Celebrating National Dog Day: A Special Tribute to Arlington’s Canine Comforters
August 26, 2024
Today is National Dog Day, and while many celebrate the joy and companionship that dogs bring into our lives, here at Arlington, we honor these beloved animals with a heartfelt twist.
You’ve likely come across countless feel-good quotes about dogs, but one, in particular, seems to capture the essence of their impact: “Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.”
Why are we focusing on dogs today? The answer is simple and deeply meaningful.
Teddy the Therapy Dog
Six years ago, our Family Care Advisor, Lauren Christakos, welcomed a Goldendoodle puppy named Teddy into her life. Teddy quickly became a cherished member of the Arlington family, recognized for his unique “wonky” ear and his endearing personality. But Teddy is far more than just our mascot—he’s a beacon of comfort and compassion.
Lauren dedicated time and love to training Teddy as a therapy dog. Therapy dogs are specially trained to provide comfort and affection to those in need, whether in hospitals, schools, hospices, nursing homes, disaster areas, or even cemeteries and funeral homes. With their warm and friendly demeanor, therapy dogs are a source of solace for many, offering an invaluable service that words often cannot.
Joining the Arlington Memorial Gardens Team
Teddy’s friendly nature and soothing presence have made him a beloved figure in the Arlington Administrative Office, where he accompanies Lauren and the other advisors on our team as they meet with families. These families, often in the midst of grieving the loss of a loved one, find a measure of peace in Teddy’s affectionate companionship. Our Vice President of Family Care, Cindy Hargrove, shares, “We’ve had families request Teddy’s presence at visitations and burials because they’ve formed such a strong bond with him. His calming influence is truly remarkable.”
Expanding Our Team of Therapy Dogs
When Arlington’s funeral home opened, it was only natural to expand our team of therapy dogs. Funeral Director Alecia Braddock adopted a Chihuahua puppy named CoCo, with the same mission of offering comfort to those in need. Though smaller in stature and more animated than Teddy, CoCo has quickly become a favorite among the families who choose Arlington Funeral Home, providing comfort and love during some of their most challenging moments.
As we celebrate National Dog Day, we are proud to honor the service and love that our therapy dogs, Teddy and CoCo, provide. They embody the spirit of comfort and healing we strive to offer daily at Arlington. By the way, Arlington’s grounds are dog-friendly year-round!
