A Small Dog Who Makes a Big Difference

Pet therapy brings cuddles and joy to patients at Pete Moore Hospice House

When Miriam brought her papillon, Beastie, to her first puppy class at Training Spot, Beastie was just 14 weeks old. From the beginning, Miriam was committed to helping her grow into a well-behaved, confident dog. Beastie completed obedience classes, practiced polite behavior in real-world settings like Home Depot and 5th Street Market, and even learned to paddleboard alongside Miriam – sporting her own tiny life jacket.

That foundation opened the door to something special.

Through Training Spot, Miriam learned about Pet Partners, a national organization that has been connecting therapy animals with hospitals, nursing homes, and schools since 1977. After completing online training, Miriam and Beastie went through a thorough evaluation process. Pet Partners looks for dogs who are calm, friendly, comfortable with touch, and responsive to their handlers. Beastie was tested in scenarios she might encounter during visits – people using walkers or wheelchairs, loud noises, even tense conversations – and she passed with flying colors.

Since early January, Miriam and Beastie have been visiting Pete Moore Hospice House, bringing brief moments of comfort, connection, and joy to patients and staff alike. While many Pet Partners teams volunteer in hospital settings, Miriam was drawn to the idea of sharing Beastie with people in a quieter, more intimate environment.

“Everyone is always so happy to see her,” Miriam says.

Visits typically last 15-20 minutes. Some patients like Beastie to sit with them on the bed – Miriam always brings a special blanket just for that – while others simply enjoy watching her gentle presence. Beastie happily raises her paw for treats, and Miriam is still working with her on mastering “roll over.” But more than tricks, it’s the connection that matters.

Beastie’s presence often opens the door for conversation. Patients talk about pets they have now, animals they loved years ago, or dogs from their childhood. Miriam remembers one gentleman who lit up as he shared stories about a dog from his youth – memories that might not have surfaced otherwise. “It’s such a unique way to engage with people,” she says.

Beastie’s visits are also a bright spot for hospice staff, whose work is deeply meaningful but emotionally demanding. Miriam understands this well. She has completed the same direct patient care volunteer training as other hospice volunteers and has seen firsthand how important Pete Moore Hospice House is for patients and families in our community.

For those interested in pet therapy, Miriam encourages exploring both Pet Partners and Training Spot as starting points. And for the patients, families, and staff who get to spend a few minutes with Beastie, her visits are a reminder that comfort can come in many forms - sometimes on four small paws and sometimes with a fluffy tail!

Thank you, Miriam (and Beastie), for sharing your hearts with our community and creating priceless moments at Pete Moore Hospice House.