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 

Bluebell's Story: Helping at Hope PACE

Ruth's dementia left her with a fear of travel. She couldn't remember where she'd be going - or even a reason for going in the first place. With these uncertainties in mind, she always resisted getting on the Hope bus at our PACE Center.

Although Ruth is sometimes troubled, she always warms up to pet visitor Bluebell. There's no stress, no misunderstandings, just a kind wag of the tail.

To overcome her travel fears, the Hope team asked Ruth if she could help her furry friend, Bluebell, onto the bus. The two boarded the bus together - naturally and easily, without a hitch!

Bluebell calmly sat by Ruth's side for a few minutes before getting off again. What might have been a stressful moment became one to celebrate.

Pet visitors like Bluebell are an essential part of Pet Peace of Mind. Thanks to community donations, we can provide this unique support for those who need it most.

Why Give to Pet Peace of Mind?

Here's what some of our donors had to say:

"When my husband, Frank, was in Joanne’s House, we were allowed to bring our dog, Gus, to visit. It was a great comfort to both of us to have Gus there. I think it also helped Gus transition to our life without “Dad.” I was so grateful to be allowed to have him with us. It made a very sad and stressful time a little more bearable."
- Kelly Morton

"I am making a gift to Hope’s PPOM program because every individual in your care should not have to worry about who is taking care of their pet - or whether or not they are being fed in their absence. They should have pet peace of mind in their last moments."
- Joanne Siewierski

"Four days before Joan died, a little dog “Caesar” visited Joan along with her daughter-in-law from Orlando. Over a couple of days, Caesar spent several hours on the bed with Joan. When the time came to leave, Caesar was hesitant to do so. Normally he is ready to go. With a “let’s go” command, without prodding, he offered his paw to Joan, as if to say goodbye."
- Thomas Monroe

"At all times of loss in my life, my pets have been a comfort and a reason to face each day. They are truly gifts from God."
- Vonceil Franklin

"Pets make our lives more meaningful. They love us unconditionally and ask for so little in return – love, protection and to be fed. Even at the end of life they offer hope, love and companionship. Both pets and owners deserve to be together and continue to deserve that bond."
- Linda Stevenson Rosenal

"The love and joy our two dogs gave my husband, who was under hospice care, cannot be measured. I hope my small gift helps brings joy to someone in need."
- Joyce Crawley

"My mother was in your hospice for the final days of her life. You allowed her pet Holly to stay in bed with her; we knew she knew Holly was with her. Holly now lives with me, and she is a constant reminder of my mother's love."
- James Gregor

"I am so grateful for the wonderful care my father received at Hope Hospice. My 13 year old dog just passed away, and I imagine him with my father now. This donation is a small way to remember them both and to help others."
- Linda Tague

Pantry Progress Report

Volunteers Mary Dobstaff, Melanie Winnicker and Paula Clegg are heading out to make pet food deliveries for Pet Peace of Mind! 

This special team is growing. We need volunteers to work out of our North Fort Myers Community Center, helping organize the pantry and making monthly pet food deliveries. To learn more, call Colette at (239) 985-7728.

Stress Relief: PPOM to the Rescue!

Our patient needed to stay at a Hope Hospice House - leaving behind Bella and Saint, her two large, rambunctious dogs. The daughter, Stacey, was going over to feed and care for them. But Stacey's crazy schedule already included visiting her mother at the Hospice House, taking care of her elderly grandmother, nursing her own dog with epilepsy - as well as keeping everything in order at work and at home!

Stacey was really stressed.

Fortunately, PPOM arranged for Bella and Saint to stay with a professional boarder. They worked on behavior management with the dogs, and also taught Stacey some tips and tricks. Both dogs were examined and vaccinated at a local vet.

After her mother passed away, Stacey took comfort in taking the dogs home. She said, "This is what my mother wanted. Thank you so much for helping make this happen!"

Your Donations Made It Possible! Through gifts from our generous donors, we were able to pay for Bella and Saint's boarding and veterinary bills as well as e-collars and crates.

Thank you for helping us provide true Peace of Mind!

PPOM Supporter Badge to Share on Social Media

If you've given a gift to support our program, please spread the word by posting the badge to your social media profiles...

Remember, every gift helps us continue this important work!

