Tucker has been a calming presence at Gately Funeral Home for more than seven years. "It wasn't our intention to have Tucker present at visitations, but families ask for him," said John Gately. "Sometimes he's here when families come in to make arrangements for the funeral of a loved one. I always offer to put Tucker upstairs, but often they want him to stay."  

     Tucker seems to sense what a person needs. "He is a big golden retriever with a heart to match," explains John. "Once during an arrangement conference, the daughter of the deceased started to cry and Tucker got up from the floor and put his head right in her lap. She immediately began to pet Tucker and the tears were replaced by a smile."

     "One time, Tucker was with the family during the arrangement conference, but he was home when visiting hours began. The family came in, looked around, and said, 'Where's Tucker?' I told them I didn't think they wanted him here during visitation and then I rushed home to get him. He sat next to the grandson during the entire time."

     John tells of another time when Tucker inadvertently got out of the office where he was staying during visitation time. No one realized it, but he walked into the chapel, up to the front and stood briefly by the casket. Then he silently moved on back up the aisle and exited the room. I was mortified, but the family told me, "We didn't mind at all. It was as though Tucker was paying his respects, too. My Dad loved dogs and he would have loved Tucker!"

     If you want to know more about Tucker and how he can be a part of a funeral service, call John Gately at 781-665-1949.

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       Officer Joe Donovan and Jony - the German shepherd that joined the department in January 2008 - make up the Melrose Police Department's first K-9 Unit. Officer Joe and Jony (pronounced Johnny) have been together since Jony was just 14 months old. Together they completed a 16-week training session at the Plymouth County Sheriff's Department, focusing on tracking, and search and rescue. They also attended a 10-week drug training session at the Middlesex Sheriff's Department.

     Officer Joe and Jony have apprehended many alleged perpetrators in the five years they have been together. Incidents included tracking and apprehending one man who struck an officer at a traffic stop; finding a man in the woods wanted in connection with a domestic disturbance; drug related situations; and others.

     "We are proud that Gately Funeral Home is one of the sponsors of the K-9 Unit in Melrose," said John Gately. "Specially trained dogs are excellent at deterring crimes and can be an amazing asset in apprehending suspects," he added.   

     The most commonly used breed of police dog is a German shepherd. Some are used to enforce public order by chasing and holding suspects or detaining suspects by the threat of being released. Some police dogs are also trained in Search and Rescue (SAR) to assist in locating suspects or finding missing people or objects. Bloodhounds are especially good at this task. Still other police dogs are trained as "arson dogs," to pick up on traces of accelerants where arson is suspected. Some dogs, such as Jony, are used to detect illicit substances such as drugs or explosives which may be carried on a person or in their possessions.

     John Gately said, "K-9 Units in police departments across the country have been used very effectively and we are fortunate to have one right here in Melrose."

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Frequently Asked Questions     

"How can I help children deal with the death of a pet?"

     Pets are important members of our families. We take care of them, sometimes from a very young age. We live with them, sleep with them, and we love them. When they die, all members of the family are affected. The unconditional love they give is sorely missed. We deal with the sadness in different ways, but it is especially difficult for some children to understand and cope.

     Young children are not developmentally ready to understand death the same way adults do. From ages 3 to 5, children tend to view death as temporary and reversible. They may believe that a doctor can bring a pet back to life with a shot or medicine. This type of thinking may also prompt a 4-year old to believe he caused the pet's death when he wished for a playful puppy to replace an elderly dog.

     From ages 6 to 8, children may know death is final, but they may think it only happens to others. From ages 9 to 11, children begin to understand that death is inevitable, even for them. They may, however, feel responsible for the pet's death, thinking if only they had taken better care of the pet.

     Each child is unique, but parents should consider how much experience the child has had dealing with death. Have you talked with them before about death? What have they seen on TV? The answers will affect your child's ability to understand and accept a pet's death.

Here are some guidelines to help:

11.  Put the pet's ashes and photos on the fireplace mantle.

12.  Read books together that can help in the grieving process.

The Tenth Good Thing About Barney written by Judith Viorst and illustrated by Erik Blegvad

I'll Always Love You written and illustrated by Hans Wilhelm

The Legend of Rainbow Bridge written by William N. Britton and illustrated by Dandi Palmer

Goodbye Mousie written by Robie H. Harris and illustrated by Jan Omerod

When A Pet Dies written by Fred Rogers