Pet Peace of Mind

Happy Endings...and a few Surprises

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Delana Taylor McNac) — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 01:23:00 +0000

Today's post comes from two hospices with wonderful success rates when it comes to re-homing pets of all shapes and sizes. From Sangre de Christo Hospice in Pueblo, Colorado, PPOM Coordinator Paula Randall had these two stories to share.
"In November, we accepted "the Trickster" into our adoption program, a mousy brown tarantula. We renamed her Annabella. Her original home was very small and smelled awful; she also had a fungal infection on her abdomen. We bought her a new luxury home, did some research and found out she needed a heat source and was a native of South America. Believe it or not, we received twenty calls from adoptive homes interested in Annabella! She went to a home in Colorado Springs where she is warm, happy and clean. She is not aggressive and spends most of her time fixing up her new home and eating crickets. Two weeks ago she molted, an exciting event for her new family. She is now five inches long. She will be visiting some elementary schools to educate kids about spiders."
This story also comes from Paula-- "A situation resulted in a request for us to find five homes for five pets in five days. The animal family consisted of three dogs, one kitten and a ferret with no hair. Two of the dogs were adopted by a nurse in Pueblo, but the Pug, Zena the Warrior Princess, was a different story. She was twelve years old and had pneumonia. Our Consulting Veterinarian, Dr. Sadie Maybach, examined her and started her on antibiotics. Poor Zena had cataracts and a partially collapsed trachea, too, so we were skeptical about finding her a home. One of our nurses in Canon City adopted her and gave her the treatment she needed--now she is full of energy and part of the family. The bald ferret was adopted by Misty, our hospice volunteer, and treated for her condition. The rehab center in Denver examined the ferret and assured Misty that with the correct medication, she will completely recover and have a full life with her new family. Last, but not least, the kitten was adopted by a home in Canon City. Gizmo loves sitting on his kitty tower and watching the birds outside."
And from our hospice partner in Texas, Hospice Midland, PPOM Coordinator Susie Mauldin, comes this story--
"I was alerted to the need of a new patient with her three cats. A volunteer and I went to visit the patient on a Friday afternoon. The patient introduced us to the cats and said that she wanted them placed in new homes. She had been paying someone to come over daily to feed them and change the litter boxes and this was becoming a financial burden. We told her we would be glad to bring volunteers to help her stay with her beloved pets as long as possible. Once we got back to the office, I contacted our PPOM volunteers and made arrangements for the first volunteer to be there Monday morning at 8 am, as per the patient's wishes. On Monday, the volunteer came and helped care for the cats as arranged, but on Tuesday morning she couldn't get an answer at the patient's door. The hospice nurse was already on her way and volunteered to help with the lock box on the door. Much to their surprise, the patient had passed away during the night. Once her caregiver arrived, we discovered that the patient had left her entire estate to a small shelter in a distant town to care for her cats. The shelter arrived within hours of her death to pick up the cats. The last surprise was the biggest one for me, however. The patient hadn't mentioned that she had a large pond in the back yard with over 100 exotic fish! Well, we put the word out to the community and people from all over came to take the fish in containers to new ponds. Best we can tell, all of the fish were saved, too."

Finding Stevie

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Delana Taylor McNac) — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 19:30:00 +0000

