WILLOUGHBY HILLS, Ohio — A Willoughby Hills funeral home has welcomed a four-legged friend to join its staff as a therapy dog. At 5 months old, the Portuguese Water Dog named Giovanni “Gio” is training to join the therapy dog program at DeJohn Funeral Homes and Crematory.
Gio will join 7-year-old Coco in providing support to families at the funeral home and in the community. Coco, who is also a Portuguese Water Dog, joined the funeral home in 2013, where she has helped hundreds of adults, children and seniors ease their minds while grieving.
“Coco and Gio love people and are happiest when they are offering their services with love, compassion and friendship. We are very excited to have Gio join our efforts in providing comfort to others during difficult and stressful times. As Gio completes his Good Citizen Training, he will accompany me on occasion to get him socialized to the funeral home,” said Ross DeJohn Jr., chief executive officer and funeral director, in a news release.
Born in September 2019, Gio is non-shedding and hypoallergenic and full of energy. The DeJohn Family welcomed him in December. He will begin his Good Citizen Training and then will begin therapy dog training in about a year.
