When Don met Romeo, a miniature horse volunteer for Hospice of Michigan, it was more than just a visit from a pet companion volunteer – it was a connection to his past and a reminder of who he was.
Don, who now lives with dementia, fulfilled his lifelong dream around the time he retired: to own and ride horses. With a nudge of encouragement from his wife, Nancy, they moved to the country, bought two horses, and enjoyed many years of riding together, both casually and in competitions.
Since he was a child, Don has always loved horses, cowboys, and riding. “He came out of the womb saying, ‘horse,’” Nancy said with a laugh.
Thanks to the support of donors like you, Hospice of Michigan can provide care that goes beyond medical treatment – care that respects each patient’s unique history, interests, and
desires. When Don’s care team heard about his passion, they knew Romeo could help brighten his day, and that’s exactly what happened.
During Romeo’s visit, Don and Nancy strolled around the grounds, telling facility staff about their special visitor and stopping by other buildings to bring comfort and smiles to others. They proudly shared stories from their riding days, recalling memories from horse shows, trail rides, and friendships they formed thanks to riding.
Tears came to Don’s eyes more than once that day. But as he told the hospice team: “They are happy tears.”
Living Fully Every Day
This is the kind of care that Hospice of Michigan provides. Thanks to donor generosity, end-of-life care can honor a patient’s life: their history, their passions, and the memories that bring them comfort.
Will you help support compassionate, patient-centered end-of-life care?
Your gift today helps ensure patients like Don are cared for in every way – physically, emotionally, and spiritually, receiving what they need each day to live fully. Please consider making a gift today to bring comfort and joy to every patient and family in their final journey.
Click here to make a gift and support Hospice of Michigan
If you have already made your year-end gift, thank you so much! Please know how meaningful it is to patients and families in our community.