Pet Peace of Mind

Pet Peace of Mind--An Unexpected Outcome

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Delana Taylor McNac) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:13:00 +0000

Once in a while, I hear a story from one of our hospice partners that makes me stop in my tracks in awe. There are plenty of ways that Pet Peace of Mind helps patients and pets, but what about others who come into contact with the program? I'll let our Pet Peace of Mind Coordinator, Sarah Neary, from Iowa City Hospice tell the story:

"As Volunteer Program Coordinator, I field calls from all sorts of people interested in volunteering for our hospice. Some calls come from people who have been touched in some way by hospice. They want to help, but not all volunteer opportunities are appropriate for people who have suffered a recent loss. That was true of Molly and her daughter Sara. Their beloved husband and dad was one of our patients and our staff knew them well. Molly and Sara wanted to give back to Iowa City Hospice in some way and they wanted to volunteer. Our Pet Peace of Mind program was just getting off the ground at that time and I thought it would be a great way for them to be involved in hospice without the intense emotional involvement of direct patient volunteering. The death of their loved one was too recent and Sara was only a freshman in high school. Molly shared with me that while the whole family was still struggling with the loss, Sara seemed to be pulling away--she was quiet and withdrawn. I encouraged them to come to our Pet Peace of Mind "Launch Party." There, they learned about the program, met other volunteers, helped put treat bags and cat toys together and by the time it was over, they were signed up to volunteer. Sara, quiet Sara, even came up with the plan to coordinate a fundraiser for Pet Peace of Mind at her high school. I encouraged her to pursue the idea.

Two months later, I got a call from the high school guidance counselor at
Sara's high school. She described the enthusiasm with which Sara and her classmates had collected donations for Pet Peace of Mind. She told me the strategy of friendly competition Sara used to get the maximum donations from each class. For each donation made, each class received a certain length of duct tape. By the end of the donation week (which coincided with Homecoming Week), each class got to use their duct tape allotment to tape their favorite teacher to the wall! You can see in the photo that teachers are taped to the wall under the banner, "We're stuck on Pet Peace of Mind!" The counselor also described a positive change in Sara--a blossoming of confidence and esteem that comes with accomplishing something with meaning. Sara was able to honor her dad and Iowa City Hospice in a very tangible way, and by her own initiative.

Sara's project has been a boon to our Pet Peace of Mind program. She and her fellow students collected 775 pounds of dry food, 58 pounds of treats, 190 cans of canned food, 42 pounds of cat litter with liners, scoops and litter boxes, pet toys, collars, clothes, leashes, bones, balls and Frisbees. Our patients and pets will benefit from her efforts for a long time to come. And how is Sara doing? Well, she continues to volunteer regularly by walking one of our patient's dogs and has decided she wants to be a hospice nurse when she grows up. Stay tuned."

A Wish Fulfilled By a Hospice Volunteer

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Delana Taylor McNac) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:56:00 +0000

Dottie, Joyce, Don & Sasha

This month's story comes from one of our hospice partners in the midsouth, Hospice of North Central Oklahoma. Melanie Wright, Director of Volunteers and Outreach is our Pet Peace of Mind Coordinator. She tells the story of a patient and caregiver with an unusual volunteer request--for their dog! Melanie tells the story:

"Joyce and Don have always loved dogs and at one time were very involved in the local dog training club. When Joyce had to move away from home into a nursing care facility, one of the hardest adjustments for her was moving away from their dog, Sasha. Don spends a lot of time with Joyce and frequently brings Sasha to visit. I thought it would be nice for Joyce to have pictures of her with Don and Sasha, so I scheduled a photo shoot. When two of our volunteers, Zac and T. L., went to the nursing home to take photos, Don told them that they hadn't been able to take Sasha through dog obedience classes after they rescued her. Being able to take Sasha through the classes was important to Don and Joyce, but neither of them were physically able to do all the walking necessary for the training. Zac and T. L. went to work on this and made arrangements with the dog training club to waive the registration fee. Now Dottie, another one of our PPOM volunteers, is taking Sasha through the classes. Don goes to all the classes to watch Dottie and Sasha and he was even able to take Joyce to the last class. With the help of our volunteers, we created the perfect partnership between the K9 Dog Training Club, the Pet Peace of Mind program and our Hospice of North Central Oklahoma volunteers."

When I train new hospice coordinators, one thing I emphasize is that Pet Peace of Mind is about being an extension of the patient's love and care of their pet. The point is not to take over the pet's care, but to work alongside them to help them do what they would normally do if they could. What a perfect example of taking that principle to heart!

Intervening Before It's Too Late

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Delana Taylor McNac) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 02:49:00 +0000

Every job has its ups and downs and when things get busy, I can get lost in the details, forgetting why Pet Peace of Mind is so important. Then I get an email that reminds me why I do what I do and inspires me to work even harder to spread the word about our program. I had just returned from giving a workshop at the Ohio state hospice meeting when I heard from a new hospice. Staff members of their organization had attended the workshop and they were interested in the program. Could I send some information? Well, of course, I was only too glad to oblige. A couple of days later, I received another email thanking me for the information and asking for the application, as they were ready to move forward. The writer also added this to her note:

"Thank you for all the presentation material you sent us--it was invaluable. Sadly, we were able to supplement it with the story of one of our patients who has experienced much the same story as Stretch and his family just two weeks ago. I have included it here, as I know you will understand the sadness our staff feels. We didn't find out about this until after it happened. The patient lived in her house by herself until a few months ago. She owned her home and had a dog as a companion. She was never married and never had any children. She has very little family in the area. When her health declined, the family made the decision to move her to a nursing home. Due to the lack of family in the immediate area, when they moved the patient, they made the decision to put down her dog. The dog was blind, but was otherwise healthy and a great dog. The decision crushed the patient. Her dog was one of her only companions. The family got her a stuffed dog which she keeps in bed with her and strokes."

