Just Visiting!

Volunteers Jo Schaefer and Barbara Ficklin with pet visitors

Special Needs Dog, Buddy, Needs a Loving Caretaker

Buddy’s life changed when he met Pauline. As a 5-year old miniature pinscher rescue, he soon became more confident, playful and loving. Now 10 years old, Buddy is deaf and has limited vision – but these handicaps don’t affect his loving attitude and desire for engagement with humans, cats and other dogs.

After Pauline’s passing, Buddy is grieving and anxious. His current energy is probably related to the recent upheaval in the household, and we expect he would benefit from a stable, happy home.

If you are unfamiliar with Buddy’s breed, you may be surprised to learn that he’s not just a small Doberman pinscher - but rather a separate breed, part of the AKC toy group. These dogs tend to be energetic, indoor dogs who like creature comforts - like a warm bed to snuggle in. Their average lifespan is 12-14 years.

Despite his few challenges, Buddy is a healthy dog and has received excellent veterinary care during his life with Pauline. Maybe your family could be help him re-adapt and live the happy life he deserves. If you’ve had experience with a special needs pet, you appreciate how gratifying they can be. Please help save Buddy, and heal his broken heart!

Hope can help you with start up supplies and support. Call 239-985-7728.

Keep Samson and Delilah Together Forever

During Catherine’s long life, she took great pride in supporting local animal shelters and rescues. She adopted Samson and Delilah as kittens about 7 years ago. Before she passed, Catherine shared her wish that these two adorable cats find a home together with someone who loves them as much as she did.

These indoor cats are siblings who have always been together. Samson, the more adventuresome one, provides the comic relief with his antics. He is a "buddy" to anyone who enters the home. Delilah is more cautious and prefers quietly sitting on laps. Both cats are in excellent health and have received regular vet care. Their records will be available to a new owner.

To adopt, contact Colette at (239) 985-7728.

This Quiet Beauty Needs Your Loving Care

Update 11-23: Toni (one of our hospice nurses) and her two dogs, met and welcomed Franny into their lives. We hear that she is content in her new home!

After spending her entire life with Saralee, sweet Franny is now looking for a new home. We know Saralee would have wanted her best friend to find love once again.

Franny is an 8-year old female golden lab and shepherd mix, weighing about 60 pounds. She is spayed, housetrained, and well behaved. Franny’s calm nature is a perfect match for most homes; she is quiet and gets along well with both cats and dogs. She is a good walker and is used to ringing a string of bells when she needs to go outside.

Franny  is up to date with her vaccinations and vet records are available for her new family.

Would you consider bringing Franny home? Hope can help with start up costs. Contact Colette at 985-7728.

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.