Grief Therapy Dog
Find Comfort with
A Furry Companion
Meet Star, our Grief Therapy Dog!
Star is Hughes Family Tribute Center's first grief therapy dog. She was born on May 1, 2021 in Kentucky, and became a part of the team and our family in March of 2022.
Since her arrival, Star has been a comforting presence to many people in our community. Families who are grieving can find some peace and comfort in petting her soft fur during funeral planning meetings, visitations, funerals, and more. Many families have commented that Star has helped them face some of the hardest times of their lives with her gentle eyes and calming presence.
Star doesn't always stay around the office though. As a certified grief therapy dog, Star has visited nursing homes, hospitals, private residences, libraries, and other community places. She has even traveled across the country in her line of work.
Frequently Asked Questions About Star
A grief therapy dog is a dog that has been trained not only as a certified service animal, but also trained how to act around grieving families who may be crying, screaming, grabbing on tightly, or feeling anxious. Unlike other grief therapy dogs, Star has received her Canine Good Citizenship certification which allows her to go into hospitals and other medical facilities with permission.
Grief therapy dogs are trained to help families find comfort and peace while being pet or even just being a calming presence in the room. Star has been trained to even place her head or body on certain pressure points on a person to help him or her calm down.
Star is an Australian Labradoodle. Because of her breed, she is hypoallergenic and does not shed. However, her coat is super soft and cuddly!
Star LOVES children! She has been trained to love on people of all ages, physiques, races, and more! There isn't a person that Star doesn't like!
It is our goal to make sure everyone who walks through our doors feel comfort and safe. If you don't want Star around, please do not hesitate to ask us to put her in our separate office space. It will not offend us in the slightest.
We want what is best for our families. Sometimes that means having Star come out to comfort families, and other times that means we keep her away from families and in our offices.
Star's Own Coloring Book
Did you know Star has her own coloring book for kids that explains her role? If you would like to look at the coloring book or her coloring page and download it, please click the link below!
Star Coloring Book
Click on the graphic on the left to download the file.
Star Coloring Page
Click on the graphic on the left to download the file.
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