I wish I could say (through my tears) that this type of situation never happens or even rarely happens, but unfortunately, that is not the case. There are still plenty of people in the world who have no idea how important pets are to the elderly and to people that are terminally ill. It's stories like this one that break my heart and motivate me at the same time. Please help us spread the word about Pet Peace of Mind.

What About Jack?

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Delana Taylor McNac) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 17:45:00 +0000

Like many pet owners, hospice patients may have more than one pet in their family. What happens when an older pet needs more care and attention than the others? Our hospice story for this month comes from Hamilton Hospice in Dalton, Georgia. Pet Peace of Mind Coordinator Tracey Foster tells the story:
"Jack, Jake and Tiny were three Cocker Spaniels that lived with our patient, Mary Anne. All three were in their senior years, but Jack had a problem with a chronic ear infection that kept him at the vet's office several times a year. Mary Anne's son Rick came to live there as Mary Anne's caregiver, but it wasn't long before he was overwhelmed with caring for her and her "boys." As Mary Anne's condition worsened, Rick had to watch her closely--but at the same time, her dog Jack's ear began to fester again. Our Pet Peace of Mind program made arrangements to take Jack to his veterinarian at Whitfield Animal Clinic for treatment. While Jack was at the clinic, his owner Mary Anne died. We kept Jack at the vet's office for a few days to allow her son Rick the time he needed to make arrangements and grieve.
After Jack had been at the veterinarian's office for about a week, we checked on his status. Unfortunately, his ear wasn't well enough for him to return home. Rick had planned to take all three dogs back home with him, as it was his mother's urgent request to him. After much thought and heartache, Rick felt it was in Jack's best interest to euthanize him--he wasn't sure if Jack could make the long trip back to Pennsylvania and his ear condition meant extensive care for the rest of his life. He was already asking a lot of his family by bringing back two dogs.
Shannon, an employee at the Whitfield Animal Clinic, had befriended Mary Anne over the years. She knew about Rick's dilemma and she also knew how important Jack was to Rick's mother. She offered to try to place Jack in a Cocker Spaniel Rescue she knew of in North Carolina. After several phone calls, she arranged for Jack to be placed in a local foster home until she could transport Jack to the rescue in North Carolina. Rick agreed to the arrangement.
Hamilton Hospice was happy to assist with the costs of boarding, medications and vaccinations needed to prepare Jack for his trip. Our staff was instrumental in supporting Rick as he worked through settling his mother's affairs. We are grateful to Whitfield Animal Clinic for their assistance and patience in this endeavor. This was a successful team effort that could not have happened without our Pet Peace of Mind program from Banfield Charitable Trust."
This is one of the reasons we ask hospices to work closely with the patient's veterinarian to provide care for patients' pets. Many patients have long standing relationships with their veterinarians and staff. Most of them would appreciate the opportunity to help patients and pets in any way. By working together, the hospice, the patient's family and the veterinary clinic were able to find a solution that would honor the patient's wishes and help her beloved dogs. That's Pet Peace of Mind!

A Dog's Eye View

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Delana Taylor McNac) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 21:07:00 +0000

This month, I would like to feature a story shared with me by Pet Peace of Mind Coordinator Kathy Weaver, from our Arkansas hospice partner, Hospice of the Ozarks. Kathy sent me a PPOM story from her hospice, written from the point of view of a dog named Sassy.

"My name is Sassy. I am four years old. I had the best master ever, but he got very sick. He spent a lot of time sitting in our recliner, but I didn't mind because his lap was my favorite place to be. It upset me, though, to see him struggling to get up when I needed to go outside. I stayed close to him all the time and made sure he got extra kisses every day before breakfast.
One day, new people started visiting our house. Something called hospice. They talked to my master, listened to his chest and put something on his arm, too. They asked about me and my sister Samantha. The next time they came, they brought my favorite dog food, treats and best of all...toys! A few days later, other people came and took me and Sam to get groomed. Man, did I look great! I got a pretty pink bow in my hair--my master said I was beautiful. Oh, yeah, Sam looked okay, too. Then those people, "volunteers" took me to a place with needles...not doing that again! I am no dummy!
Then the day came when my master sat in our recliner and I got into my favorite spot. After a while, his breathing changed and then it stopped. The lady that feeds me got really upset and cried. I tried to get my master to pet me, but he couldn't. A lot of people came to the house and then, they took my master away. I waited for him to come back, but he didn't.
Later the lady that feeds me told me she couldn't afford to take care of me. Now she is the lady who cries a lot. Whenever she looks at me, she cries. She sent me to a new home, but I guess they didn't like me much because they sent me back. I miss my master. I don't know what I did wrong and why I had to leave my home. I heard the lady who cries on the phone with those "volunteer" people. I ran and hid. No more needles for me--I am no dummy! Sure enough, those volunteer people came and put me and Sam in two crates. The lady who cries told us goodbye and to be good at our new homes. I thought, not another new home! But to my surprise, I like my new home. My new master calls it a "forever home." I have tried a few things to see if they would send me away, but they haven't yet. They tell me every day how glad they are to have me in their home. I miss my first master, but I am breaking in this new one. She doesn't let me on the couch as much as I would like, but I'll keep trying."
This story does a wonderful job of capturing how challenging and confusing it must be when a pet goes from a routine they understand and live by to finding their entire world upside down when they lose their beloved owner. Thank you, Kathy, for sharing this "point of view" and thanks for helping find Sassy a "forever home."

