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At the 2018 Pascale's Pals auction, Reid Millard, owner, won a bid on a labradoodle puppy. Reid knew that this puppy would grow to have a major purpose in his funeral home. He wanted to train this pup to provide comfort to grieving families. Little did he know that his future therapy dog would serve an even greater purpose.
On March 15, 2018, Elizabeth "Lizzy" Joy Wampler passed away at the age of 10 after a long battle with cancer. This courageous little girl touched the lives on many during her short time on Earth as she aired on the NBC Today Show, multiple St. Jude's commercials ad was featured in 3,500 Chili's restaurants nationwide. The incredible life of Lizzy Wampler was honored March 18, 2018, at Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory where the Celebration of Life was held.
Around the same time of Lizzy's passing the labradoodle pup was born. It was a girl! Reid Millard and Funeral Director Nick McKague decided to reach out to Lizzy Wampler's parents, John and Jennifer Wampler, to allow them to name the puppy in honor of their daughter. After a family discussion, John, Jennifer and their two children decided "Lizzy" was the perfect name for this puppy.
On May 29, 2018, Lizzy the dog was just old enough to begin training at K9 Comfort in Bellevue, IA. While there, Lizzy practiced obedience in her training sessions and applied the skills on a regular basis when visiting nursing homes, schools, stores and restaurants. After 12 months of training, she passed her Therapy Dog test and became a registered Therapy Dog in June of 2019.
Lizzy now lives with her caretaker, Jeff Hilke, Funeral Director, and German Shepherd brother Ollie. She is brought to work at the Jefferson City funeral home, Houser-Millard, on a daily basis. At the funeral home, she welcomes pets from visiting families. She especially enjoys attention from our young visitors! Her duty is to provide a calming comfort throughout the process of planning and attending a funeral service. She also travels to our other locations (by request) as well as different functions or local events.
If you stop by Houser-Millard Funeral Directors in Jefferson City, be sure to look for Lizzy!
