It has long been said that dogs are man’s best friend, and it is easy to see why that is true when you meet our newest, lovable, furry volunteers. They love our patients without expectation and without judgment. They often bring a smile to nonverbal patients and spread joy to everyone they visit.
All of our furry volunteers are members of Therapy Dogs International, Incorporated or TDI. TDI is a volunteer organization dedicated to regulating, testing and registration of therapy dogs and their volunteer handlers for the purpose of visiting nursing homes, hospitals, hospice homes and other institutions where therapy dogs are needed.
The therapy dogs bring comfort, love and companionship to hospice and nursing home patients as well as their families. The sight and the touch of their fur often bring peace and joy to those patients whose life once included animals. Physical contact has a calming effect and dogs have the ability to bring back pleasant memories of a person’s life.
There are times when the family may request that the therapy dog lay on the bed during the patient’s final moments of life. This might be because the patient loved dogs and the sight of the dog brings a sense of normalcy for not only the patient but the family as well.
Animals seem to connect with people in a way that humans sometimes simply cannot. It is for these reasons, and more, that we are excited to announce or newest breed of volunteers.
Welcome to our newest breed of volunteers!
Congratulations to the premier graduating class of VolunTeens for the Woltz Hospice Home! Mountain Valley Hospice recognizes the value of youth in volunteerism and is proud to present to you the charter class of VolunTeens for 2009. The VolunTeen program is a new venue for Mountain Valley Hospice to educate and encourage community youth who are interested in end-of-life care. The program is designed to promote a spirit of volunteerism within our community that will spark a lifelong commitment to the Hospice concept.
left to right:
Front - Lanae Medley, Abigail Brannock, Savannah Sprinkle, Emma Mooney, Mary Alice Hoots
Back - Joe Fain, Jeremiah Johnson, Evan Moore, Seth Beacham
The Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home is very fortunate to have a staff of dedicated volunteers to assist in the Home. Our highly trained volunteer staff offers a level of comfort to our patient’s that is unsurpassed. Volunteer trainings are held regularly and we can accommodate your schedule. If you have a clean criminal background, a valid driver’s license, and a desire to assist your fellow man as they make that final journey; all while enriching your own walk of life, please give us a call. What better way to supplement your own personal achievement than by volunteering for excellence in end-of-life care?
We look forward to hearing from you!
Pat Younger, Director of Volunteer Services
336-789-2922 or 1-888-789-2922
