I have a wonderful story to share today about a little dog named Bonnie. The photos tell the story. Bonnie belongs to a
28 year old hospice patient with terminal cancer. The patient's caregiver is her mother and she has two small children. Bonnie, a 5 year old Lhasa Apso, was overdue for grooming and covered with mats. As you can see in the "before" picture, she looks sad and uncomfortable in the arms of the groomer. It's not hard to understand how having Bonnie groomed could be postponed in this situation, is it? Like all pet owners, hospice patients want the best for their pets, but their illness and financial situation often get in the way of maintaining routine pet care. Terri Roberts, PPOM Coordinator for Columbus Hospice, transported Bonnie to the groomer. I'll let her tell you what happened in her words.
"When I arrived Bonnie was barking and wagging her tail while sitting on the couch with her Mom, who was sleeping soundly. Bonnie was crated and made ready for her trip to Columbus. She was a little nervous in the crate but very sweet. I arrived at Klasi Kriter Kutz and was greeted by owner Barbara Hlebak. She took Bonnie out and gave her a good once over. She told me she was going to make her pretty for our patient. I picked up Bonnie later that afternoon. I was amazed at how wonderful she looked.
Barbara not only
donated her grooming services, she also bought Bonnie a pretty pink sweater. On the trip home Bonnie’s demeanor had changed. She was wagging her tail in the crate the whole way home. Our patient’s children were so happy to see her. They were on bicycles when I pulled up and they ran over right away. They even called their friends over to look at Bonnie. When I entered the home, Bonnie’s Mom spoke softly and said “How beautiful." Bonnie was running through their home with a brand new sense of confidence! She jumped on her Mom’s lap for some love and I left with a smile on my face."
As you can see from the "after" photo, little Bonnie is transformed. Imagine the impact on her home when she is happy and carefree around those she loves. The last photo is Bonnie and her owner.
Imagine being so sick that you are unable to care for your pets the way you always have. Imagine what it would mean to you to have the help of people like Terri and Barbara. That's what Pet Peace of Mind is all about.
