hospice

Tribute Continues for Baxter, the World’s Oldest Therapy Dog

Posted by Barbara Techel

If you are regular followers of my blog, you know how I have loved following the journey of Baxter, the world’s oldest and greatest therapy dog, who sadly passed away on Friday, October 16th at the age of 19 1/2.  You can read more from a previous post.


All proceeds from Baxter’s book are donated to various charities in honor & memory of Baxter

Two days after Baxter’s passing, his Mom and Dad received the news that his book, Moments with Baxter won the presigious USA Book News National Best Book Award 2009.  I can only imagine the swirl of emotions they had with this news.

The book and inspiration behind it would not have been without Baxter.  The positive attention and love they brought to hospice, animals, and this important therapy work is incredible.  This is one of the best books I have ever read, and I recommend it to everyone!  It is filled with dignity, grace and compassion that we all need to know exists.  Baxter truly knew what his life work was, and the love of his human parents brought it to the forefront.  I can just imagine how blessed and hollow they feel all at the same time with the loss of Baxter at this time in their lives.

I can’t even tell you how many times I have gotten so teary-eyes and choked up over this.  But I think it is because I really do understand that special bond Melissa and Dennis shared with Baxter and sharing him with others, as I do with Frankie.  It is something one must experience in order to truly know the depth of it.

So, I say a deeply heart felt congratulations to Melissa and Dennis for their beautiful work in sharing Baxter’s soul work with the world.  One of my wishes when I get to heaven, is to meet Baxter, hug him close and thank him for all he did.  God Bless You always sweet little angel.

Moments with Baxter

Posted by Barbara Techel


One of my all time favorite books is Moments with Baxter.  The 36-stories collected in this book are about Baxter, the World’s Best and Oldest Therpy Dog who volunteers at San Diego Hospice.

This book touched me deeply.  Finding the words to describe what it is like to be a therapy dog team with Frankie at our local hospice, is not always easy.  It is just something you have to experience… my soul soars each time I visit hospice with Frankie.  It reminds me each and every time that everyone in this world is beautiful.  It reminds me that all we have is the moment we are in.  It reminds me to love with all my heart.  It reminds me that no matter where you are in your life, you are still living… until you take your last breath, and you move on to the other side.  And I believe as this saying by Chief Seattle says, “There is no death, only a change of worlds.”

So with that said, I share this amazing video of Baxter at work at San Diego Hospice… he is now 19 1/2 years old and still giving so much love and joy… he is a testament to unconditional love.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIrDbzoOxZc

Columbus Hospice program cares for patients’ pets

Posted by Barbara Techel

I recently came across the following article about a hospice program that has put into place caring for patients' pets.  And honestly, it brought big tears to my eyes.  What a wonderful program!!  Animals are such a big part of our lives, and I for one, know my animals keep me going some days.  I can only imagine what they do for hospice patients.  Taking care of all the needs of a hospice patient is vast and wide, including the well being of their families, and for this program to include the well being of their pets as well, no doubt provides them with peace of mind.  What a beautiful gift.

Here is the article as it appeared in Ledger-Inquirer:

Columbus Hospice serves more than 300 patients and for many of them, Terri Roberts says, “their pet is all the family they have.”

That’s why Roberts, the organization’s director of volunteer services, is excited about the new program that Columbus Hospice will begin in January.

It’s called Pet Peace of Mind and is being financed by a $5,000 grant from Banfield Charitable Trust, a public charity that focuses on pets.

The idea for the program came from Delana Taylor McNac, who began a similar program at the Green Country Hospice in Tulsa, Okla., where she is the chaplain. McNac is a former veterinarian.

“I know one of our patients has a cat, and it’s everything to him,” Roberts said. “With this program we can make sure the pets are cleaned, groomed, get their shots, are well fed and any medical problems can be taken care of.”

She added that many patients are physically or economically unable to take proper care of the animals.

Roberts said that PAWS Humane will be assisting, as will local veterinarian Susanne Seward, who is discounting fees. Pet groomer Klazi Kritter Kutz also is donating services.

Volunteers will transport pets to a veterinarian or groomer and deliver pet food and cat litter to homes.

She said the program will give patients the assurance that someone understands the role of their pets in contributing to their well-being.