Furry Friends Bring Comfort

Studies have shown that pets can have a naturally therapeutic effect on humans. Pets can help lower blood pressure, decrease muscle tension, and reduce stress. Hospice of Frederick County agrees that animals bring comfort and joy to our patients. Through our HosPets program, volunteers take their animals to visit hospice patients.

Toby, the newest member of the HosPets family, with handler David Grieger. The two moved to Frederick County last May from Indiana, where David and Toby served in pet therapy for several area hospitals.

Ginger and Oreo visit with patient Joanne Mackenzie. Sylvia Nye, their handler, says that the dogs love visiting patients, particularly MacKenzie. “She is always patting whichever one is visiting at the time. Oreo walks all over her, goes up the back of the couch and back down over her chest. She laughs, then has Oreo give her a kiss. Ginger, when she visits, lies next to her or on her lap and Joanne sits there, stroking her.”

We would love to welcome more animals into our HosPets family. If you have an animal that may be able to bring comfort to our patients, please let us know so we can share details on getting started. Contact Hospice's Volunteer Coordinator at 240-566-3038.