Sunday, November 1, 2015

Every ending has a new beginning...

Some people come into our lives, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same.

This is how Magnum and I feel about all the people (patients, families, staff and volunteers) we have known over the last 5 years as the Facility Dog Team at Hospice of Southern Illinois.  What a privilege it has been to serve at Relais Bonne Eau Hospice Home.  While there have been many tears shed in those 5 years, there has also been much laughter, joy and comfort as Magnum loved everyone he met along this journey.

Several significant shifts in the healthcare sector have made continued operation of the Hospice Home impossible, and earlier this year Hospice of Southern Illinois made the difficult decision to close it.  Relais Bonne Eau is just one part of the services offered by Hospice of Southern Illinois.  It is important to know that the community can continue to rely on Hospice of Southern Illinois, just as it has since 1981.   Our hearts will always be with Hospice of Southern Illinois and Magnum and I will continue to be volunteers as we have since 2010.

Every ending has a new beginning.
There is much need for Facility Dogs in our communities.  CHAMP Assistance Dogs is working to find just the perfect placement for Magnum as we continue to serve and celebrate the mystery and joy inherent in the canine/human bond.

Some people come into our lives, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same.  Thank you Hospice of Southern Illinois for the opportunity to be a small part of your mission to enhance the quality of life for people and their loved ones touched by terminal illness.  You have all left footprints on our hearts and we will never, ever be the same.


Magnum and Miss Carol