Therapy poodle turns birthday into shelter drive

Welcome back to Good Day Atlanta. Grief can feel like an impossible weight to carry. But in downtown Woodstock, a very special standard poodle is bringing a little extra sunshine to families during some of their hardest days. Good Day's Kim Luffler introduces us to a therapy dog whose upcoming birthday is now helping other animals too. At a place people come to say goodbye. There's one face at Woodstock Funeral Home that's always happy to say hello. For the last two and a half years, Marlon here has worked as a certified therapy dog at the funeral home. Location manager and Marlon's owner, Paige Ogle, says she got Marlon from a friend at five and a half years old. When she saw how calm and gentle he was, she got him trained to help others. I thought, if he makes me feel that good in an environment that would otherwise be classified as sad, I wonder what he would do with the families. Turns out, quite a lot. With his gentle nature and joyful energy, Marlon has a way of putting people at ease. Marlon has more reviews, positive reviews, online and is mentioned more than any person in this funeral home ever would be. Marlon is part of a growing presence of therapy dogs at funeral homes across the country, offering comfort when families need it the most. And Marlon's made a few friends outside of the funeral home, too. Train rolls through downtown Woodstock. Ogle says everything stops. One of us opens the door wide open, and Marlon runs out and howls at the train. The conductors even know him. And Marlon is about to have another reason to howl. He's turning eight. And on October 17th, the funeral home is throwing him a birthday party. We are asking people, don't bring presents, but bring donations in honor of Marlon's birthday to the Cherokee County Animal Shelter and you can drop them off here. Last year, Marlon's party filled an entire truck with toys and leashes. This year, they're hoping his special day can once again help animals still waiting to find their own people. For Ogle, it's another chapter in a story she never expected. I don't know who he's better for anymore, me and my staff or the families, but he has brought so much joy to this building, this place. In Woodstock, Kim Luffler for Good Day Atlanta. Oh, what a sweet baby. Okay, so Marlon's party will be happening from 11 to 1 Saturday at Woodstock Funeral Home. It's all to benefit the Cherokee County Animal Shelter.