veterinarian

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.

Why is it So Hard When a Pet Dies?

Posted by Barbara Techel

Just last week my sister-in-law laid her dear chocolate lab, Emma Lee to rest.  On Sunday I went and said good bye to her.  I was sad, but at the same time took comfort in the fact Emma will be seeing her sister Rudi again (who died at the age of 4) and will also see my Cassie Jo.  They were the original “three brown dogs” as we called them.

When I got Cassie Jo, my sister-in-law got her two labs and they all became buddies.  Sometimes on weekends we would walk them in my sister-in-law’s large field.  We would sing to them (to the tune of three blind mice), “three brown dogs, three brown dogs, see how they run, see how they run.”  We didn’t know the rest of the words so would repeat over and over that verse as our dogs romped in the field.

I recently came across this great article, Why is it so Hard When a Pet Dies written by a veterinarian and thought this a good time to share.  I thought it was excellent in the fact that as a society I do think we need to really be more open and aware of those who love their animals deeply.  The grief is very real.  I am part of a support group that helps people grieving the loss of an animal.  It is amazing the stigma that is still attached to openly grieving for fear people will laugh or simply not understand.  Even if someone does not understand, I hope and pray they will treat that person with respect and dignity and accept the fact this is difficult for the person grieving.

When Cassie Jo passed away in the summer of 2005 I worried about Frankie and how she was without her big brown sister.  Emma Lee was so kind and came to stay with us for a few days… and Frankie took to her like her new best friend.  Below is the picture I got of them.  Still warms my heart to this day to look at the photo.  Rest in peace, dear sweet Emma…