Anxious Dog Finds His Calling At A Funeral Home

Billie is a Border Collie x Kelpie and he’s nearly 8-years-old. He goes to work every day with his owner Bronwyn, who is the Funeral Director at Chippers Funerals in Subiaco, Western Australia.

It all started because Bronwyn was receiving complaints from neighbours when Billie was left home when she went to work. He was anxious being alone and was noisy and destructive.

Bronwyn couldn’t face the thought of having to find another home for Billie, and during a conversation with her boss about her predicament, it was suggested that Billie come to work at the Funeral Home.

Bron was relieved but also concerned because at home Billie was a bit crazy, with lots of energy, but she decided to trial him at work to give him a chance.

Billie surprised everyone with his behaviour at work, and soon became a respectful, quiet, and willing ear to grieving families who needed him. Billie naturally senses who needs him for comfort, and when.

Bronwyn says, “As soon as I put on his collar, he knows he’s going to work, and he completely changes his demeanour. He has a job to do, and he takes it very seriously.”

Many times, people get down on the floor with Billie to hug him and be reassured by his calming presence, and just recently a family requested Billie be present at the service of a deceased family member.

He handled himself beautifully, walked into the Chapel with Bronwyn, acknowledged the coffin, and then gently walked back down the aisle.

If ever there was a place for a dog at work, it could be argued that a Funeral Home is the perfect fit. Chipper Funerals have been operating in Perth, Western Australia for over 100 years.

Billie is one of the dogs who will be featured in a book due for release next year, titled “K9-5: the business of dogs in the workplace”, by Perth photographer, Kelly Pilgrim-Byrne.