This month, we feature a story about a lost cat--a story written by a hospice volunteer from Hospice Austin in Texas. It's a story about love and perseverance, even when things look hopeless. A timely message during the holidays and at a time when we could all use a little extra hope.
"Last week, our patient Curtis was in the process of moving his trailer to another trailer park. Since I am a volunteer for Hospice Austin's Pet Peace of Mind program, I drove over to the trailer park a week earlier to deliver a cat carrier to transport Curtis's beloved cat, Stevie, to the new location. On moving day, another Hospice Austin volunteer had arrived with his truck to tow the trailer and take Curtis and Stevie to their new home. The move was going smoothly until Stevie Cat decided that he'd really prefer not to be taken in the plastic cat carrier. He put up a pretty big struggle and managed to bust out of the carrier and bolt off through the parked trailers. They tried to find him, but because the trailer was already hooked up they had no choice but to give up after a while and continue to the new park.
The next day, the news was relayed to the Pet Peace of Mind Coordinator who immediately contacted me to see if I would be willing to help search for Stevie. Well, within two minutes of receiving the email, I was in the car with my 15 year old son, who is always looking for a driving opportunity. Since I knew where Curtis's trailer had been parked, I started there. We interviewed neighbors and scoured the area. No Stevie. I had a feeling the cat was somewhere close, but too scared to come out. Before he lived with Curtis, his previous owners had declawed him, so he was unprepared for the outside world. But based on my own experience, I had a hunch that Stevie would respond to Curtis's voice if he were around the area.
The next morning, I picked Curtis up from the new trailer park and we went back to search, this time with missing-cat posters, tacks and tape. For over an hour, we walked every square inch of that trailer park, to no avail. It was not looking good. Every once in a while, Curtis would stop and close his eyes and take a few long deep breaths. I could see that he was making an effort to calm himself down. It suddenly struck me that it might not be a good idea to walk around in the heat with a stressed out man who had already had two heart attacks and major heart surgery, but it was also becoming clear that this man was not going to stop looking. My son and I went to the adjacent apartment complex to put up some of our lost-cat posters while Curtis waited at the car near his old trailer parking spot. Suddenly, Curtis heard a muffled meow under the porch deck of his former neighbor. After Curtis sat still and talked to the cat for about 10 minutes, a small black head appeared in a hole under the deck. Stevie! Those big green eyes were such a beautiful sight! It took another few minutes to coax him out a few more inches so Curtis could grab him and hug him tightly. I was waiting with a much stronger carrier out of sight. With all four of our hands, we managed to insert an unhappy Stevie into the carrier. Mission Accomplished!
With Stevie safely in the crate, Curtis just stood there and then opened his arms to give me a big crushing bear hug--that was wonderful. We were both ready to cry--we were so relieved and happy to have Stevie back. I had only met the cat five minutes earlier, but I knew that if we had not found him I would have been driving over to that park every single day for weeks to keep looking. We drove back to the new park and installed Stevie in his old home where he immediately began weaving in and out of our legs and purring like a lawnmower. We celebrated their reunion with a can of tuna fish. It was a good day, and I went home on a "cat high" that lasted all weekend long.
I am so grateful for the Pet Peace of Mind program. Without this resource, Curtis would be heartbroken and lonely (as if having to move his house and being on hospice were not stressful enough) and Stevie would be, well, never having tuna fish again. There are a lot of us animal lovers who volunteer at Hospice Austin, but without this special program we would not get connected to people like Curtis who need us to help them with their pet problems. And since we all need to be needed, everyone wins."

Rehoming the Hopeless: A Cat Named Bruiser

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Delana Taylor McNac) — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 14:25:00 +0000

Bruiser

When we talk to potential hospice partners about becoming part of our Pet Peace of Mind network, there are always questions about re-homing patients' pets. In our experience, most hospice patients have already decided who will care for their pet when they are admitted to hospice, but there are some instances when a pet will become homeless when a patient dies. You can imagine how comforting it is to someone terminally ill to know that their pet will be loved by someone after they are gone. There are challenges, though, that occasionally arise when a hospice is involved in pet placement. This month's story comes from our hospice partner in Arkansas, Hospice of the Ozarks, about a cat named Bruiser. Volunteer Coordinator Kathy Weaver tells the story:
"Generally, I am a positive person, but there are times that it is hard to be. I received a referral for a placement for a cat that I didn't think I had any chance of placing at all. The cat, Bruiser, was twelve years old, had never been around dogs or children, didn't like people, was known to bite and had its front claws removed for safety. The cat's owner, a home hospice patient, was a sweet 95 year old lady who loved him very much. After talking to her about him, I realized that Bruiser had a history of abuse and that he was only aggressive when cornered. He didn't come out while I was there visiting, but the patient shared some photos with me. I took down all the information I needed and assured her that I would do my best to find a home for her cat. A few days later, I received a volunteer request for the same patient. She wanted to have her hair done, so I contacted one of our beautician volunteers to fulfill the request. Later that day, the beautician came by my office and asked about Bruiser. It seems she and Bruiser had bonded. He came out of hiding while she worked with the patient's hair and seemed to become enamored with her. I made a call to the patient to confirm and we talked about Bruiser's future. The patient was thrilled to know that this woman would become Bruiser's new owner. The patient died three weeks later and Bruiser made a smooth transition to his new home."
It's true that not all pets find homes this easily, but our PPOM Coordinators do an amazing job with pet placement. Thank you to all the wonderful people who have taken a patient's pet into their home. For some patients, there is no better gift you can give them than the peace of mind they have from knowing their pet has a forever home.

