Throwback Thursday: Pet Nuptials Celebrated in Bonita Springs

From 2013: Smiley Namath, son of Joe and Pat Namath and Sami Nelson, daughter of Kay Nelson, were recently wed in holy matrimony at Joanne’s House in Bonita Springs. Chaplain Dennis Wilson officiated, and many delighted onlookers served as witnesses. Best wishes to the happy couple!

Our Pet Pantry is Looking Good - Thanks to You!

We have been so touched by the outpouring of support for our Pet Peace of Mind program. Donations have enabled us to fill the pet pantry with vital supplies for our patients with pets.

Many items in this photo were delivered to 20 families during June deliveries.

Thank you again for your generous gifts!

Children Love Pet Visitors Too!

When the Junior League of Fort Myers hosted a Family Fun Day for the children of our Partners in Care program, everyone really enjoyed visits from volunteer pets.

Power Duo: Mike and Mocha at Evans

For the past 3 years, Hope volunteers Mike Everett and Mocha have been visiting Evans HealthCare.

While walking down the halls, one can hear, “Hi Mike!” or “Oh, there’s Mocha!” For those who cannot talk, they simply reach out their hands, expressing the desire to pet Mocha.

Mike and Mocha make it a point to visit with hospice patients, but they don't stop there - they walk the halls, ready to meet with anyone who is interested in a visit.

They have delightful visits those who want to chat or pet Mocha's soft fur.

Join us in thanking this awesome volunteer team - Mike and Mocha!

Pet Visitor Happy to Visit Hospice Patients

New Hope volunteers Jim Nutt and Happy recently passed their review by Martha Hammond, who evaluates pets as potential visitors for our patients and families.

Happy is small and light and can easily sit atop anyone's lap. He has already made a lot of people happy!

Jim and Happy's ongoing volunteer assignments will include visiting with hospice patients who reside in local facilities.

Jewelry Sales Generate $200 Donation for Pet Peace of Mind

Hope volunteer Margot Hill creates and sells jewelry and donates a portion of the proceeds to Pet Peace of Mind.

One of Margot's venues for her jewelry sales is Tony Pham's #1 New York Nail, where her display includes Pet Peace of Mind brochures. Tony graciously donated the space free of charge.

Tony Pham of #1 New York Nail

Margot recently presented Hope with $200 donation, courtesy of Tony Pham from all the jewelry he sold this season.

We are grateful both to Tony and his wife, Tammy - as well as Margot Hill - for their kind and generous support!

A Story to Cry For, by Hope Volunteer Jan A.

Since I’d been volunteering at Calusa, I would visit with a Hope patient named Joan. She was in her 90’s - debilitated, bedbound, and speaking mainly of the past as if it were the present. Joan loved Penny, and when I could, I’d carefully lay Penny next to her. Joan was in her glory; Penny was attentive and patient with her.

Hope Pet Volunteer Penny gives free kisses on request.

I left for Texas in October. When we came back after Christmas, Joan was no longer at Calusa. Her name was not on the door or on my list. I felt so sad, thinking she had passed while I was gone.

But when Penny and I were recently at Calusa, we were passing Joan’s old room, and I saw her! Her name was back on the door. Of course, Joan was unable to explain her absence. I just hugged her, then placed Penny on her bed facing her.

Joan said, “Give me a kiss, Penny” with tears in her eyes. Penny complied, then lay there looking at her face. Needless to say, I shed some tears, too.

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