Volunteer Joni Dalgar (left) meets the Williams family at Suncoast Hospice.
Dogs hold a special place in Suncoast Hospice volunteer Joni Dalgar’s heart. Now her home is filled with twice the doggie joy as she fosters a pair of dogs for the daughter of a Suncoast Hospice patient who died recently.
Joylynn Williams had come from Hawaii to care for her mom, who owned nine-year-old females, Zoie, a Shih Tzu, and Cami, a Shih Tzu and Brussels Griffon mix. Joylynn knows Zoie and Cami well and has become their new owner, at her mom’s wish. Joni’s providing temporary care during a required 120-day quarantine before the dogs can travel to Hawaii to live with Joylynn and her husband.
This arrangement is part of the Pet Peace of Mind® program, helping our hospice patients and families with pet care chores handled by our volunteers, pet care financial assistance and pet placements after patients’ deaths. Through Pet Peace of Mind®, beloved pets like Zoie and Cami can continue to receive the best care.
“These two girls grew up together and are the sweetest dogs – so well-behaved, playful and easygoing. They have been well-loved and taken care of. When they arrived at my home, they had luggage, blankets, toys, food, leashes and more, as well as were wearing matching pink T-shirts that read, ‘I Love My Foster Mom’,” Joni said.
It has been a wonderful match.
Joni shared, “I’ve had dogs in my life forever but had my first dog alone until eight months ago. She was my best friend. It has been raw losing her and taking in Zoie and Cami was perfect for me. I can keep my eye on the mission because I know they have a great new mom waiting for them in Hawaii. The family’s so happy Suncoast Hospice is helping the dogs stay with the family.”
If you’re interested in volunteering with the Pet Peace of Mind® program, call Kathy Roble at 727-523-3418.