Larkin Mortuary Added Two Therapy Dogs to Staff
The Salt Lake City funeral home introduced two English Cream Golden Retrievers to comfort grieving families.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Dogs
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Larkin Mortuary has incorporated two English Cream Golden Retrievers, Finn and Colter, into its care team to offer companionship. The therapy dogs are available to support families visiting the facility.
Why it matters
The presence of these animals is intended to reduce feelings of isolation for those navigating the grieving process. By providing comfort during difficult visits, the mortuary aims to create a more supportive environment.
Larkin Mortuary has officially added two English Cream Golden Retrievers to its staff. Additionally, the mortuary now offers a digital coloring book titled Finn & Colter: A Coloring Book of Comfort for families to download.
The players
Larkin Mortuary
This Salt Lake City business is currently operated by the 5th generation of the Larkin family.
Finn and Colter
These English Cream Golden Retrievers serve as the new therapy dog team for the facility.
The details
Families can request a visit from Finn and Colter by coordinating directly with mortuary staff members. The dogs also participate in community outreach programs throughout local schools and public events.
Timeline
October 1, 2026: The announcement regarding the therapy dogs was published.
Culture Shift
The use of therapy dogs in funeral settings mirrors a broader societal shift toward prioritizing emotional comfort in end-of-life care. This trend reflects an evolving approach to bereavement that moves beyond traditional services to include holistic support mechanisms.
Families visiting the mortuary can now request a session with the dogs to assist with the grieving process. Additionally, community members can access the digital coloring book to engage with the dogs' story outside of the facility.
The takeaway
Integrating therapy animals into bereavement care provides a tangible source of comfort for those experiencing loss. Families should feel empowered to ask staff about support resources during their visit.
Further reading
Learn more about local pet initiatives by exploring the Dogs section on our site.
More information
For more information on the facility and services, visit the Larkin Mortuary official information website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by FOX 13 News Utah (KSTU).
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