Tawanna Jamison was nominated for Pet Peace of Mind Volunteer of the Year by Columbus Hospice of Georgia and Alabama. Tawanna is an amazing asset to the Pet Peace of Mind program and is a huge advocate for animals. The following story is just one example of Tawanna taking a dog into her home for an extended period of time until the patient or caregiver was able to take care of them again.

Columbus Hospice Volunteer Services received a call from a patient’s neighbor. She was looking after the patient’s dog, Pooch, while the patient was in their inpatient Hospice House. The patient’s wife/primary caregiver was going through a health crisis of her own and would be hospitalized for an indefinite period of time.

A Columbus Hospice staff member met the neighbor at the patient’s home and retrieved the dog, who was elderly and blind, but also gentle, friendly, and curious! Pooch’s human dad had passed away in the Hospice House, and his human mom was still hospitalized. Columbus Hospice staff remained in contact with the patient’s wife to offer support and to assure her that Pooch was safe and cared for, awaiting a reunion with her when she was able to leave the hospital.

Tawanna offered to pick Pooch up and foster him in her home. Tawanna began to take Pooch to visit his mom. She cried, saying over and over, “God bless you. God bless you. Pooch is all I have left.”

Pooch received all the care he needed and continues to receive love and care every day. And, while Pooch’s mom is going through one of the most difficult seasons of her life, she is still able to have her loyal companion of 14 years in her life, thanks to a selfless volunteer who simply said, “I just want to be a blessing.”

Thank you, Tawanna, for your heartfelt compassion. We appreciate all you do for patients and their furry family members!