• $25 Snuggle Sponsor, send a pet visitor to bring joy to someone in our care
• $50 Pantry Partner, stock our pet pantry with food, toys, and essential supplies
• $75 Smile Supporter, provide classes and materials to start-up new Hope volunteers
• $100 Pet Patron, help with medical fees required to keep pets healthy and happy

Unique Jewelry Sales Benefit Pet Peace of Mind Program

Margot Hill and her dog, Bing, are Hope volunteers. Margot has a passion for both animals and jewelry making, and so every year, she donates a portion of her jewelry sales to our Pet Peace of Mind program. This year, Margot raised $500 to help hospice patients stay safely at home with their pets! These funds allow us to provide financial assistance with vet bills, pet food and supplies.

Affectionate Shadow Needs Home

Update Jan 16: Shadow found a new home with Debby and immediately jumped on her lap during their first meeting.

Shadow is aptly named because he’s been a close shadow to his owner, Muriel, since his days as a kitten. After Muriel's passing, he's been alone except for brief visits from a caregiver coming to feed him and change the litter. It's not an ideal situation for a cat like Shadow who truly loves the company of people in his life!

At 12 years old, Shadow would make an ideal companion for someone with lots of affection. As a result of his regular vet care, he is up-to-date on all vaccinations. His healthy lifestyle and medical records are good indicators that he may grow older gracefully.

Shadow weights about 6-8 pounds, is declawed and neutered. He got along well with a previous cat buddy, and also tolerated the presence of visitor dogs. As an indoor cat, he loves human companionship.

Shadow’s adopter will receive all his toys, a carrier, a litter box, litter and a large bag of dry Purina adult cat food.

Is your heart searching for its “shadow”? If so, this loving cat may be the perfect addition to your life.

Get More Exercise with Chelsea

Update Jan. 7: Chelsea instantly warmed up to her new owner, Charmaine.

Do your New Year’s resolutions include more exercise? Before he passed away, Robert taught his best friend Chelsea to walk on a leash with a body harness.  She would be a great walking companion for a new owner!

Chelsea is between 4-5 years old and very healthy. She is up to date on all veterinary visits and immunizations. She appears comfortable around other dogs and cats when they visit but has been an only pet in her current home.

Several toys, a litter box, carrier and scratch posts will come with Chelsea. She always uses the scratch posts and never the furniture.

Chelsea shows her affection to her human companions by approaching them to receive pets and ear scratches. She loves to entertain by sitting in a sunny window and then trying to catch her tail. Her antics sometimes result in a tumble but she jumps right back up.

A home must be found for Chelsea as soon as possible as family members must return to their home states. Hope can help pay for the initial vet needs, grooming, and start up supplies.

If you are interested in adopting Chelsea, please contact Colette at 239-985-7728.

Rescue for Roadie

Update Jan. 7: Jill and Ken took Roadie home; they report that although he is slowly making adjustments, they adore him and will do what is necessary to make him feel right at home. 

Roadie was rescued by Evangeline’s granddaughter, when he was hit by a car and left to die in the road. He has been with Evangeline for four years since, very protective and very distressed by her illness.

Evangeline passed away over the weekend and her children are hoping to find a new home for Roadie as they all have to return to their own homes out of state and country.

Roadie is a mixed breed, weighing about 22 pounds. He is neutered and up to date on his shots. He warms up quickly to new visitors. Roadie has been the only animal in his home but the daughter noted that when put together with her two dogs, he got along nicely. He is a dog that bonds closely.

Roadie would do well in a home by himself or with other dogs but it is unclear as to how he would react to cats and children.

Can you give Roadie a new home or help us find a new home for him? Roadie currently lives in Fort Myers and is eager to meet you.  Please ask for details on meeting Roadie at your convenience.

Hope can help pay for the initial vet needs, grooming, and start up supplies. If interested, please contact Colette at 985-7728.

Oh Baby, Baby!

Update Dec. 23: Baby found a new home with a schoolteacher and a Realtor. Thank you to everyone for spreading the word and helping us find a new home for Baby!

Ten year old Baby has enjoyed nearly a decade of wonderful years with her owner James. She is an indoor cat who is spayed with up-to-date rabies shots.

As James approaches the end of life, his caregiver is no longer able to lift and clean the kitty litter or to provide all the care that Baby needs. Could you find room in your home for James’ friend? Baby’s mellow personality would be a great fit for many households; though she has never lived with another pet, it may be possible to do so.

James and Baby are currently in Lehigh Acres, but please ask for details on meeting this special cat at your convenience.

Hope can help pay for the initial vet needs, grooming, and start up supplies.

Please contact Colette at (239) 985-7728.  If you know of someone who may be interested, help us by passing this information along.