Get the Dog

When people ask me who the real boss is at GLP, I don’t hesitate. It’s Annie. She may only be a few feet tall and covered in fur, but our Australian Labradoodle is the heartbeat of our office and our home. And honestly, I think more funeral homes could benefit from having someone like her around.

We talk a lot in our profession about compassion, empathy, and creating a calming environment for grieving families. Therapy dogs have become a more common presence in funeral homes for good reason. There’s a quiet comfort in petting a dog while navigating some of the hardest conversations a person will ever have. No words are needed. Just that unconditional presence.

But beyond formal therapy work, just having a dog around changes things.

Dogs are incredibly intuitive. They can sense emotion, shift the tone of a room, and bring levity to even the heaviest of days. I’ve seen it firsthand. When Annie is in the office, people soften. Smiles come easier. Tension melts a little. Staff stop for a moment to take a breath. Families who’ve just walked through our doors in deep grief find a moment of peace, even joy, when they meet her.

For those of us in funeral service, where the emotional weight can be immense and the pressure never seems to slow, a dog is more than just a companion. It’s a silent support system. That wagging tail is a reminder to take a break, step outside, or sit on the floor for a few minutes and just be still. It’s hard to overstate the emotional and even physical health benefits of sharing your space with a dog.

Of course, not every facility can or should have a dog roaming around the chapel. But I’m a big believer that if your situation allows it, “Get the dog.” Even if it’s not a trained therapy animal, just the presence of a furry friend can transform the feel of your space and your team.

From a business perspective, it doesn’t hurt either. We’ve seen the way people respond to Annie on social media. She has her own role at GLP, and she’s arguably one of the most recognizable “faces” of our brand. People connect with her. They remember her. And they remember how they felt when she greeted them at the door.

We often look for big ideas to improve morale, build trust, or make the office feel warmer. Sometimes, the solution is simpler than we think. Sometimes, it’s four paws and a wagging tail.

In funeral service, where every gesture matters and every ounce of comfort counts, I’ll say it again:

Get the dog.