Vote Online To Help Hospice Patients Keep Their Pets

By Rick Wells, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- When a patient enters hospice care and begins to deal with end of life issues, what happens to their pets? Often, they must give them up at a time when they need that unconditional love the most.

However, a program to care for those animals that began here in Tulsa, has a chance to expand nationwide. And we can help.

Lois Baker is a patient of Hospice of Green Country.

"I have lung cancer," she said.

Two years ago she was referred to Hospice of Green Country and has been under their care since.

Lois has four pets: Jelly Bean, Petunia, another cat named Chloe, and Mojo - a sweet little dog who didn't like our camera very much. In a happy coincidence Hospice of Green Country has a program called Pet Peace of Mind.

"They make sure we have litter and food for the cats and a little food for Mojo," said Lois Baker, a hospice patient who has been diagnosed with lung cancer.

So as it becomes progressively more difficult for her to care for her pets, she has help.

"Part of the dilemma and the unfinished business of hospice is what's going to happen to my pets," said Dr. Delana McNac.

Delana McNac is a veterinarian, and she was the also a Chaplain at Hospice of Green Country three years ago when she recognized a problem. Patients had to give up their pets at a time when they needed that unconditional love they offered most of all.

The Pet Peace of Mind Program was created, and the model is spreading.

"In fact it's already in hospices in other states," Dr. McNac said. "It's in Georgia, New Hampshire, California."

The veterinarian is now with The Banfield Charitable Trust working to expand the program. She found a grant opportunity through Pepsi. Winners in an online voting poll get $250,000 which would help many more hospice patients keep their pets.

"We think positive, which I feel is the best way to go," Lois said.

Folks like Lois know she'll have her beloved pets with her as long as she needs them.

To help other hospice patients keep their pets, vote now in the Pepsi Cola online poll.