Therapy Pets for Grieving Families

 

Grief is complicated for anyone to process, and when you’re overwhelmed with emotions, it can be difficult to reach out for help. In these situations, many people turn to therapy pets for comfort and support. Therapy pets during grief are so popular that more funeral homes are beginning to have therapy dogs and cats on hand to help families through the funeral planning process! But therapy dogs aren’t just another furry friend to have around– there are several benefits to having a therapy pet while healing from a loss.

If you’re considering getting a therapy pet to help you cope with a loss, then read on for some of the best benefits of therapy pets for grieving families: 

• Mood Boost. Having a pet can boost your mood– studies show that even just petting a dog can boost serotonin and dopamine levels in your brain, improving your overall mood and making you feel happier. Stroking a pet can also lower your blood pressure and make you feel less lonely. Think of a pet as a natural painkiller that also happens to be an adorable and kind friend!
•  Speechless Therapy. After experiencing a loss, many people are at a loss for words or do not know how to express their feelings in words. Some people are uncomfortable speaking about their deep feelings to another person. It is especially true of children who may be experiencing loss for the first time and aren’t comfortable sharing feelings with adults. Therapy pets are a great way for people of all ages to communicate their feelings without worrying about getting a response. Speaking your thoughts can be helpful, and a therapy pet will listen without judgment.
• Movement. Therapy pets, particularly therapy dogs, require care, often including physical exercise or activity. Dogs must be walked multiple times daily, forcing you out of the house to exercise with them. Exercise and fresh air will improve your mood and decrease your stress levels while giving you a sense of control of your life again.
• Self-Care. People going through grief also neglect their own self-care. Having a pet you need to take care of will remind you of what you need to do for yourself— exercise is one of them. Grooming, feeding, and even showing your pet affection will remind you to do the same things for yourself, giving you the self-care you need to heal and recover.

Adolf Funeral Home and Cremation Services prides itself on providing exemplary customer service. We take every measure to ensure you are satisfied with all your funeral planning and burial needs during this sensitive time of grief and mourning. Our staff will do whatever it takes to make our workplace environment positive, which translates to your experience with us.

Adolf Funeral Home and Cremation Services has served the Berwyn and Willowbrook areas for many years. We pride ourselves on being large enough to provide professionalism and reliability yet small enough to provide personalized service. To discover more about how we can serve your needs, please visit our website or call one of our locations today.

Sources:

https://esacare.com/turn-grief-into-joy-with-emotional-support-animal/

https://www.obannonfuneralhome.com/animals-and-grief

https://www.frazerconsultants.com/2017/07/ruff-times-how-therapy-dogs-help-the-grieving/