A Pet's Devotion

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Delana Taylor McNac) — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 21:19:00 +0000

Photo Lisa Pembleton/ABC News

In the last few weeks, I have had the opportunity to learn about two profound incidents illustrating the power of the bond between pets and people. One of them involved the story of a fallen Navy seal, Jon Tumilson, and the photo of his dog Hawkeye, lying by the casket during the memorial service. The photo of this faithful dog touched people all over the world as a vivid image of devotion, even beyond death.
The second story came from our hospice partner in California, Hospice of San Luis Obispo. When the story first came to light, a video was posted online of a little terrier named Kirby. Kirby's owner, a hospice patient, spent many hours with him, providing him with lots of attention and affection over his lifetime. He was there beside her when she died and the family took him to the cemetery with them when it was time to say goodbye. Several family members and friends of Kirby's owner were ready to take him into their homes, but there were problems. Kirby kept escaping and seemed to have a talent for getting out of back yards. When he disappeared the last time, he was found by strangers several miles away---at the cemetery by the grave where his owner was buried.
These images remind me of how easy it is for people to forget that dogs bond deeply to us--they understand that we are part of their family and they spend time and energy doing all they can to keep that bond intact. If allowed, they will sleep with us, share meals with us, and protect us from harm. For those of us that offer our love and companionship in return, we are rewarded with unconditional love and affection for as long as we are willing to receive it. Imagine how difficult a decision it must be for a terminally ill owner to part with a pet when they need that love and affection the most- to give up a pet they can no longer feed or take for a walk. Imagine instead the comfort that patient receives when a hospice volunteer steps in to provide the care, allowing the pet to stay with the person they love most. That's why we call it--Pet Peace of Mind.

Click here to see the local news story about Kirby. Hospice of San Luis Obispo reports that he has a new home with an elderly woman who shares her couch with him. Hawkeye has a permanent home with one of Jon's friends.

A Hospice Patient Talks About Pet Peace of Mind

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Delana Taylor McNac) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 22:47:00 +0000

Most of my blog posts are written from my own perspective or that of a hospice staff member or volunteer. This month, we feature a quote by a hospice patient impacted directly by Pet Peace of Mind. The story comes from our PPOM hospice partner in Eugene, Oregon--Sacred Heart Hospice. The story is shared by PPOM Coordinator Victoria Spear.
"A 77 year old hospice patient, Barbara, lives alone with her aging cat, Franz Kafka. Since February, PPOM has provided cat food, kitty litter and cat treats for Franz. In addition, Franz has been taken to the vet three times for blood tests and a skin condition. PPOM has paid for the necessary visits and medication. This patient is extremely grateful to the program for the care and support provided for her 'family.' We discussed the possibility of using our working relationship with the local humane society to find a home for Franz, but the patient was able to find a home for him with a friend. Recently, Barbara consented to be interviewed by one of our PPOM Volunteers. Here's what she had to say about PPOM. 'If you are at home and in hospice, you want to keep your pet with you as long as possible. Eventually he will go with a friend of mine who lives in California, but until that time, I want Franz to be happy. I am very appreciative that this program allows me to get him to the vet when he is ill, to get his ears cleaned or his nails clipped. The vet service is expensive and a lot of people can't afford care for their pet. This program allows me to do the best for him and respects the fact that my pet is very important to me, especially when I am ill.'"
Not long after Barbara gave this interview, Franz left to go to his new home in California. In order to support her through the separation, our PPOM volunteer brought the patient framed pictures that he took of her and her cat during his visit. Barbara was deeply touched by this gift.

The Impact of Pet Peace of Mind on Veterinarians

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Delana Taylor McNac) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 20:39:00 +0000

Did you know that Pet Peace of Mind works with the patient's own veterinarian to provide care for their pet? We do it this way for several reasons. The first one is to keep things as consistent as possible for the patient and the pet. Patients feel more secure when their pet is with a doctor they already know and trust and pets do, too. There are also times when pets have recurring medical problems. By keeping the pet with their own veterinarian, diagnostic costs are reduced or eliminated--their vet already knows a treatment that works!

We also recognize that a patient's veterinarian may be the last person to hear that the client they've known for many years is terminally ill. By inviting veterinarians to participate as a pet care partner in Pet Peace of Mind, we give

them an opportunity to use their skills to care for the patient--by caring for their beloved pet again.
Our story this month comes from our hospice partner in Louisiana--Hospice of Baton Rouge. PPOM Coordinator Laura Savage tells the story: "I was notified about a patient's dog (Ms. D) that needed surgery for a chronic abscess on its right front paw. I contacted the patient's daughter in law, Sherry, to get more information about Pepper and explain the PPOM program. Sherry was relieved and described the emotional and financial impact of Pepper's mounting vet bills on Ms. D. The following week, I called Sherry to see how Pepper and Ms. D were doing after the dog's surgery. Sherry happily reported that they were both doing much better. She began to cry as she told me she didn't have the heart to put Pepper to sleep and how Ms. D refused to even consider that as a possibility. She further explained how exhausted she was, caring for her mother in law, a disabled daughter and Pepper. Sherry shared with me how grateful she was that our PPOM program had lifted her mother in law's spirits and lifted a heavy burden off of her shoulders. The next week, Pepper's vet called me to update me on Pepper's continued recovery. He thanked me and our hospice for playing such a key role in Pepper's treatment. Before ending the call, the vet asked me how to make a donation to our PPOM program."
This is exactly the situation Pet Peace of Mind was meant to intervene in--imagine if this frazzled caregiver had put her mother in law's dog to sleep because she didn't know any other way out of a stressful situation and couldn't afford the care Pepper needed. Instead, PPOM has a new fan--a veterinarian who will probably never know what a difference he made in the lives of two people, Sherry and Ms. D.

