Kudos to Volunteer Darlean Johnson

Darlean Johnson has been a volunteer at Hope since August of 2014. For the past two months, she has been helping our pet program by delivering supplies from our pet pantry in Lehigh Acres to our offices in Cape Coral and North Fort Myers. Other volunteers then take items directly to those in need. Join us in thanking Darlean for her hard work!

Halloween Pet Parade

A Young Lab Mix is Looking for Love

Update Oct 22: Annie went home with Nora and her family.  They took Annie to the pet store to buy a new harness and food and she was “amazingly well behaved.” 

At home, Annie joined Tiger, a large cat that the family had previously rescued from a hospice patient who had to move into a smaller, non-pet friendly home.  The family reports that though Tiger was a little grumpy about the new dog, he’s doing well.  He is safe and happy and enjoying his new home. 

A special thanks goes to Dr. Ernie Blum and his staff, at My Pet’s Vet.  They not only worked with Hope to get both pets’ vet records up to date, they took Tiger in as their office cat, until Nora came along to bring him home.

Thanks to everyone who spread the word and helped both of these pets find new homes!

Margaret rescued Annie from Animal Services when she was just over a year old. Although these two were loving friends, Margaret's declining health prevented her from keeping Annie during her transition to intensive care. Annie is staying temporarily with Margaret’s neighbors.

We want to find Annie a new home to let Margaret know that she will have a wonderful future!

Annie is a loving, timid, indoor dog who wants nothing more than to spend every waking moment with her person. Fetching a ball and going on walks are her favorite activities. She is leash trained, adores car rides and has received all regular vet care. She currently needs a nail trim. An adoptive home without a lot of activity would be a perfect fit.

• Spayed female, Labrador mix
• 3 years old, born October 13, 2012
• Weighs about 45 pounds

Annie's new owner will receive support from Hope, including all her previous vet records, food (Nutra), and 50 # container - as well as leashes and beds.

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

Pantry Update

Our Pet Peace of Mind Pet Pantry outgrew its original location - we've now secured a larger space in Lehigh so we can keep helping more people as the program continues to grow!

Pet Visitor Fluffy visits Pacifica Senior Living

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.