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| Spunky and his new owner |
Sometimes the most important thing we do for a patient is providing them with an opportunity to say goodbye to a pet. But when this doesn't work out, the next best thing we can do is make sure the pet has a good home, a forever home. Our story this month comes from Hospice of Midland in Texas. Pet Peace of Mind Coordinator, Susie Mauldin, tells the story of Spunky as it unfolds:
"I am picking up Spunky in the morning. Unfortunately, the owner died before we heard back from them about a visit. We are going to have him bathed and groomed after boarding and make sure he is up to date on everything he needs. We are checking on a potential home."
"Volunteer Sharon Wetz and I took Spunky to the funeral home visitation for his owner this morning. The family was so glad to see him and the caregiver for the patient cried. We are still working on potential homes for him."
"Spunky is on his way to his new home with Hospice of Midland volunteer Debra Motley. She delivers and reads email letters from a family member to a patient in a nursing home here in Midland. Well, Debra saw me showing Spunky off to our board members after a meeting and stopped dead in her tracks. I swear it was love at first sight. So, we came back to my office so she could spend time with him and we think he fell for her, too. So, we bundled up his belongings and she took him home. That's a win, win, don't you think?"
Can you imagine what a difficult situation this would be for a 12 year old dog? Spunky had been in a cage for some time, well cared for, but separated from his owner and all that he knew of home. He could have easily wound up in a shelter, abandoned by a grieving family. Instead, Spunky's visit to the funeral home brought them comfort and reminded them of the patient and her love for him. Thanks to the diligent care of Hospice of Midland, Spunky has been cared for in a way that would comfort any owner. He has a new home, with someone who loves him and has made the commitment to care for him.