Keeping Pets & Patients Together--Even When They Are Apart

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Delana Taylor McNac) — Tue, 17 May 2011 21:45:00 +0000

L to R Cookie, Lela and BooBoo

This month, our hospice story has some personal connections for me. Hospice of Green Country (HGC) in Tulsa, Oklahoma was the very first hospice to pilot Pet Peace of Mind, paving the way for it to become a national program helping hospice patients and pets all over the country. As a hospice chaplain, I had the privilege of working with the dedicated staff and volunteers that still support the program today. Amy Pulliam, the PPOM Coordinator at HGC, shares a story in their Passages Newsletter about a patient and her two dogs, Boo-Boo and Cookie.
"On a daily basis, Lela told our hospice how much her dogs meant to her. 'They are my life. I love having them here with me, they keep me company and they make me feel better.' Lela had some financial challenges with bills, so we enlisted the Pet Peace of Mind program to help her with pet food, grooming and veterinary care costs. And, as her health declined and it was harder for daughter Jan to care for both Lela and the dogs, PPOM volunteers stepped in. One volunteer drove the 30 miles from Tulsa to Claremore to pick up the dogs for a veterinary appointment. Other volunteers helped by taking the dogs to grooming appointments. When Lela moved to a hospice home in Tulsa, our PPOM volunteers made sure the dogs had foster care in loving homes and took them for frequent visits to see their 'Mom.' Lela could be having a difficult day, but the minute Boo-Boo and Cookie walked in, she was delighted to see them."
Many patients are forced to give up a pet when they are transferred to a facility for additional care because there is no one to help with pet care or willing to bring pets to visit. Pet Peace of Mind provides opportunities for hospice volunteers to help maintain the relationship between pet and patient at a time when the patient needs them most. I mentioned that this story was personal for me. As it turns out, I was the chaplain for Lela and her husband when he was a patient and we first met Cookie and BooBoo. I am so glad to know that Pet Peace of Mind kept Lela with her beloved dogs.

Snapshots of the Program's Impact on Patients

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Delana Taylor McNac) — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 20:35:00 +0000

The best information about the impact of Pet Peace of Mind on patients and pets comes from our local PPOM Coordinators. Our PPOM Coordinator in Eureka, California sends out a PPOM Story of the Month to hospice staff and volunteers to share how their program is making a difference in the lives of their patients. Kathleen Kistler from Hospice of Humboldt shares two important stories with us---both happened on a single Friday!

"Friday morning, a patient's caregiver suddenly took ill and was taken to the hospital by ambulance. As a result, the patient had to be moved to another place that could provide full-time care immediately. A PPOM volunteer returned to the home in the midst of the crisis after walking the family dog, only to find that the poor dog had been forgotten! After conferring with the PPOM coordinator and the caregiver, the PPOM volunteer offered to provide a temporary foster home for the family dog until the caregiver felt well enough to resume care.

Later that day, one of our patients, hospitalized and in the dying process, desperately wanted to have his 20 year old cat with him--his closest companion that he called his 'son.' The patient's doctor wrote a physician's order for the cat and the hospice social worker and PPOM coordinator made arrangements with the hospital, hospital staff and the patient's caregiver so the patient and his "son" could be together in the hospital room. When everything came together and the caregiver was told that he could take the cat to the hospital, his words were, "I'm so relieved, I could just cry." The patient died later that day, in peace, with his greatest wish fulfilled."

So, what do you think would have happened in either situation if Pet Peace of Mind hadn't been in place at this hospice? Would the dog have ended up in a shelter or left to fend for itself at home? Would anyone have considered the patient's wish or interceded for the situation with the doctor and hospital? Pet Peace of Mind validates the relationship between patient and pet by putting people in place who can intervene in situations just like these.

PPOM + Patients & Pets= Even Better Hospice Care!

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Delana Taylor McNac) — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 20:30:00 +0000

Sometimes it's easy to think about Pet Peace of Mind as a program that pays for pet food, routine trips to the veterinarian or flea/tick preventative. It's really so much more! The goal of the program is to keep the pet and patient together--to prevent the loss of a pet at the time when the patient needs their pet's companionship the most.
Terminally ill pet owners find themselves depending on others more and more for care as they approach the end of life. At the same time, they find themselves unable to maintain the care of the pet they love. Do you see their dilemma? How do you ask someone caring for your every need to extend themselves even more by caring for your pet? This is often the "tipping point" for patients and caregivers--ultimately, the pet ends up separated from its owner, leaving both of them grieving the loss. This is where Pet Peace of Mind comes in--before such a decision has been made. The program works through a PPOM hospice partner, providing in-home pet care with trained hospice volunteers, along with pet food delivery, trips to the vet and groomer and any needed pet medication--all free of charge to the patient and family! Now the owner and caregiver can just enjoy the pet's companionship without worrying about pet care. Our hospice partners may also help find homes for pets that will become homeless when the patient dies---sometimes those adoptive families get to meet the patient and pet in the home, letting the patient determine the timing of the pet's transition to the new family.
This month's hospice story comes from Hospice Midland in Texas. Susie Mauldin, PPOM Coordinator, told us about a patient whose adult son was his only caregiver. The two of them lived in an apartment with an 11 year old cat named Elvis. The son died suddenly, and the patient had no choice but to move into an assisted living facility. The facility allowed pets, but given the circumstances of his son's untimely death, he could not afford the $300 pet deposit needed to bring Elvis with him. Susie found out from the hospice staff that he was trying to arrange a way to pay it in installments--his world was upside down and he desperately needed the companionship of his cat. Not only was Susie able to pay for the pet deposit, she was able to make arrangements to provide cat food and litter for Elvis on a regular basis, allowing the patient the ability to pay the extra $10 a month pet rent.
This gentleman was already facing the end of his own life, then lost his son unexpectedly, followed by the place they called home together. Imagine how difficult this would have been for the patient if he had lost his 11 year old cat, too! This type of supportive care builds relationships between hospice staff and patients--giving the hospice an opportunity to provide not only medical care, but grief support in a tragic situation. This is why we believe that Pet Peace of Mind adds another level of care to hospice.