Buffy...He's a Boy

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Delana Taylor McNac) — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 23:19:00 +0000

Buffy and his owner

While most of the care that the Pet Peace of Mind program provides for patients' pets falls under the banner of routine care, like vaccinations or grooming, occasional emergency situations arise. Terri Roberts, Pet Peace of Mind Coordinator for Columbus Hospice in Georgia, shares the story of a cat named Buffy....er, Buffy the boy.

"When we began our program in January 2010, I wanted to provide pictures of some of our patients with their pets to help tell the story of their importance of the Pet Peace of Mind Program to our community. I had asked our social workers if they had any recommendations of a family with pets that would allow me to take pictures and needed our services. I was quickly given a name of a patient and his wife. They lived on the bottom floor of their son's home. The house was near Pine Mountain, Georgia on the side of

a steep hill in the woods. They have a cat named Buffy. By the way, 'Buffy is a boy', I was quickly told. I took several pictures and visited with the family. I told them all about the Pet Peace of Mind Program. it turned out that Buffy needed to be neutered and was due for his yearly vaccinations. I arranged for a volunteer to pick up Buffy a few days later. Everything went well and the family was pleased Columbus Hospice could provide these services to them at no charge.

Several months later, I received an urgent call from the family. Buffy had been attacked by another animal. He had a gash on his side and was very lethargic. The family was in a difficult situation financially, as the patient's son had recently lost his job. Even their home was for sale. Given their situation, they couldn't afford to take Buffy to the veterinarian not knowing what the final cost would be. Our patient was very distraught and feared Buffy would have to be euthanized. Thanks to the Pet Peace of Mind Program we were able to take Buffy to the veterinarian and not only save his life, but give him the ongoing care he needed to get well. Our patient had told us that Buffy was an important part of his life. He had a sense of comfort watching him lie in the chair next to him purring. The simple companionship of his cat made a difference in his quality of life.

As you can see from the picture, Buffy returned from his adventure and promptly settled in, right back where he belongs...in his loving home."

Imagine the guilt and grief this patient would have experienced if they had put their beloved cat to sleep without knowing there was help available through Pet Peace of Mind. What if Buffy had died from his injuries because they couldn't afford to take him to a veterinarian? The last thing a terminally ill person needs is more grief. Thanks to Terri and Pet Peace of Mind at Columbus Hospice, the patient can continue to enjoy his beloved cat.

When Pets are Family at End of Life

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Delana Taylor McNac) — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 15:25:00 +0000

While there are many supportive and loving families that choose hospice for a dying family member, there are also instances when elderly patients have distant or strained relationships with family or extended family members. Some patients are childless, and medical decisions are made by relatives they barely know. In these situations, it's common for the family pet to become the sole source of emotional support and unconditional love and acceptance for patients. This story comes to us from one of our newer PPOM partners, Hospice of the Upstate in Anderson, South Carolina.

