Pup with a purpose: Funeral home uses puppy to help grieving families

Mochi, a Bernese mountain dog puppy, has an important job. She's a member of Macon Funeral Home's grief support team. At just 8 weeks old, Mochi makes visits to those in need with her partner and mom, Tori McKay, the funeral office administrator.On the funeral home website, McKay explains the thought process behind having a grief therapy dog that "sets the stage for a more kind and comforting experience for families.""I've had this dream of having a dog at the funeral home for years," McKay said on the website. "10 to be exact."After just turning 30, McKay and her husband decided they wanted to add an extra set of hands, or paws, to the North Carolina funeral home. McKay said a Bernese mountain dog was always her choice for a grief therapy dog for the breed's laid-back personality and kind disposition. She also cites the hefty amount of research backing up the benefits of having animals around during times of grief.Mochi will be receiving training in Asheville when she's between 6 months and 1 year old. Till then, she works with McKay to learn the ways of the home and socializing.Related: Terminally ill rescue dog becomes police K-9 for a day

Mochi, a Bernese mountain dog puppy, has an important job. She's a member of Macon Funeral Home's grief support team.



At just 8 weeks old, Mochi makes visits to those in need with her partner and mom, Tori McKay, the funeral office administrator.


On the funeral home website, McKay explains the thought process behind having a grief therapy dog that "sets the stage for a more kind and comforting experience for families."

"I've had this dream of having a dog at the funeral home for years," McKay said on the website. "10 to be exact."

After just turning 30, McKay and her husband decided they wanted to add an extra set of hands, or paws, to the North Carolina funeral home.

McKay said a Bernese mountain dog was always her choice for a grief therapy dog for the breed's laid-back personality and kind disposition. She also cites the hefty amount of research backing up the benefits of having animals around during times of grief.

Mochi will be receiving training in Asheville when she's between 6 months and 1 year old. Till then, she works with McKay to learn the ways of the home and socializing.

Related: Terminally ill rescue dog becomes police K-9 for a day

