Cole's Canines
Cole's Canines
Cole's Canines represent a specialized group of certified therapy dogs with Therapy Dogs United selected to participate in a visitation program offering support to bereaved parent(s) or family following the loss of a pregnancy, infant or child.
Grief is a complex and difficult experience unique to the individual experiencing it. Therapy dogs from Therapy Dogs United will be offered to bereaved parents as support and comfort during this unimaginable time of loss.
Spending time with a therapy dog after loss allows grieving individuals to find comfort and support without feeling pressured. Therapy dogs provide a comforting space for individuals to process emotions at their own pace without expectations. With a therapy dog, there is no expectation of having to act, speak or respond, you can simply sit quietly in the presence of an animal and feel comforted and understood.
This initiative is a testament to the profound commitment of Therapy Dogs United to foster a supportive environment for grieving parents, recognizing the critical role that these therapy dogs can play in promoting emotional well-being and connection in the face of such profound loss.
The selection process for these Therapy Dogs United therapy dogs and their handlers involves extensive training and evaluation, ensuring that each handler and canine possesses the unique qualities necessary to provide comfort, companionship, and emotional healing to families during their most difficult times.
Handler training will be required and provided by Empty Arms - a certified non-profit organization which offers professional training tailored to a group of providers wishing to increase their own knowledge of how to compassionately care for the bereaved. Empty Arms is a professional organization which provides services for individuals and families experiencing the loss of a pregnancy or an infant.
Empty Arms Bereavement Support
This program was created in honor of Kelly and Bridger Philson’s son - Cole Lewis Philson.
