Meet Lola
Breed: Miniature Schnauzer
Barking from: Palmerston North
Job Title: Funeral dog
What's up dog?
Lola, our miniature schnauzer and resident funeral therapy dog, plays a quiet but meaningful role in helping families feel more at ease. No one really wants to be at a funeral home - but Lola has a way of softening the edges. Her calm presence offers comfort during emotional moments, and for many, just being near a dog helps ease anxiety. People often travel from out of town to attend a funeral, leaving behind their support networks - including their pets. Having Lola around brings a sense of familiarity and warmth, like a little piece of home. Whether she's sitting quietly during a meeting or popping into the chapel for a quick check-in, she reminds people they're in a caring, human space. Lola also brings a gentle sense of humour to the funeral home.
She rides in her Lexus, has her own office bed, and appears regularly in light-hearted social media videos that offer a smile when it's needed most. It's her way of reminding people that small moments of joy are still allowed, even in times of loss. To continue her support beyond the service, we've created a dedicated calendar - Lola the Funeral Therapy Dog - filled with thoughtful images and comforting messages to help people through grief month by month. Lola doesn't say much, but her presence speaks volumes - offering comfort, connection, and a little light when it's needed most. Lola has a quiet but profound impact on the people around her. As a funeral therapy dog, she offers comfort in ways that words often can't. Her calm presence can ease anxiety, soften grief, and help people feel just a little more grounded in a moment that feels anything but normal. We've seen grown, stoic men - the type who might usually hold it all together - drop to their knees in tears, hugging Lola because she's triggered an emotional release they didn't know they needed.
There's something about her gentle nature that disarms people and allows them to feel safe enough to let go. For children, she brings comfort and a welcome distraction. For adults, she often acts as a bridge - softening the environment and making it feel less clinical. And for those who've left their own pets at home to attend a funeral, Lola provides a familiar, homely connection that brings a sense of ease. She also helps carry that comfort beyond the funeral home. Her grief-support calendar and light-hearted videos remind people it's okay to smile, even in hard times. Whether she's riding in her Lexus, snoozing under a desk, or quietly sitting beside someone in need, Lola brings calm, connection, and moments of healing in a way only a dog can.
2025 NZ Top Dog with a Job Award
Judging and criteria
Purpose
This award recognises a working dog that goes above and beyond to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Whether supporting people or fellow animals, this dog’s daily efforts help improve wellbeing, provide support, or create meaningful change in their community.
Reach
Does your dog make a difference in the life of one individual, or do they support an entire group, workplace, or community? Tell us who they help and how far their support reaches.
Impact
What kind of impact does your dog have in their role? Share how they’ve enhanced wellbeing, supported mental health, or improved the lives of those around them