Dogs have the innate ability to lift our spirits, but it takes a truly warm and caring disposition to help people through some of life’s darkest moments, and do it on an ongoing basis. One such pup is a 4-year-old mini goldendoodle named Aunt Bea.
“My family and I own several funeral homes and manufacture products for the industry,” said owner Linda Darby-Dowers, CEO of Sunset Funeral Homes in Danville, Illinois. “We understand our place of business is not one where people want to come, so we need to do our part to help them heal.”
She decided having a dog on the premises might help her customers deal with their grief.
Researching the friendliest breeds, she found goldendoodles at the top of the list. She recalled that she prayed that God would direct her to the right dog and He did.
“Aunt Bea’s demeanor was perfect,” she said. “We worked with a trainer for six weeks; she was so easy to train. Aunt Bea was the last pick of the litter and she was so docile. I truly believe these working dogs are born to do their jobs.”
Her presence is just as good for the funeral directors and staff who work long hours under intense pressure. Aunt Bea also goes to schools to visit students.
“One little girl shared how she tells her dog all her secrets because he doesn’t tell anyone else and loves her no matter what,” said Darby-Dowers.
This four-pawed wonder is also a favorite at local nursing homes and assisted living facilities, where the patients and residents come alive when they see her.
“We share stories about their pets and the joy they brought to them when they were home,” said Darby-Dowers. “These are very special moments.”
In her leisure time, Aunt Bea loves to wrestle with her little sister Miss Maizey, a mini bernedoodle, who is also in training to be a comfort dog (although the jury is still out whether she’ll make the cut). She also loves to patrol the yard, protecting her pack.
