she said.
Hermann said the dog brings a warmer more calm environment.
“When you pet an animal, your body does something different,” said Hermann.
And there’s science to support her.
Researchers say petting a dog for just 15 minutes can reduce the body’s stress hormone levels
“They just kinda relieve the pain to some degree that you’re experiencing at the time,” said English.
Hermann said the dogs realize when they’re working and when they’re not because they were trained with their vests.
“When they’re here they have their vest on they know that they’re working. And they’re normal active dogs outside of here,” Hermann said. “Just take their vest off, and (they’ll) play and fetch just like your normal dog," she said.
While there is often very little that can help dissipate the consuming waves of grief but both the funeral home and their clients agree, the unconditional and nonjudgmental love from the dogs helps provide a mild distraction.