The Cherokee County Coroner’s Office is pleased to announce the addition of its newest staff member, Bentley. Bentley is a certified Mobility Assistance and Therapy Dog.

These types of service dogs can perform a wide range of tasks for people with a wide range of mobility issues.  According to Service Dogs of America, mobility assistance dogs can bring objects to people, press buttons on automatic doors and serve as a brace for people who are ambulatory or eve help pull a wheelchair up a ramp.  These dogs help people increase their independence and confidence.

Therapy dogs provide comfort and support to families and friends trying to manage their grief. Not only do therapy dogs provide comfort, they also help improve overall mental and physical health.  Petting a therapy dog increases serotonin and dopamine levels in our brain, which improves our mood by lowering stress, anxiety, and depression.  Petting a therapy dog also lowers blood pressure and helps those who are feeling lonely, which could be the case for someone who lost a loved one.

Therapy dogs have the innate ability to sense a person’s emotional needs and act on them with unconditional love. Since those grieving may experience many of these emotions, therapy dogs make the perfect companion to help ease anxiety and confusion of death.

Bentley’s owners, Chief Deputy Paul McDonald and Deputy Coroner Rhonda McDonald, have offered his service to the county’s residents to help during their most difficult times. Bentley’s countless hours of training, financial expenditures, and veterinary care is at no cost to the citizens of Cherokee County.

Dr. Deaton states, “Sometimes the only thing that can provide comfort is just to sit and pet a dog. Bentley’s superior level of training makes him a great asset to our office. He will accompany our team on calls, mass casualty events, and educational events that are sponsored by our office. He has the full support and protection under the law as those that hold a position in our office.”