Soxman Funeral Homes welcomed a new “employee” to its ranks last month with the addition of a bereavement care dog. Lilo, a yellow lab, joined the company on Aug. 1, her third birthday.

The compassionate pup comes from a litter of eight, all of which are named after Disney characters. Lilo is named after the titular Hawaiian girl from “Lilo & Stitch,” a popular Disney movie that spawned an equally popular children’s show during the 2000s.

“Very, very well-received,” said Soxman co-owner Ana Nesbit, in regard to clients’ reaction toward Lilo. “There’s definitely been some transition for her coming to work every day.”

She came from the Perfect Fit Canines Service Dog Program in Wilkinsburg.

Lilo spends most of her time at work in Penn Hills. When the vest is off, Lilo splits her time between the homes of Nesbit and co-owner Brian Soxman. Technically speaking, she isn’t owned by either of them. She is an “employee” at the funeral home.

Still, it’s hard not to see the hardest-working member of the business as part of the family. Lilo makes sure all of the clients, especially children, feel like they are part of her family during the bereavement process.

“It seems like most people are very receptive of her,” Nesbit said. “Kids and adults alike enjoy her. So many homes have pets, so I think when you come in and you have a dog, it makes it feel a little more comfortable, like being at home.”

If you want to include Lilo in a funeral service at Soxman Funeral Homes, she is included with any service. Families may ask for her not to be included if they choose.

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