New, unique hospice program targets pet peace of mind

Hospice of Green Country, a non-profit United Way supported hospice, has launched a new program that provides patients with the peace of mind of knowing their pets will be cared for when they are unable to physically or financially.

“Pet Peace of Mind” is unique to hospice care in that it targets hospice patients who are unable to maintain appropriate routine health care and nutrition for their animal companions due to medical expenses or caregiver disability. Development and oversight of the program is led by Hospice of Green Country’s director of spiritual care, Delana Taylor, who is also a veterinarian no longer in private practice.

“Because Hospice of Green Country cares for the whole family, not just the patient, we recognized the need to develop this innovative program,” Taylor said. “Numerous studies have shown that pets are considered family members. Many times, part of a patient’s “unfinished business” as they near the end of their life journey involves knowing their animal companions will be cared for after they die.”

Some ways Pet Peace of Mind cares for patients and their pets include financial support for routine veterinary care to maintain pet health and decrease patient stress, spaying and neutering assistance, pet boarding or pet sitting services in case of patient hospitalization, pain and comfort medications for elderly pets and pet transportation to nursing facilities to visit owners. Hospice of Green Country will also network with local rescue organizations, veterinarians and animal welfare groups to provide pet care as needed.

Founding donors of Pet Peace of Mind are an anonymous donor; Ross Clark, DVM; the Hille Foundation and the Virgie and Cecil Burton Foundation.

For more information about Hospice of Green Country or how you can help Pet Peace of Mind, call 918-747-2273.

Charles M. (Mike) Nobles

2746 South Hudson Avenue

Tulsa, OK 74114

(918) 747-4177

nwanc@worldnet.att.net

January 15, 2009

Dear Friend of Animals:

For example:* The call for transportation assistance for two dogs in court custody that could be released to the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah IF we could guarantee their safe delivery.

* The plea for assistance in transporting two animals, one with a broken leg, from Oklahoma City to Wichita, Kansas.

* The ever increasing calls for help in transporting dogs from puppy mills throughout the area. The conditions the animals are housed in will break your heart and one of the major problems in saving them is having the resources to quickly transport them to a safe environment.

We critically need a cargo van. Most animal rescue organizations simply can’t afford the type of vehicle it takes to transport numerous animals at one time in an emergency—moving such numbers takes a lot of space, much more than a typical car or SUV can provide. Kathy and I have volunteered for years with the Oklahoma Alliance for Animals (OAA), the “umbrella group” for numerous organizations that work endlessly to improve the lives of animals. One of OAA’s lesser-known activities is helping in animal transport, often in emergency situations. Unfortunately, OAA frequently lacks the resources to deal effectively with these calls.

We have joined with OAA to purchase a cargo van for what we’re calling “Wheels of Hope.” We need approximately $20,000 to purchase a van with the necessary equipment. “Wheels of Hope” will be available to area rescue organizations when needed. Buying and sharing one vehicle among these organizations makes economic sense—this will be a life saver for neglected, abused, and homeless animals.

Your financial support is desperately needed. We simply cannot do this without you. The OAA is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization and relies on volunteers and donations for its work. Please consider making a contribution and know that no amount is too small (or too
large!) and that every penny collected will be used to purchase the van and supplies…no money used for salaries, expenses, etc.

Please forward any contributions made payable to the OAA Wheels of Hope project to either Kathy & I or the OAA:

Jamee Suarez Howard
OAA Wheels of Hope Project
2642 East 21st Street
Suite 120
Tulsa, OK 74114
918-742-3700
http://www.animalallianceok.org

Thank you for considering this request. Many animals will be saved because of your generosity.

Mike and Kathy Nobles