Frankie taking a well deserved nap after her hospice volunteer work today

Frankie and I have been a volunteer therapy dog team visiting Sharon S Richardson Hospice since October 2008.  As many of you know I semi-retired Frankie earlier this year so now we only visit hospice every other month.

I find myself treasuring each moment of our work together these days even more. Because we aren’t doing as much volunteer work, now when I get the chance I hold onto every good feeling I get from this very soul fulfilling work.

When I decided to become a volunteer with hospice I kept hearing you had to have a “hospice heart.” Not everyone is cut out to work or volunteer in hospice. But I have no doubt that all dogs have hospice hearts. Frankie led me to this volunteer work which I am happy to say I do believe I now have a hospice heart. I’ve learned to appreciate every person we encounter when visiting hospice no matter where they’ve been or what they’ve done or what they believe in.

I’ve learned that those in hospice may have limited months, days or hours, but they are still living.  And I think that some times those in hospice are doing more living than those of us that have not been given a specific number of days or months to live.  It’s always a reality check for my own life as I head home.

As I appreciate each and every visit Frankie and I do, I find myself driving home so happy for having the opportunity to do this work with Frankie. I find myself reaching over and petting Frankie often, telling her how much she means to me and thanking her for all she teaches me. My heart simply oozes with a joy and love I can’t truly explain… but I suppose that must be what is called a hospice heart.