A Volunteer's Story

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Delana Taylor McNac) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 17:40:00 +0000

In this blog, I've had the opportunity to share stories about patients and pets from several of our hospice partners. Typically, the stories come from the local PPOM Coordinators at each hospice. This time, though, I have the wonderful privilege of sharing some personal journalling complied by a Pet Peace of Mind hospice volunteer, Valerie Canepa. Listen to her perspective as she recalls the assignments at Columbus Hospice in Georgia.

April 2010: It's 7 a.m. and my mission is to take two dogs to the groomer, drop them off and then pick them up later in the day. The owner is confined to a wheelchair and does not drive. Armed with two sturdy pet carriers and directions to the home, I am confident I'll be at my office job by 8 a.m.

Until I see the dogs.

Both are friendly, sweet dogs, but I was told one would be small and the other "medium." I have crates for small and medium pets, but the Lab mix is several inches taller than the door of the larger pet carrier.
I prod and push and attempt to bribe the oversized dog into the undersized carrier with a dog treat. No luck. The dog's owner, from her wheelchair in the kitchen, tries too, but the dog digs her haunches into the linoleum floor. Rule #1 of the Pet Peace of Mind training program specifies that pets must be transported in carriers, for safety reasons. This means I can't just throw the dog in the back of the car and speed away.

"How about tomorrow?" I say to the owner. "I can get a larger carrier and come by at the same time tomorrow."

"Let's do it today," she says, setting the brake on her wheelchair and regrouping for another round with the stubborn dog. Although I have more muscle to apply to the task, she clearly has the edge in determination. "Let's try it again," she insists.

And at that moment, I learned an important lesson. For me, tomorrow is just another day at the office. Yet for a patient in hospice care, tomorrow is a goal and not a given. Decisions about life and living, even seemingly minor ones, must be made today.

And, a few hours later, I bring home two clean and happy dogs to a grateful owner.

I can't think of any better description of what it means to be a hospice volunteer than the words Valerie uses to tell this story. It's funny how those of us who volunteer or work in hospice think we are there to teach others, to help them out, to make their lives easier. The truth is, patients and families and yes, even their pets, have so much more to teach us---about how to live, how to love and how to make today count. Please consider becoming a hospice volunteer--even if your local hospice doesn't have a Pet Peace of Mind program yet, you might be the person who helps make it happen!

Baby's Day at the Beauty Salon

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Delana Taylor McNac) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 22:47:00 +0000

Mrs. R, "Baby" and Nurse Kim

Have you ever found yourself needing a change in outlook, or maybe a change in perspective? Hospice patients are no different. Sometimes a patient's time on hospice contains seasons of depression, discouragement or downright boredom. Some days are good and they feel like doing things, or going places, while other days are a struggle. Like the rest of us, patients need the support and encouragement of family and friends for those days when things aren't going so well.

Our story this month comes from Hospice of North Central Oklahoma. PPOM Coordinator Melanie Wright tells the story:

"Mrs. R. has a small elderly white poodle named Baby. The patient is very attached to the dog and thinks of her as family--they have been together many years. Baby needed a grooming visit, so I asked the patient's daughter for information. When I called the dog's long-time groomer, he loved hearing about Pet Peace of Mind and he wanted to help. On the morning of the appointment, I called the patient's home. Her daughter said that Mrs. R. had a very rough night and wasn't doing very well. The hospice nurse confirmed to me that she thought the patient was declining. With the caregiver's permission, I came by to pick up Baby and took her to the groomer for the day. The patient woke later that morning and asked for her dog. She was told about Baby's trip to the groomer. The patient began to rouse and said, "Well, then, I need to go get my hair done, too!" Later that afternoon, I picked up Baby. She was transformed-- beautiful, with bows in her ears. The groomer refused to charge for his services. I invited the hospice nurse to meet me at the house to see the patient's reaction. When I came in, the patient was dressed and sitting in her recliner with her arms held out to take her dog. It was a very emotional setting for us all, witnessing the two old friends greet each other with joy."

Pet Peace of Mind is about keeping old friends together--through the good times and the hard times.

A Place for Spunky

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Delana Taylor McNac) — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 17:22:00 +0000

Spunky and his new owner

Sometimes the most important thing we do for a patient is providing them with an opportunity to say goodbye to a pet. But when this doesn't work out, the next best thing we can do is make sure the pet has a good home, a forever home. Our story this month comes from Hospice of Midland in Texas. Pet Peace of Mind Coordinator, Susie Mauldin, tells the story of Spunky as it unfolds:

"We are working on a pet need today. A woman in our in-patient unit has a 12 year old Yorkie named Spunky that is currently being boarded at a veterinarian's office. I am trying to arrange a visit for Spunky so his owner can say goodbye to him and then place him in foster care. We are waiting to hear from the patient or her friend about the visit and we have a volunteer on standby to pick Spunky up and take him to her."

"I am picking up Spunky in the morning. Unfortunately, the owner died before we heard back from them about a visit. We are going to have him bathed and groomed after boarding and make sure he is up to date on everything he needs. We are checking on a potential home."

"Volunteer Sharon Wetz and I took Spunky to the funeral home visitation for his owner this morning. The family was so glad to see him and the caregiver for the patient cried. We are still working on potential homes for him."

