Grief Therapy Dogs
We strive to provide the best possible experience for our families. Our therapy dog team is an integral part of creating a warm, inviting atmosphere where people feel comfortable expressing their emotions as they work through the difficult process of grieving their lost loved one.
Grief therapy dogs are specially trained to identify emotional distress. They are naturally calm and confident, generally quiet, and demonstrate an inherent fondness for giving and receiving affection. They are particularly beneficial for children, who may not know how to verbalize their feelings.
If you are interested in having our therapy dogs at a service, please let us know. Harper, Harley, and Foster would be honored to support your family and friends during an emotional time.
Remembering Buter
Butler Stillinger, Golden Retriever, passed away peacefully at 11 years old on Thursday, November 7, 2019, with his family at his side. Memorial contributions in honor of Butler may be sent to the Hancock County Humane Society, 214 E Main St, Greenfield, Indiana 46140.
Harper Stillinger
Grief Therapy Dog
When Harper came to the Stillinger family in December 2017, we knew he was destined to be a therapy dog. Harper completed his training with Ultimate Canine in Westfield to become a certified therapy dog. He follows in the footsteps of his older brother, Butler, and provides our clients with much-needed comfort and laughter during sad and stressful times. When he’s not working at the funeral home, Harper enjoys playing with his brothers, Harley and Foster, going on walks, riding in the car, and stealing his mom’s shoes.
Harley
Grief Therapy Dog
Harley is the oldest member of our therapy dog team. It’s hard to tell the difference between Harley and Harper, but Harley is smaller in stature and has soft, golden-colored fur. Harley is working hard to earn his therapy dog certification from Ultimate Canine. Right now, he’s an “apprentice” therapy dog, and the rest of his pack is showing him the way. When he’s not at work, he enjoys chewing on the opposite end of the same bone as his brother, snuggling, visiting Grandma Stillinger, and taking long walks. But nothing beats riding in the car with his dad, David.
Foster
Grief Therapy Dog
Foster is the newest addition to our therapy dog team and our family. In 2020, Foster completed his training at Ultimate Canine and officially joined us. He’s never met a stranger and was truly born to work with others. He will help foster relationships, healing, and support for families. Foster spends his days passing out puppy love and helping visitors at Stillinger Family Funeral Homes. You may also meet him when he offers community support at different venues with one of our four certified handlers.
Huxley
Grief Therapy Dog
Huxley is the newest certified therapy dog for Stillinger Family Funeral Homes.
Huxley the Labradoodle began his intuitive training at just 16 weeks old. He will continue to bond and learn from his three therapy dog brothers – Harley, Harper, and Foster – and offer healing and support to families and clients visiting the Greenfield, New Palestine and Cumberland funeral homes
Huxley completed grief therapy dog training and earned a $2 million certification with Ultimate Canine in Westfield. According to Stillinger, his empathetic and calm personality makes him a “natural” therapy dog.
To maximize Huxley’s dedicated training, four Stillinger Family Funeral Homes staff members have become certified handlers to not only serve by his side at work but also provide support to the community in different venues.
