When families walk through our doors here at Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Flemington, they often feel exhausted, stressed, and overwhelmed by the loss they’ve just experienced. Owner D.J. Wright and our professional staff do everything possible to create a calm environment when arranging a funeral, cremation, or burial – and we have two special members of our team who are especially effective at putting people at ease.

Our support dogs, Tammy and Nalani (her name means “Heavens” or “Serenity of the Skies” in Hawaiian), spread incredible joy to adults and children while helping them feel more relaxed in situations that may be anything but relaxing. When Tammy and Nalani greet a family at the door, their wagging tails and friendly faces help people feel welcome. They provide comfort in ways other people simply can’t, representing one more way Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service innovates to meet unique needs during a difficult time. In fact, we are proud to have been the first funeral home in New Jersey with a support dog program!

Chocolate Labrador Retriever Tammy born in 2004, and Nalani, a Portuguese Water Dog born in 2016, are not ordinary dogs. They have been carefully trained to obey certain cues and can sense those who need their attention most. Remarkably, we have seen grieving children open up about their feelings, and teens and adults become visibly less distraught in their presence. Dogs have long been known for their calming effects on people, and Tammy and Nalani are living proof, as they can make the tension in a room disappear.

Interacting with a friendly animal has far-reaching benefits, from lowering blood pressure to increasing feelings of optimism to fulfilling needs for security and companionship. One study in the American Journal of Cardiology found pets can be linked to the heart’s ability to adapt to stressful events. We see the effect they have on people every day. Simply petting our support dogs, who are conditioned to tune in to emotional distress, can bring instant serenity.

D.J. and the staff encourage you to plan a visit to meet Tammy and Nalani. You can learn about the many services we offer, including our interactive grief support, and perhaps talk with us about the importance of preplanning your own arrangements. All while spending time with the cutest, cuddliest, most lovable dogs around! Reach out to us today.