Help Joan with Young Peanut

Update 5/11/2015: After losing her beloved cat, Betty wanted to open her heart and her home to a new furry friend.  Betty heard about Peanut through a Hope volunteer, and they were a perfect match after their first meeting. Peanut and all his belongings went home with Betty. His prior owner, Joan, told us that she was relieved. This special adoption provided true “Peace of Mind” when it was needed most. 

Joan was elated to adopt Peanut last Thanksgiving, but sadly with her recent health problems, she feels it would now be best for Peanut to have a new home. As a long-time supporter of cat rescue events, Joan truly hopes that someone will return the favor – coming to the rescue to give this delightful cat what he deserves. Joan would love to tell a new owner all about Peanut and could do this in the comfort of her lanai, some evening after supper.

More about Peanut

• Male cat weighing 9 pounds, approximately 9 months to 1 year old
• Best described as “loving” – comes when called and readily engages in playtime
• Prefers canned food with gravy or sauce and an occasional treat of tuna fish
• Had regular vet care with up-to-date vaccinations
• Has a microchip that can be changed to a new owner’s information
• Fully litter trained

Call Colette at (239) 985-7728 to get started.

Tagalong Needs a New Lap to Sit in

Update 4/27: Tagalong went home with Tujuana, then he  ran away. Thanks to his microchip and the kind woman who found him, they were able to reunite Tagalong with Alethea’s daughter.  He was so happy to see her, she cried, and decided in that moment that Tagalong needed to remain at home with her. We’re happy to report, that Tagalong now has a permanent home with Alethea’s daughter!

Tagalong is a 7 pound Chihuahua. He has been with Alethea since he was a puppy. He has proven to be aptly named because he has "tagged along" with her as a constant companion and lap sitter since she got him in 2004. Alethea recently passed away, and Tag remains with her daughter - but work and children's schedules keep her away from home for long hours. While the daughter loves Tag, she feels he would be happier with someone who is home more often, as that is what he is used to.

Don't let his age fool you; he is healthy and playful when engaged with toys. He loves attention and is a definite lap sitter. He has had regular vet care and a full physical in 2013. He is due for a rabies shot which Hospice can assist with. He is neutered.

This little guy may have many more years to love and be loved. Alethea's daughter would feel better about seeing him go to a home where there is someone there to give him more attention.

Could you be his new best friend? Call Colette at 239-985-7728.

Bonita Spring Fling and Doggie Parade

Ernie Klein volunteers as the Easter Bunny

A special doggie cake to celebrate

Volunteer Pam Hoctel made these delicious treats
as well as the cake for the dogs to eat!

A Tearful Triumph: Made Possible by Volunteers

One of our hospice patients wasn't responding to any of questions or even opening her eyes. This lady was shutting out the world. She had been confined to her bed since coming to Hope. Even after being transferred to a chair, she still wouldn't respond, keeping her eyes closed.

Then, in came volunteer Jan M. with her dog Bella. Jan asked if she could come in and talk to this lady. We told the patient there was a beautiful Shih Tzu puppy here to see her. Bella was lifted into her lap... then our patient opened her eyes, gave us a huge smile and told Bella she was such a cute dog. Everyone was almost in tears, it was so good to see her happy and responding to life.

We are so grateful to Jan and Bella for all they do here at Hope. They - and all of our volunteers - truly do make a difference.

Whiskey - A Constant Companion

Submitted by Sandy Walker:

My cat, Brandy, of 18 years had just died, and both Phil and I were devastated. About two months into this very sad time, my daughter took both of us to adopt another cat. We did. Prior to going, a friend said, "let the cat pick you, if it follows you, it will love you." Well, this red-haired tabby followed me the whole time we were there.

We took him home, named him Whiskey, and he turned around and adopted Phil. This was just about the time Phil's disease was worsening, and it was like Whiskey knew. He followed Phil like he was a dog. It was the cutest and most uplifting, wonderful interaction that you could imagine.

Then when Phil died, Whiskey never missed a beat. He came right back to me. If I cried, he patted me with his paw. If I sat still and quiet, he laid on my feet. When I laid in my bed, he 

was right beside me looking in my face. If I went next door for coffee with a neighbor, he sat outside their house. 

I was in awe of this wonderful animal that had a soul. So I know firsthand for both myself and my husband the beneficial therapy that emanates from having a loving pet. I'm honored to be a part of it. 

After Phil died, I went to live with my daughter, my son and his wife. Whiskey loved his new home. He was the happiest cat in the world. Four months ago, we found him on the steps - fluffy as ever - but gone. He finished his job, and he went back to Phil. 

Sandy Walker for Phillip

May 12, 1940 - February 3, 2013 

Whiskey Walker 

May 3, 2011 - December 29, 2014