"Spunky is on his way to his new home with Hospice of Midland volunteer Debra Motley. She delivers and reads email letters from a family member to a patient in a nursing home here in Midland. Well, Debra saw me showing Spunky off to our board members after a meeting and stopped dead in her tracks. I swear it was love at first sight. So, we came back to my office so she could spend time with him and we think he fell for her, too. So, we bundled up his belongings and she took him home. That's a win, win, don't you think?"

Can you imagine what a difficult situation this would be for a 12 year old dog? Spunky had been in a cage for some time, well cared for, but separated from his owner and all that he knew of home. He could have easily wound up in a shelter, abandoned by a grieving family. Instead, Spunky's visit to the funeral home brought them comfort and reminded them of the patient and her love for him. Thanks to the diligent care of Hospice of Midland, Spunky has been cared for in a way that would comfort any owner. He has a new home, with someone who loves him and has made the commitment to care for him.

Please Don't Take Them Away

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Delana Taylor McNac) — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 19:41:00 +0000

For those of us who love pets, their companionship adds to the quality of our lives. For those who are terminally ill, pets also add a sense of normalcy to daily life, giving patients the chance to enjoy the time they have without constantly focusing on death and dying. A pet's acceptance and unconditional love provide comfort while the patient is going through the loss of independence and physical stamina common to many terminal conditions. Many patients are fearful that their pets will be taken away from them as they decline, by people who don't understand how significant they are to the patient's spiritual and emotional well-being. Such was the case with a hospice in the Northeast. A terminally ill man made an appointment with a local hospice and was told that the hospice would not admit him as a patient unless he gave away his two dogs. Believing he had no where else to turn for help, he did just that. Another local hospice, in the process of making application to the Pet Peace of Mind program, got wind of the situation before he was admitted and intervened. They told this grieving man that he did not have to give up his two dogs in order to have hospice care. The hospice staff even went so far as to find his dogs and reunite them with him.
Other patients have been told by well-meaning people that they shouldn't care as much as they do for their pets--that there is something wrong with their attachment to them during this time. Instead of supporting the patient by helping with their pet's care, family and friends encourage them to give them up. Patients find themselves caught between their dependency on other humans and the need for their pets' love and companionship. After such a decision has been made, these patients are left grieving and guilt-ridden at a time when they should be focused on other unfinished business.
Pet Peace of Mind is so much more than a program that pays for veterinary care and pet food. It validates the relationship between pets and patients, giving them the freedom to enjoy one another's company at a time when they need each other the most. We are so proud to be associated with hospices that understand this and want to partner with us to keep patients and pets together.

PPOM Adds a Deeper Dimension to Hospice Care

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Delana Taylor McNac) — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 21:19:00 +0000

When I train new hospices about the Pet Peace of Mind program, I try to explain that the program is an extension of hospice care, not just a program that feeds and cares for pets. By helping pets, the program helps patients too, sometimes in ways that are difficult to explain. This month's story is a good example of this concept and comes from Hospice of Humboldt in California. Pet Peace of Mind Coordinator Kathleen Kistler tells the story:

"This month began with Nurse Marian Reeves relating to me a distressing story of an impoverished patient and her family. This family consisted of the patient, her husband, three teenagers, two cats and two kittens, all living in a single room. Marian told me that very day, the patient watched helplessly as one of the kitttens died, gasping for breath as its life ended. The patient was distressed and grieving, not only because the kitten died, but because she was afraid she might die the same way. We began to think of how we could use Pet Peace of Mind to make the situation better for the family. First, we loaded some cat food and litter for Marian to take to the family that afternoon. A few days later, I called the family and arranged to have the cats spayed and neutered, as well as have their vaccinations updated. We also made plans to continue to provide food, litter and flea treatment for all three. A local rescue organization, Bless the Beasts, offered to help and even gave us discounted services. Carole Beaton took care of picking up the cats and boarded them the night before the surgery to make sure they were fasted properly. She also returned them to the family, all on her own time."

Imagine this patient facing her own fears about dying as she watched her kitten take its last breath. Imagine the helplessness the hospice nurse felt as she comforted this woman. The patient needed to know that hospice would be there for her when she died, not just because of the words they said, but because of their actions. By going above and beyond to care for the family pets, the hospice modeled the care they intend to give this patient and her family when they need it most, at the time of her death.

Adoptive Homes for Hospice Patients' Pets--Can You Help?

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Delana Taylor McNac) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 18:58:00 +0000

You may already know that the goal of the Pet Peace of Mind program is keeping hospice patients and their pets together. But what happens when the patient doesn't have an adoptive home for their pet when they are admitted to hospice? The Pet Peace of Mind program encourages hospices to network with local pet adoption agencies and to develop their own networks of volunteers, staff and community members interested in providing adoptive homes for patients' pets. This month's story comes from Hospice of the Ozarks in Arkansas. Kathy Weaver, Pet Peace of Mind Coordinator and Volunteer Coordinator tells the story:

"When we admitted this wonderful 75 year old lady, Mrs. C., into hospice care, the first thing she wanted to know was if she would be able to stay with her dog. Her ten year old Pomeranian, Rusty, is the light of her life. This little dog is the reason Mrs. C. gets out of bed in the morning. The main worry in her life, despite being terminally ill, was what would happen to Rusty when she was gone. Mrs. C. is the first patient enrolled our our Pet Peace of Mind program and she is thrilled with what it has done for her and Rusty. We found an adoptive home for Rusty and Mrs. C. has been able to visit and see exactly where her beloved dog will live. She tells everyone that the Pet Peace of Mind program has lifted her worries and given her peace of mind about Rusty. She says that she feels that she will be able to 'let go' without hesitation when her time to leave comes."

Can you imagine any greater gift you can give to a hospice patient than a home for their beloved pet? These pets may be older animals, or pets that have only known one home, so they need owners that can allow them time to adjust, to grieve, to get settled. Do you have what it takes to give a grieving pet a new forever home? Please consider adopting a hospice patient's pet!

