Buckie funeral directors William Mair enlists help of bereavement support dog
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A BUCKIE based funeral director has enlisted the help of a bereavement support dog to help families with their grief.
Bobo, an eight-year-old American Akita, has been drafted in by William Mair Funeral Directors to help relieve people's stress and anxiety.
He will be available by appointment and, according to the firm's business leader Katrina Adams, he is perfect for the role.
"He's actually my dog," Katrina said. "I've been here since January and we've been speaking about doing something like this for as long as I've been here really.
"He's a big boy but he's such a kind natured dog and he's very calming. He's also got a silly side but he's so affectionate and he loves companionship.
"He's got experience as well because he has been used in the past to calm people with anxiety."
Research has shown that simply petting a dog lowers the stress hormone cortisol while social interaction between people and dogs increases levels of the feel-good hormone oxytocin.
"That's the aim really," Katrina added. "To help make it easier for some people to come along because we know how hard it can be for people.
"So he'll be available as or when really but I can't have him in the office all the time so we do need a bit of notice because it can be a long day for him to be in all day."
Bobo's work as a support dog goes beyond William Mair Funeral Directors. He is also set to visit Parklands and Burbank Care Home on Monday where his ability to relieve stress and anxiety will once again be put to good use.
Anyone who requires Bobo's services as a bereavement support dog should call William Mair Funeral Directors on 01542832542.
