Heart of Hospice in Poteau has announced a new program that will be helping with pet care while patients are on hospice care. The Pet Peace of Mind program, which began at Heart of Hospice Poteau on Nov. 15, aims to support the bond between pets and hospice patients during their final days.
According to Heart of Hospice, the Pet Peace of Mind program “recognizes and actively supports the unique bond between hospice patients and their pet,” and “aligns with the Heart of Hospice mission to provide exceptional care and unparalleled service to the patients and families who have placed their trust in us.”
The program is funded through donations, and the work is done by volunteers. Pet Peace of Mind volunteers care for hospice patients’ pets by providing food, helping with feedings, cleaning up after pets, picking up waste, cleaning litter boxes, transporting pets to the vet, taking them to the groomer, and even temporarily boarding or fostering pets if necessary.
The Pet Peace of Mind program is aptly named, because it is all truly done to alleviate the anxiety and stress that hospice patients often feel while worrying about what will happen to their beloved pets when they are gone. Knowing that their pet’s needs are being met while they are on hospice care, and knowing that their pet will be taken care of even afterwards, allows the patient to focus on their own comfort during their last days.
Relieving hospice patients’ worry is what it is all about, according to Poteau Heart of Hospice Volunteer Coordinator Linda Burleson. She said that the pet plays a vital role in the final stages of a person’s life. For most pet-owners, the animals are like family, and having them stay nearby is important for the patient’s comfort.
Burlson said there is a great need in the Poteau area for this type of service, and that is why volunteers are sorely needed for this new program.
“There’s a need in this area,” she said. “It gives people that are on hospice a peace of mind.”
She said her volunteers not only provide care for pets while patients are experiencing hospice care, but they often step in and foster the pets until a home can be found when pets are left orphaned. Burleson said that there are many people on hospice care in this area that can benefit from this kind of help, and who would find comfort in knowing their pet will be cared for.
Burleson said that many hospice patients benefit from keeping both family and pets close, and they want to know that their loved ones will be cared for.
“When your life is ending it helps to know that that person or pet is gonna be taken care of when you’re gone. It gives them a sense of relief knowing that their baby is going to be taken care of,” Burleson said.
Burleson said that despite the program being so new, she already has some volunteers, but more are needed. Her main focus is on attaining new volunteers for the Pet Peace of Mind program, and she said that she needs people who are comfortable helping with pets and being around them.
“I’m always in the need for people that are willing to work with animals and help out with that,” she said.
However, she also said that there are several other volunteer opportunities at Heart of Hospice. Those interested in volunteering with the Pet Peace of Mind Program, or with other Heart of Hospice programs, should call the Heart of Hospice office in Poteau at 918-647-7008.
Heart of Hospice is an organization dedicated to providing care and comfort for patients with terminal illnesses. From the Heart of Hospice website, “At Heart of Hospice, we are more than an organization of hospice professionals- we are proud members of communities across eastern Oklahoma. Compassionate, quality service is our mission. And to us, service means getting to know our patients on a personal level.”
The Pet Peace of Mind program is headquartered in Salem, Oregon, and offers hospice programs the opportunity to begin pet car programs at the local level. Those interested in learning more about the Pet Peace of Mind Program can learn more at petpeaceofmind.org.
