Compassion in action: How Home & Community supports patients and their pets

One of the most impactful initiatives at the Anniston agency is their connection to Pet Peace of Mind® (PPOM), a national non-profit program that educates and supports hospice providers in ensuring their patients don’t have to worry about what will happen to their beloved furry family members when they can no longer care for them.

“Our pets are our family members too,” Shemika explains. “Sometimes they’re forgotten when a caregiver passes away. PPOM makes sure their needs are met, whether it’s walking the dog, treating an ear infection, or finding a new home.”

“We’ve had patients say, ‘I need help with placement when I’m gone.’ That’s where PPOM steps in,” says Shemika.

One of the program’s most dedicated volunteers is Lu. After retiring, Lu was looking for meaningful ways to spend her time and found the Anniston hospice agency’s PPOM program was a perfect fit.

One story that stands out for Lu involves a hospice patient with no family or friends to care for her dog after she passes. “I compiled a list of rescues in Alabama and Georgia, sent out pictures and a narrative, and two rescues responded saying they’d love to take him,” she recalls.

The process is thoughtful and thorough. “We don’t just hand the dog off to anyone,” Lu Moseley explains. “Rescues will take the pet back if the first adoption doesn’t work out. That way, the dog is always safe.” 

PPOM’s emotional benefits are profound. “It takes a stressor off the patient,” Lu says. “They know their pet won’t end up in a shelter, that it will be loved and cared for. That peace of mind is priceless.” 

Ultimately, PPOM is about preserving the bond between patients and their pets. “The goal is to keep the pet with the person as long as possible,” Shemika says. “We only remove the pet when the patient passes, and we make sure there’s a plan in place.” 

For Lu, the work is deeply fulfilling.