Bear before grooming

"Mr C. was in his seventies, very frail and diagnosed with end stage cancer when we admitted him to hospice. His wife was already in a nursing home and there was no one to help take care of their dogs, Bear and Lulu. Both dogs were also in declining health. Because Mr. C could no longer walk, the dogs were confined to one area of the house and the porch, where they got very dirty and matted. Their diet consisted of eating cat food from an open bag on the kitchen floor.

Lulu before grooming

As Mr C.'s condition worsened, he was admitted to the Rainey Hospice House. The family in charge of his medical care asked for help from Pet Peace of Mind, as they were unable to take care of the dogs. Our PPOM Coordinator arranged for a volunteer to pick up Bear and Lulu from the home. The first order of business was to take them to the veterinarian and the groomer. Then they were taken in by another PPOM volunteer, who provided a foster home and took them to visit Mr. C about three times a week at the hospice house. Since he had no family to visit him there, Bear and Lulu's visits were the highlight of his day. He was concerned about the dogs' well-being and he knew that his family couldn't keep them. The volunteer and the patient built a rapport over time and when the time came, Mr. C was asked if they could stay with her permanently. He agreed.

Lulu and Bear in their new home

Bear and Lulu love their new home. They have the run of the house, eagerly await her return from work and curl up with her at night to sleep. Thank you for helping us bring together these dogs and families for a happy ending!"

A Little Dog's Heart

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Delana Taylor McNac) — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 20:15:00 +0000

Some stories we get from our hospice partners just tug at my heart in ways I can't explain. This month's story comes from Home Hospice of Grayson, Cooke and Fannin Counties in north Texas. Our Pet Peace of Mind Coordinator, Barb Samuelson, tells the story:
"When we first began providing daily care to an elderly patient's little Dachshund, Lily, the pet was already familiar with one of the volunteers because of frequent transportation to the groomer and the veterinarian. When a second volunteer began alternating with the first one to share the responsibilities for in home pet care, the little dog became anxious. As they left the home to begin their first walk together, Lily kept trying to turn and go back home. After they had walked a little way, the volunteer decided to return home with the dog to relieve her anxiety. When she opened the door, Lily ran up to the patient and sat down at her feet. The volunteer told the patient that she thought that maybe Lily didn't want to walk that day. The patient looked down at her canine friend staring adoringly up at her and said, "I'm fine. It's okay for you to go walk." The little dog turned immediately and went outside with the volunteer. They spent the next 45 minutes playing together in the yard. The volunteer said later, 'Lily just had to go back and make sure that "Mama" was okay!'"
Having owned a few Dachshunds in my younger years, I can just picture this story as it unfolds. Dogs are so intuitive, and this story really illustrates that point. Imagine what it would be like for this patient if those volunteers weren't willing to come and care for Lily in her home--what a difficult thing it would be for this elderly woman to give up her devoted little dog. These are the stories remind me that we are making a difference---one patient, one pet, one hospice at a time.

Sometimes it takes a village to place a pet

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Delana Taylor McNac) — Tue, 29 May 2012 18:54:00 +0000

