After 30 years, the AKC has awarded its millionth Canine Good Citizen credentials to an extra special dog at a ceremony last month.
Congratulations, Fiona
The lucky millionth graduate is a Bernese mountain dog named Fiona, who uses her credentials in a very unique setting – a funeral home.
Meet Fiona, the grief therapy dog
Fiona is a grief therapy dog who works at the Marine Park Funeral Home in Brooklyn, NY. Fiona comforts those attending services and visitations, and she is very good at her job.
“It’s amazing to see her work a room. She knows who’s in need of her. She really can read emotions.”
Her human partner Nora Pavone has loved the Bernese breed since childhood. In fact, she worked with breeders to find a puppy with the perfect attitude and empathy to work with grieving people. Nora told People magazine in a recent interview: “It’s amazing to see her work a room. She knows who’s in need of her. She really can read emotions.”
Congratulations to Fiona, Nora, and everyone at Marine Park. We’re so proud of you and the work that you do!
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Hat tip: People.com and the AKC
Further Reading
- 5 Facts Bernese Mountain Dog Lovers Know by Heart
- Bernese Mountain Dog vs. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
- Therapy Dog in Training Reaches Out to Grieving Dog Lover
