(Photo above: HosPet partners Linda Cohen and Zultan entering the Pet Park at Hospice House | courtesy of Partners In Care)
Pets have a longstanding history of providing faithful companionship and unconditional love for the humans in their lives. At no other time is this emotional bond more important than during the end-of-life journey. Now, pets belonging to hospice patients and their visitors have a special off-leash Pet Park where they can be close to their owners at the Partners In Care Hospice House in Bend.
Funds to construct the new Pet Park came from the employees of PacificSource, memorializing three of their coworkers who used hospice services provided by Partners In Care. A gated wood fence wraps around several large trees, with grass, bark, and concrete surfaces. The large enclosure is both wheelchair and hospital bed accessible and includes a garden bench, waste bag dispenser and water bowls.
Pets are considered family at Hospice House. Those belonging to patients staying at Hospice House can spend time in their rooms and use the Pet Park to take breaks and play without the constraint of a leash.
For patients without four-legged family members, there is still an opportunity to experience meaningful interaction with therapy dogs through the Partners In Care HosPet program. Over a dozen volunteers participate in the program, each with one or more trained therapy dogs. They visit patients at Hospice House, in their homes, or at assisted living and memory care facilities.
As a HosPet program volunteer, my pet partner Zultan and I have witnessed firsthand the therapeutic benefits received while in the company of patients and their families. These include reduced anxiety and stress, comfort, touch, and an awakening of memories of their own pets. In many situations, people simply relax around Zultan as they experience his presence in silence. We also know from research that there can be physical, social, and emotional benefits such as reduction of pain and anxiety, relief from loneliness, and an improved outlook on life and circumstances.
What does it take to become a HosPet volunteer? First, the temperament of the pet is of vital importance. The dog needs to be non-aggressive, friendly, willing to interact positively in unfamiliar situations, and easy to please. Second, the dog needs to be trained, tested, and registered by one of several nationally recognized animal therapy organizations. And third, the dogs must be clean and well-groomed prior to a visit. Partners In Care trains all volunteers prior to patient care service, including HosPet volunteers.
Linda Cohen of Partners In Care is a HosPet volunteer / Friends of Hospice board member.
For more information about hospice services, the Pet Park, or the therapeutic use of HosPets, call Partners In Care at 541-382-5882 or visit www.partnersbend.org.
