Ragnar Oakey
Certified Therapy Dog
Ragnar Oakey
Director, Comfort Services
You can find Ragnar, a certified therapy dog, floating between our various Roanoke Valley locations on a daily basis. Ragnar, aka “Rags,” “Raggy,” “Ragamuffin,” “Muffin,” “Muffin Man” — whatever you'd like to call him — is a tireless worker and a soothing presence for all who spend time with him. While he will often drop in to say hello if he’s at the same facility as you, Ragnar is available upon request at no additional charge for any portion of your time at Oakey’s. He is always glad to share his love and affection with guests at arrangement meetings, family viewings, visitations, funeral services, and even follow-up visits if you or anyone in your family could use some additional time with him.
Ragnar is an eight-year-old English Golden Retriever, so yes, he does shed! This gentleman is a true professional with a profound love for people which is reflected every day in his work at Oakey’s. From resting his head on the lap of someone in a wheelchair to laying on the floor with a group of children, Ragnar’s sincere concern for everyone that comes through the door allows him to connect with people and make a difficult day a little better. For the occasional dose of Ragnar in your day-to-day life, feel free to follow him on Instagram at @ragamuffin2016.
Ragnar has completed his training to become a certified therapy dog and he is available to comfort families grieving the loss of a loved one. Whether for funeral planning, visitation, a ceremony or memorial service, or throughout the entire process, Ragnar will be around to help ease the stress and anxiety of this emotional and difficult time.
Therapy dogs have often been requested for children who are grieving and unable to express their feelings with adults. Rags can be present on request, for children, and adults, to chat with and offer friendship by sitting or lying at your feet for support and a calming effect.
According to a survey administered by the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), over 50% of respondents indicated they would be interested in the presence of a therapy dog at a funeral service.
Ragnar's services are available at no additional cost to families who would like his help. He is available to serve at any of our five chapels or Oakey’s Cremation Tribute Center.
If you’d like to request the services of Ragnar, please call 540-982-2100.