One of our newest members of the Pet Peace of Mind hospice network is Hospice of Midland, in West Texas. Susie Mauldin, Director of Volunteer Services and PPOM Coordinator, shared a story with me about a cat named Tuffy who needed a new forever home. In this instance, the patient and her daughter wanted to participate in the process of selecting his new home as part of the patient's "unfinished business." The patient needed to know that Tuffy would be cared for and content in his new home, and she needed to meet the person responsible for caring for her beloved cat. Susie connected the patient with 18 year old Madison Munoz and her mother, Audrey. Madison attends school in the area and lives with Down's Syndrome. With her mother's permission, she had been looking for the right pet companion. Tuffy, faced with the loss of his beloved owner, needed a friend, too.
Giving up a pet is no small thing, especially for someone who is terminally ill. It means letting go of a faithful friend and trusting that the new home will provide the love and care their pet deserves. Fortunately for Tuffy, Pet Peace of Mind at Hospice of Midland was able to match him with someone who is devoted to his care. The patient's daughter summed it up best when she said, "This was the last thing on Mom's list. She was worried about Tuffy and who would take care of him. Now she can be at peace."
