Pups help families paws for thought

The two caring canine brothers are on hand to offer a paw to hold for heartbroken families at William Mitchell Funeral Directors.

Cavapoo siblings Billie and Ben, both 12 months old, have been introduced at the branch in Aldridge, Walsall, to help put people at ease.

Those who visit the High Street directors are now offered the chance to sit with the loveable doe-eyed dogs before making any funeral arrangements.

The idea of ‘bereavement dogs’ is already catching on in America but now William Mitchell are hoping to inspire others to follow suit after seeing first hand just how helpful this time can be.

Owner Donna Ryan, who runs William Mitchell Funeral Directors, said: “I had brought my dogs in to work one afternoon after they had been out to have their hair cut and get some treatments.

“A lady came in who was distraught, as so many of our customers are for obvious reasons.

“She was in floods of tears and really struggling, but she asked if she could just have five minutes with Billie and Ben alone. She just sat there with them and it really helped to calm her down.”

Ms Ryan said: “We decided that next time somebody was really struggling, we would ask them if they wanted to spend some time with the dogs and see what happened, whether it had the same effect as the first time.

“Once again, we had a lady who was really struggling and kept bursting into tears. This time, we asked her if she liked dogs and whether she wanted to spend some time with Billie and Ben. She did and it had the same effect.”

Now, the dogs are members of staff at William Mitchell, offering up their help three days a week.

Ms Ryan said: “They are perfect as they are so laid back.

“They aren’t too big and they get genuinely excited when people come in.”