A dog bark or some unexpected slobber might be the last thing one would expect when they enter a funeral home. But it may just be the perfect sensory distraction to support family members and loved ones through a tough loss of life.
“The dogs create an incredible calmness for guests,” said Bill Boglioli. “Guests wanna play with them and talk to them so it changes the dynamic of stress.”
Bill Boglioli has been working for the funeral home since he was 17-years-old. In 2007, he bought the business from the Woolley family, and then the Holmdel home from the Cozzetta family. Now, he’s been working in this business for more than 47 years. Since he and his wife Denise and son Scott have been in charge, they’ve introduced dogs to greet funeral home guests.
“There’s total comfort there,” Bill said, surrounded by the dogs inside the lobby of the Long Branch location. “It changes the whole feeling when guests arrive, and the dogs calm them right down. It’s a tough thing to come to a funeral home; (it’s) not on the top of the list of things you want to do since people are not here for a positive reason and something has happened to a friend or family member.”
People who use the funeral homes often live within a 10-15 mile radius. So Bill Boglioli and his family often establish deep connections with the local community in Long Branch and beyond.
“We get to know them and they get to know the dogs, their names, and guests bring treats, or gifts like a ball. One deacon comes to do prayers and he brings treats for Stella. One time, she was upstairs when he started service. She ran down and jumped on him during the service and made everyone laugh, but I was embarrassed,” Bill said with a laugh. “Dogs are unconditional and their love is not predicated on any judgment–they’re just happy.”
Since the 1800s, the building has been a funeral home servicing and taking care of families in and around Long Branch. Bill, Scott, and Denise Boglioli are proud to serve and be part of the Long Branch community, having all grown up in town.
“Where does the time go? It's amazing to me. But there's a feeling of comfort because we've handled families for generations. It’s awkward to describe but it's unique. We’re there with people at their worst moments. We almost become part of their family. We have to be strong and organized for them and caring for them. We focus on them and their own needs are met by the comfort you give them. It’s a different business. You need a personal touch, because everyone – the individuals and family members – have relationships that are all different with the deceased. It’s very hard to capture everyone's feelings, and dogs help us do that incredibly.
“They allow people to have comfort, relaxation, and a better experience all the way around,” he said, looking down at one of the dogs. “Isn’t that right, Augie doggy?”
Wooley-Boglioli operates funeral homes in Long Branch and Holmdel. You can find them online at www.WBHFH.com.