KAT

This month's hospice story comes from one of our hospice partners in Ohio, Hospice & Palliative Care of Greater Wayne County. Elisa Stoyle, PPOM Coordinator, shared KAT's story with us.
"For some patients, the intensity and rapid onset of their symptoms makes it impossible to care for anyone but themselves anymore. One of our patients found themselves in this situation. Breathing, eating and sleeping were all they could manage due to the rapid progression of their disease process in a very short time. This meant that their beloved cat needed to be placed in a new home as soon as possible. The job fell to us and the Pet Peace of Mind program to find KAT a home.
Pet Peace of Mind is relatively new at our hospice. It has taken some time to get the program implemented and established so we can provide the best care possible for our patients' pets. Although we felt unprepared for this urgent request, we decided we could help KAT and our patient. With the help of a Pet Peace of Mind volunteer, we researched possible places in our community that could help us find a suitable home for KAT. We began advertising our need with the following information, sending it with pictures to local rescue agencies and veterinarians. 'KAT is four years old. He is a friendly and outgoing cat that is comfortable inside and outside. Because he is so flexible, he doesn't have any special needs--he just needs to be loved so he can love you back.'
Our response was greater than we imagined. Many agencies were interested in helping out our hospice. In the end, we placed KAT with the first one willing to take him home as soon as possible. Now KAT is living it up with three other cats. The patient has the relief of knowing that KAT is loved and being cared for.
There were other benefits that came from our search for a home for KAT. Pet Peace of Mind was able to make further inroads into our community. Not only are we in contact with many people willing to help us place pets, but we have developed a relationship with two other veterinary hospitals. One has offered to donate any expenses beyond routine services to our program, the other a mobile veterinarian that is willing to make housecalls.
The joy felt by the Pet Peace of Mind volunteer that delivered KAT to his new home and the social worker who initiated the request, the volunteer office that made this happen--its all been great. There is a real sense of knowing we provided a much needed service to a patient that could not have accomplished it on his own. Thank you, PPOM."
Thank you, Elisa! Thanks to the efforts of your hospice team and volunteers, KAT has a new home. We have found that our hospice partners find placing pets to be some of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of Pet Peace of Mind, but in the vast majority of cases, they don't have to do it alone. Community organizations and individuals from communities all over the country want to help foster or provide a forever home for a pet. Thank you to everyone who helps make this possible.

A Better Place

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Delana Taylor McNac) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 21:32:00 +0000

Breezy Man

One of the challenges hospice workers face is caring for terminally ill patients in the midst of a myriad of family dynamics. Caregivers are working through the emotional and physical aspects of caring for a dying family member while often coping with a stream of friends, family, extended family, neighbors and co-workers who call or visit to say goodbye. Estranged relationships add to the stress for some families and there may be financial constraints as well. Pets can offer support and comfort for the patient and caregiver, but there are times when a pet is in the midst of a difficult situation and re-homing is the best option for everyone concerned. Laura Savage, former PPOM Coordinator with Hospice of Baton Rouge tells the story:
"On August 4th, I was notified by one of our nurses that she had a new patient, Frank, with a little German Shepherd mix puppy named "Breezy Man." The puppy needed treatment for a rash on his belly and Frank didn't have the resources to pay for treatment. He also needed help paying for pet food. I contacted the patient's sister, his caregiver, for more information about the little dog and explained our Pet Peace of Mind program. After getting a signed consent form from the patient, I purchased dog food, treats, shampoo and a grooming brush for "Breezy Man" and had it delivered to Frank's house. Since "Breezy Man" didn't have a veterinarian, I turned to our Consulting Veterinarian for help. Dr. Reed agreed to do a free initial exam for the dog and Frank's sister agreed to take him in for the appointment. The exam revealed that "Breezy Man" had mites causing the rash and needed his first vaccinations, so our Pet Peace of Mind program provided those, too.
Several weeks later, Frank begin to decline, so he was moved to our in-patient hospice unit. His sister agreed to care for "Breezy Man" for the time being, but the family dynamics in the home made caring for the dog difficult. We offered to help with finding a new home for the pup. Sarah declined at first, but later changed her mind and decided to let us help when the time came. In early October, Frank made the difficult decision to let "Breezy Man" go to a new home. I sent out an adoption request with the photo (above) to the hospice staff, board members and volunteers at 1:00 p.m. that day. By 5:00 p.m., "Breezy Man" had a new home with one of our board members. Pastor Mike and "Breezy Man" were a good fit.
The following week, Frank's nurse informed me that he was beginning to transition. She asked if Pastor Mike would be comfortable bringing "Breezy Man" to visit Frank one more time. A couple of days later, the young dog came to visit. They both were very excited to see one another. The next day, Frank passed from this world to the next, knowing that he and "Breezy Man" were both in a better place."