The Gift of Dignity: Helping Patients Provide Veterinary Care for Pets

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Delana Taylor McNac) — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 19:45:00 +0000

Some of my fondest memories as a veterinarian are of families coming into the clinic with a new puppy or kitten for their first vaccinations. Parents often brought their kids along with the new pet, and they were all taught about the importance of responsible pet ownership. These families left our office with a sense of having done something positive, not just for their pets, but for themselves.
My guess is that most people in our country are aware of what veterinarians do to prevent illness in pets by giving them annual vaccinations and checkups. That said, it's easy to take for granted what we do for our pets and ourselves when we bring them in for something as simple as an annual checkup. We can forget that not everyone has the means or the life circumstances for routine human healthcare, much less routine veterinary care for their pets.
Our story comes from one of the first hospices in our Pet Peace of Mind hospice network, Hospice of Rutherford County in North Carolina. Executive Director, Rita Burch, shares this story with us:

"[We] are currently serving a 67 year old widowed male patient who has terminal emphysema. He has very little income and sometimes does without his medications because he cannot afford them. The patient considers his 'family' to be his 3 dogs. These dogs have been the patient's companions for many years. Prior to the Pet Peace of Mind program, he was only able to feed his dogs through the financial help of his caregiver and his neighbors. Historically, these pets never had any routine veterinary care because of the expense involved. One smalll dog has lived with a large hernia for some time, another is missing most of his teeth. The patient was unable to afford treatment for his 'family' and he told us this was a burden on his mind daily. He had no potential home for his dogs and had become resigned to the fact that the dogs would probably be taken to the pound and destroyed after his death.
Because of the Pet Peace of Mind program, our hospice has been able to provide dog food for the patient's pets, free of charge. The dogs are also recieving the veterinary care they have so desperately needed. Even though he had no home for them prior to the PPOM program, the patient has become insistent that his pets be cared for in his absence. Our hospice is working with current volunteers, as well as the Community Pet Center to get the dogs into foster care. The Pet Peace of Mind program has removed the burden from this man so he can enjoy life to the fullest during his final weeks."

Can you imagine knowing that your pets would be euthanized and having to live with that fact at the end of your life? This story isn't just about providing free pet care to someone who can't afford it---the program gave this patient hope--hope that his pets could live on after his death. He became empowered by Pet Peace of Mind, by the gift of becoming a responsible pet owner, so much so that he was able to become a voice for his 'family' and insist that they be cared for in his absence. Kudos to Hospice of Rutherford County for recognizing this and acting on his (and their) behalf.

New Pet Peace of Mind Video!

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Delana Taylor McNac) — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 22:10:00 +0000

I invite you to take a look at the new Pet Peace of Mind video for 2010 and give me your feedback. We wanted to remind people about the focus of our program and share some ideas for expanding the program in the near future. I apologize if you have already seen it on Facebook or our website, but for those of you who are exclusively on this blog list, I wanted to make sure you had the opportunity to see it firsthand.

Pets and Spirituality

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Delana Taylor McNac) — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 16:32:00 +0000

Sometimes people ask me about my views on pets and spirituality. Most of the time, those who ask me are people who have been taught by a spiritual authority that pets "don't have souls," or "don't go to heaven." These people are troubled by the conflict between their feelings and beliefs and what others have determined are "right" or "wrong" ways to interpret sacred texts or teachings. In my opinion, pets represent so much of what we need as spiritual and emotional beings. Pets demonstrate the things we long for in our relationships with others--acceptance, faithfulness, unconditional love and companionship, to name just a few. When we are able to rest for a moment and fully enjoy our pets and all they have to offer, there is the potential for us to be encouraged and uplifted, even the potential for spiritual healing. Just ask the inmates who work with shelter dogs to train them and make them adoptable for another family. Ask the troubled adolescents working with untamed young horses. When there is mutual trust, we can love animals in return, knowing we will never be rejected for how we look, what we say or for our imperfections. Does that really need to be analyzed, judged or deemed right or wrong? I don't think so.

As for what I believe, if there is indeed a place where perfect love and harmony exist beyond this life and if that place is a place where I will be content and at peace forever, then I believe my pets will be there. Until the time comes when I experience death, I hope to love and appreciate all that my animal companions have to offer here. Moreso, if I can model the same acceptance and faithfulness in my human relationships that I experience with my pets, then I am a better person for it. Even if the only thing that changes is how I live my present life--more in the moment, savoring the joy of companionship and friendship as it happens, then that's enough for me.

How Pets Make a Difference: Tucker and Mr. P

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Delana Taylor McNac) — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 18:33:00 +0000

We often talk about the difference that a pet makes in the life of someone who is terminally ill. Pet Peace of Mind volunteer Mary Beth from Humboldt Hospice in California describes it beautifully in this story about Mr. P. and his dog Tucker. (She doesn't identify the patient by name in order to protect his privacy.)

"The hospice patient I'm currently visiting suffers deeply with loneliness. When his elderly dog died, it was an enormous loss to Mr. P. Within a short time, he had a new buddy named Tucker. The two quickly fell in love and trust. Tucker comforts the patient by simply being there. Tucker's jumping around from place to place enchants him and puts a long, wide smile on his face. When Tucker is ready to play, Mr. P. spins his electric wheelchair around to pick up the dog's favorite ball and throws it for him--again and again and again. He even seems to enjoy reprimanding Tucker when he barks at passing cars, pedestrians or any noise. He's proud of his "boy." Mr. P. is comforted by Tucker's constant attention and those big brown eyes that watch his every move.
The relationship with Tucker elevates his spirits and enriches his life. Tucker is someone who cares that Mr. P. is alive, someone to get out of bed for, someone to love and interact with all his waking hours and someone who accepts him as he is. What Tucker brings to this man not only enhances his own life, but also faciliates the work of caregivers and eases the concerns of family and friends. I truly believe that the last months of Mr. P's life are easier, more secure and happier because of Tucker's presence. I cannot even imagine him being able to stay in his home alone without his loyal companion."

