Pets help mourners cope with loss at Pinelawn lantern lighting

Over 500 families from across Long Island attended the 4th Annual Lantern Lighting Celebration on Saturday, September 21 and Sunday, September 22 at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Farmingdale. Thanks to a partnership with Long Island-based nonprofit Paws of War, therapy dogs were present at the ceremony, offering a unique and meaningful experience for families celebrating the lives of their departed loved ones.

The therapy dogs, each certified by Therapy Dog International, are expertly trained by the professionals at Paws of War to detect emotional distress and provide comfort and support to those who need it. 

“This ceremony is more than just a tribute—it’s an opportunity for healing,” said Brian Groblewski, president of Pinelawn Memorial Park and Arboretum. “The act of releasing a lantern allows families to symbolically let go of pain in a collective experience that brings comfort through community and shared remembrance. We are honored to host this event every year and hope the addition of therapy animals will offer a layer of emotional support for those grieving, and help to guide them on their path to healing.”

Attendees were encouraged to add personal messages and photos of loved ones to their floating lanterns before gently releasing them into Pinelawn’s Rose Garden Fountain. The names of loved ones were read aloud in a heartfelt tribute as the lanterns were released, providing a meaningful moment of reflection.

To learn more about events at Pinelawn Memorial Park and Arboretum, or to join their mailing list, visit www.pinelawn.com.