NEWS RELEASE
HOSPICE SIMCOE
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Hospice Simcoe is very excited to introduce the newest member of the Hospice Simcoe Care Team – Daisy.
Daisy is a 2-year-old certified COPE service dog that Hospice Simcoe recently adopted. She is a very gentle and loving Golden/Labrador Retriever that spent the first two years of her life training for the day she would begin her career as a full time facility dog.
Daisy will be working at the Hospice Simcoe residence Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. She will spend time with our residents and their visitors, be a companion to those attending grief and bereavement support sessions, and be a support for our staff and volunteers.
Hospice Simcoe has always welcomed our residents pets to visit as part of their support circle and we have had the benefit of short visits from St. John Ambulance therapy dogs over the years, so we know all too well the positive influence animals can have on those nearing end-of-life or for those who are grieving.
Service dogs can reduce anxiety, provide comfort and are wonderful listeners. We know that Daisy will play a special role for our youngest residents and visitors as an extraordinary companion for them, their siblings and other family members.
“We know that the presence of a dog can calm fears, be relaxing and comforting and can also facilitate staff and resident interactions. Daisy is a welcomed and loved addition to our team!” – Kelly Hubbard, Interim Executive Director, Hospice Simcoe
“It is an honour to have Daisy placed at Hospice Simcoe. Through Daisy’s training in COPE Service Dogs’ programs, she has already influenced over 40 people, before embarking on this wonderful journey. This extraordinary opportunity will enable Daisy to continue touching lives of individuals in need, and aiding such a compassionate organization” – Kim Jeffery, Fund Development Coordinator, COPE Service Dogs
Daisy is making history today as she is the first full time facility dog COPE has placed and the first full time service/facility dog to work at a Hospice in Ontario.
Our sincerest thanks to the Tonglen foundation for donating the adoption fees for Daisy.
We also thank Dr. Patricia Lechten from the Allandale Veterinary Hospital who will generously provide all Daisy’s veterinary care as a donation to Hospice Simcoe.
On May 7, Hospice Simcoe will host our annual Hike for Hospice. This event is not only one of our largest fundraisers, but a time for families and supporters to join together in memory of those they hold close in their hearts.
Last year, over 700 participants, accompanied by approximately 100 of their canine family members raised over $100,000 for Hospice Simcoe programs and services. Daisy will be a big part of this year’s Hike for Hospice and looks forward to meeting you there.
All Hospice Simcoe end-of-life residential care, home visiting and grief and bereavement programs are provided at no cost to residents, clients and their families. Thank you for making us your charity of choice and for giving local.
COPE is an accredited member of Assurance Dogs International and a founding member of the Canadian Association of Guide and Assistance Dog Schools.
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