A Big Heart Finds a Home

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Delana Taylor McNac) — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 21:10:00 +0000

Joker and Shawna's daughter

Sometimes love comes in extra large packages. This was the case with one patient and his 170 pound Bull Mastiff, Joker. Our PPOM Coordinator in Colorado, Susan Cooper, teamed up with the patient's social worker Shawna Genova to help patient and pet in this story from Sangre de Christo Hospice.
As is the case with some hospice patients, Leon had no close family members or friends. Joker was his only companion and closest friend. When Shawna visited the home as Leon's social worker, she recognized the special bond between them. Joker was a big dog with an ever bigger heart. Shawna also realized that Joker would become homeless when Leon died. She contacted Susan to ask how the Pet Peace of Mind program could help find Joker a home. Susan began to work on it right away, realizing this was no ordinary situation. Unfortunately, Susan ran into some problems--no one she contacted had room for such a large dog. Shawna and Susan began to brainstorm about potential placement for Joker. Shawna suggested putting Joker at her father's home temporarily--a safe place with a large backyard, other dogs and a family. Her skeptical father agreed to give it a try, but after a few days, it was apparent that Joker's new temporary home would become a permanent one.
In the meantime, Leon's condition had declined to the point where he was admitted to a hospice home for his final days. He was lethargic and barely responsive when Shawna brought Joker to Leon's bedside for one last visit. Almost immediately, both patient and beloved pet were aware of the other's presence. As Joker walked up to Leon's bedside, the patient's hand moved to his dog. Even without opening his eyes, he knew his friend was by his side to say goodbye. Leon took a deep breath and Shawna told him that his friend had a new forever home. Joker would be well cared for and loved. Although no words were spoken, she could feel the happiness and reassurance in the room.
Thanks to Shawna and Susan's dedicated care to both patient and pet, Leon had the comfort of knowing his beloved dog would be cared for at the end of his life. Joker is living a carefree life and is happy in his new home. This is the heart of Pet Peace of Mind.

PPOM Changes a Patient's Outlook

noreply@blogger.com (Rev. Delana Taylor McNac) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:04:00 +0000

Everyone who works in hospice knows that some patients are more challenging to work with than others. Patients are often grieving as they approach the end of life and with that can come sadness, withdrawal and even misdirected anger toward others. It takes a lot of patience and understanding and hospice staff members are especially gifted in these areas. Our story this month comes from our first North Carolina hospice partner, Hospice of Rutherford County. Clinical Volunteer Liaison and PPOM Coordinator Karen Jarson tells the story:
"During a recent care planning meeting a patient was being discussed because of his recent decline. The patient had experienced many losses in his life and he had the tendency to take out his frustration on those closest to him, including his family. As a result, most of his family had become estranged due to his less than pleasant demeanor. The nurse had the impression that he enjoyed being that "mean old guy," but she was particularly worried because during her last visit she had noticed that his entire demeanor had changed. The patient was no longer just being mean---he seemed despondent and had even become less compliant with medication. After a long discussion that included medication changes, the hospice nurse interjected that the only thing she had seen perk up the patient's mood was the presence of his dog.
After finding out that his dog was an important component of his life, the hospice team decided that a Christmas gift of a stocking filled with pet products might lift the patient's spirits. The team was told that this was possible through the Pet Peace of Mind program. A staff member was given the task to buy supplies and assemble the gift to be taken to the patient the next day, but funds were never taken from the Pet Peace of Mind account. When other staff members and pet lovers heard of the plan, donations came in that were more than sufficient to fill the stocking!
The nurse returned the next day and reported that the patient was thrilled with the gift for his pet. He also told her that he knew he was being difficult. She was amazed at the complete turnaround in the patient brought about by this gift. Pet Peace of Mind is beneficial in so many ways. Our patient needed to know that he and his pet were important and our staff learned about giving and why Pet Peace of Mind matters."

This is a perfect example of how Pet Peace of Mind can make caring for a hospice patient easier. By validating the relationship between a patient and pet, staff member build credibility and trust with a patient. Even staff members who are not pet lovers will find that their jobs are easier when patients trust them because they affirm the patient's love for their pet.

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.