A FUNERAL director is using a therapy dog to make the process of arranging a funeral more relaxed and stress-free for its bereaved clients.

Barney, a friendly and loving Cockapoo, is proving a popular addition to the team at the family-run Rowley and Sons funeral service, in York’s Lawrence Street.

Martin and Elizabeth Rowley, who own and run the business, have been bringing their dog Barney into work since he was a pup, and the caring canine is making a big difference with their clients.

Martin said: “We have got lots of thank you cards from families helped by him.

“What people are saying is that he is a welcome distraction. He gives them love and the distraction needed at the time of bereavement. He makes the process of coming to a funeral director’s softer and more relaxed.

“He has had a big impact since being here.

"We are a small family-run directors. He very much part of the family.”

The couple believe Barney, who is hypo-allergenic, is the ideal dog to have around their business.

“He is very sensitive of people’s feelings”, Martin said.

“He has developed his sensitivity since coming into work. He is a very tactile dog.”

Martin added: “We have a lounge here where we arrange funerals. He won’t go in unless people want him to go in.

“He doesn’t go up to people and lick them. We’ve been training him not to do that.”

One client said: “Having Barney was a massive help for me and enabled me to cope better than I would have.”

Another client said: “He was a great distraction and comfort when emotions were running high.”

Martin and Elizabeth recommend other funeral directors consider using a therapy dog, but only if it is the right type of dog.

Martin said: “It works for us because of the nature of the dog we have got and because of the type of dog he is.”

The couple have been running the family funeral service for three-and-a-half-years.

Two of their three sons - Jordan and Elliot - work for the business, as does their future daughter-in-law Jocelyn Prendergast.