The Healing Power of Pet Therapy in Hospice Care ⋆ Four Seasons
The Healing Power of Pet Therapy in Hospice Care
In general, pet therapy uses trained animals to improve a person's emotional, physical, social, or cognitive well-being. In hospice care, pet therapy can be a powerful tool to help calm a patient's anxiety, heart rate, breathing, and other symptoms. Pet therapy can also provide emotional support to the family, as well, bringing peace and even joy in the midst of grief. At Four Seasons, we know that care is more than medical—it's about connection, compassion, and love. Pet therapy is one of the most heartwarming ways we bring comfort to patients and families during life's most tender moments. This month, we celebrate four incredible volunteers and their therapy dogs who make a difference every day. Read some of their stories, their passion, and love for what they do below.
Cindy & Stella
Cindy rescued Stella when she was just eight weeks old. When Cindy's best friend was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, Stella instinctively curled up beside her, offering comfort. Inspired by this, Cindy trained Stella as a therapy dog in Florida. Today, Stella visits patients at Elizabeth House, bringing calm and joy. Cindy recalls a beautiful moment when Stella comforted a young girl at EH: "She just knows when someone needs love." For Cindy, volunteering is deeply rewarding: "Watching Stella bring peace to others fills my heart."
Ali & Rosey
Ali, an RN Case Manager at Four Seasons, wanted to combine her professional role with her passion for pet therapy. Her dog, Buffalo Rose—affectionately called Rosey—was once abandoned but proved to be perfect for therapy work. Ali and Rosey visit College Walk, The Lodge, and Elizabeth House, where Rosey has even received a winter coat from a grateful friend! Ali recalls Rosey comforting a grieving daughter after her mother passed: "Rosey calmed her during an incredibly hard moment." Ali says, "If I could be half the person my dog is, I'd be twice the human I am."
Debora & Finn
When Debora retired and moved to WNC in 2014, she trained her puppy Finn to become a therapy dog. At 88 pounds, Finn is a gentle giant with a social nature perfect for hospice care. Debora remembers one of Finn's first visits: "He sensed the patient's decline and comforted both the patient and his wife with a gentle kiss." Finn's presence brings joy and light to Elizabeth House, helping families smile and find relief, even for a moment. Debora encourages others: "Go for it! You'll know if your dog has the right temperament."
Pete & Zeke
Pete, a retired social worker, continues his life's mission of helping others with his therapy dog, Zeke—a pure-bred Shih Tzu born in Henderson County. Small but not tiny, Zeke is the perfect lapdog and a natural comforter. Pete and Zeke visit a local family several times a week, creating moments of peace and connection. "It's a win-win," Pete says. "I get to keep helping people, and Zeke gets to share his gift." His advice? "Start by making your dog comfortable around wheelchairs and hospital beds. You'll know if they're meant for this work."
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