'Touched many hearts': Remembering Katie the funeral support dog

Katie, a kelpie cross, died last week after a sudden illness. She was well-known for her consistent presence at Leeton cemetery, in the NSW Riverina region, where she would quietly comfort those at funerals or visiting the graves of loved ones.

Owner Emma Kelly said she had appointed herself as a supportive presence for those grieving around a decade ago, and had stuck to her job well.

"She just did it on her own. It was innate in her ... she just loved everyone unconditionally," she said.

"She started when she was still little, just over 12 months old. She attended funerals for over ten years."

While there was one incident early in her career that saw Katie visit the pound after attending 'too many' funerals, she quickly became a mainstay at the cemetery and a dedicated companion to those working through their grief.

A tribute post on a community facebook page proved just how beloved she was, with hundreds sharing their own experiences with Katie and thanking her for the support she provided.

Father Robert Murphy commented that he would miss seeing her at funerals and commended the comfort and consolation she brought mourners.

"I loved Katie and will miss her. It was always a joy to see her. She brought so much comfort to people at a time of great sadness," he said.

"Her gift of gentle pastoral care was amazing and when her work was done, she would just go home. She was very much part of a Leeton funeral."

Ms Kelly said that even she was surprised at the number of lives Katie had touched.

"Everyone was really lovely and supportive, it was quite amazing how she touched so many people," she said.

"She was beautiful, she was just an easy, friendly little dog. She was no fuss, just a loving, caring little thing. ... She touched a lot of people's hearts, she was always there, she provided a lot of joy."