Thank you, Mary Beth, for this wonderful story! Can you tell how much this relationship has impacted her life? Becoming a Pet Peace of Mind volunteer can be a rewarding and enriching experience. If you are a pet lover and you would like to "pay it forward" to someone who might not have the help they need to care for a beloved pet---please check our website for more information about Pet Peace of Mind hospices in your area.

Hospice Patients and Their Pets--End of Life in a Facility

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Delana Taylor McNac) — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:56:00 +0000

Some people are unaware of the fact that hospice care can occur inside the walls of a nursing home or other facility, like a hospice home or in-patient hospice unit. While we often think of hospice as providing the opportunity for patients to die in their own homes, sometimes this just isn't possible. For example, a patient may stay at home for the initial part of their hospice care, but have no family or resources for a caregiver to care for them when they become too weak to shower or take care of other personal needs. For safety reasons, the patient is moved into a facility for their end of life journey. What happens to their beloved pets when this occurs? Well, that depends. One hospice in Iowa who is part of our Pet Peace of Mind network helped a patient find homes for her pets with hospice volunteers and community members. The patient had the opportunity to meet each adoptive family and to see how much care and love her pets would have after she was gone. These wonderful people even brought the pets up to the nursing home to visit the patient during her time there, including a final visit the day she died. This patient died knowing that her pets were safe and loved.

One of the most important things you can do for a hospice patient is to offer to provide a loving home for their pet. Many times, hospice staff and hospice volunteers are the ones who witness the special bond between a patient and pet and understand how important it is for the patient to be able to leave them in the care of someone they trust. Unfortunately, there are only so many homes with hospice staff and volunteers. They need people willing to step up from the surrounding community to help, people who understand the pet's need to grieve and need for time to adjust to a new home. Would you consider becoming a forever home for a hospice patient's pet?

The End of Our Pepsi Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Delana Taylor McNac) — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 14:36:00 +0000

Today, we officially end our participation in the Pepsi Challenge Project. This has been an incredible opportunity to spread the word about our program that keeps hospice patients and their pets together, Pet Peace of Mind. We have been humbled and honored by your daily voting support, your willingness to encourage family and friends to vote for us and the wonderful, uplifting comments about Pet Peace of Mind that you posted online and sent in your emails. We are also grateful to those of you who shared stories about how your loved ones cared so deeply for the pets in their lives. All of these things motivate us, inspire us and keep us focused on the work we do at Banfield Charitable Trust. Thank you for believing in us and believing in Pet Peace of Mind! Stay tuned for more updates and news about the program on our Facebook page, Pet Peace of Mind! And, of course, there will be more stories here on the blog--thank you for reading!

A New Forever Home for Tuffy

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Delana Taylor McNac) — Thu, 20 May 2010 20:41:00 +0000

One of the goals of Pet Peace of Mind is to find homes for pets that have no place to go after the patient dies. Too often, pets of terminally ill patients end up in shelters or are euthanized because grieving family members are unable to find a permanent home for their loved one's pets. When a hospice participates in the program, however, the family can turn to their Pet Peace of Mind team for assistance with placement. This typically necessitates some previous networking between the hospice PPOM Coordinator and local pet care providers for adoption assistance and/or fostering of patients' pets.
One of our newest members of the Pet Peace of Mind hospice network is Hospice of Midland, in West Texas. Susie Mauldin, Director of Volunteer Services and PPOM Coordinator, shared a story with me about a cat named Tuffy who needed a new forever home. In this instance, the patient and her daughter wanted to participate in the process of selecting his new home as part of the patient's "unfinished business." The patient needed to know that Tuffy would be cared for and content in his new home, and she needed to meet the person responsible for caring for her beloved cat. Susie connected the patient with 18 year old Madison Munoz and her mother, Audrey. Madison attends school in the area and lives with Down's Syndrome. With her mother's permission, she had been looking for the right pet companion. Tuffy, faced with the loss of his beloved owner, needed a friend, too.
Giving up a pet is no small thing, especially for someone who is terminally ill. It means letting go of a faithful friend and trusting that the new home will provide the love and care their pet deserves. Fortunately for Tuffy, Pet Peace of Mind at Hospice of Midland was able to match him with someone who is devoted to his care. The patient's daughter summed it up best when she said, "This was the last thing on Mom's list. She was worried about Tuffy and who would take care of him. Now she can be at peace."

One more time!! Pepsi Refresh Update!

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Delana Taylor McNac) — Wed, 05 May 2010 17:13:00 +0000

Greetings, Blog Readers! Well, the April Pepsi Refresh contest is over and we didn't win. The good news, however, is that because we are one of the top 100 projects, we were asked to participate for another month. After lots of consideration and floating some new ideas for getting more votes, we have decided to go for it! Would you keep voting for us this month? We have moved from 71st to 26th since May 1st, so it's looks like we are gaining ground faster than last month. We are in it to win, so we are not holding back when it comes to asking for votes. Your vote counts! Remember, voting is easy--just go to this link: www.refresheverything.com/helphospicepatientskeeptheirpets Be sure you click on "sign in" if you are already registered or "Join Pepsi Refresh' if you need to sign up. Make sure the "vote for this project" disappears after you vote to make sure voting is complete! We so appreciate your support for Pet Peace of Mind. I will have more stories, soon....we have 11 programs up and running now all over the country!