Hospice of the Western Reserve provides peace of mind to pet owners

Good News Notes:

Pets provide comfort during all stages of life, though for many hospice patients, that comfort is accompanied by concerns about routine pet care and the future of a favorite furry friend.

Hospice of the Western Reserve’s new Pet Peace of Mind program aims to alleviate such concerns, while also ensuring that pets and their owners remain together.

The program is currently being implemented in Medina and will be available throughout the 10 counties Hospice of the Western Reserve serves within the next few months.

Trained pet therapy volunteers, in consultation with veterinarians, will provide assistance to both cat and dog owners. Services include transportation to veterinarian and grooming appointments, food and medication delivery, litter box care, dog walking and administrative support.

Ultimately, the program will work to rehome animals who suddenly lack an owner.
‘Thanks to the support provided by this volunteer-driven program, our patients will be able to continue benefiting from the unconditional love, comfort and companionship provided by their pet at a time when it is needed most,’ explained John Mastrojohn, chief innovations officer with Hospice of the Western Reserve.

 

Pet Peace of Mind is a national nonprofit program that offers tools, training and expertise to hospices, hospitals and home healthcare agencies nationwide.

‘Pet Peace of Mind aligns with our mission of relieving suffering, providing comfort and ensuring our patients and their families have the best quality of life possible,’ said Mastrojohn.

Hospice of the Western Reserve clinicians, like hospice professionals across the country, have experienced the need for such a program firsthand. Patients who should be finding a measure of peace are all too often consumed by concerns about day-to-day pet care and the ultimate fate of their most loyal companion.”

View the whole story here: https://www.cleveland.com/community/2021/03/hospice-of-the-western-reserve-provides-peace-of-mind-to-pet-owners.html

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