Funeral home welcomes ESA
April 6, 2020
Fellows, Helfenbein and Newnam Funeral Home in Chestertown has announced that its comfort dog Willow has received Emotional Support Animal and Community Emergency Response Team certification.
According to a news release, John Bellocchio of Fetch and More Dog Training Services in Hackensack, N.J. trained and certified Willow in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.
Willow’s job will be to provide support to those grieving the loss of a loved one during funeral services and to mix and mingle with mourners at the Fellows, Helfenbein and Newnam site in Chestertown.
“Science has proven that the presence of a dog in a difficult emotional situation can cause lower blood pressure, less depression and less anxiety. We hope that Willow will serve Chestertown and the surrounding communities well,” the funeral home said in a statement.
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