*** This article explains the growing trend of emotional support dogs at funeral homes and why this form of therapy is so important.
An emotional support dog is a dog that has been prescribed by a licensed mental health professional to provide a health benefit for those that suffer from an emotional or mental disability.
However, in recent years, we have seen the usage of emotional support dogs broaden across the board. Not only are emotional support dogs used to accommodate those clinically diagnosed with depression, but we also see a growing trend in these animals being used for general therapeutic purposes.
All studies and relevant statistics indicate that depression as well as an overall feelings of discontentment with life are on the rise. This is especially the case for millennials.
So there is a definite need for people to combat depression and sadness in any way they can.
One’s first instinct might be to go running to Big Pharm and get prescription medications to deal with depression. However, people are beginning to wake up and realize that there are natural alternatives to pills.
Emotional support dogs are one of those alternatives and they are an alternative that a growing number of people are turning to for their mental and emotional hardships.
It has been proven time and time again that dogs can literally heal people by increasing serotonin and dopamine levels. This boosts morale, and lowers both stress and blood pressure.
One instance of sadness where people have started to rely on emotional support dogs is death. The death of loved one is literally the most traumatic event one could experience in their life.
During that time of pain, the individual who suffered the death of a loved one can be overcome with a sadness that they may never recover from.
The general public has started to realize the therapeutic effects of emotional support dogs in the immediate aftermath of the death of loved one. This is why we are beginning to see a a growing trend of emotional support dogs at funeral homes.
In fact, one funeral home in Des Moines, Iowa recently made headlines for this very reason.
Hamilton’s Funeral Home and Afterlife Services in Des Moines recently added some dogs to their support team and they help out tremendously!
From the arrangement meetings, to the visitation or funeral services, or even just a friendly greeting at the door. The dogs are available for families who want that extra support.
The owners proved how progressive they are in recognizing the value in adding emotional support dogs to their support team. Obviously, there is no way to completely undo the pain caused by the death of a loved one.
However, something as simple as holding onto an emotional support dog when you are experiencing extreme emotional pain can absolutely help in the grieving process.