Veternarian Nicole Hatch examines Wilson’s ears at a Sept. 25 appointment at VCA Keizer Veterinary Hospital. (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter)
For patients in hospice care, pets can be a source of comfort and love during the final months of life. But taking care of them is often difficult, and many patients worry about what will happened to their furry loved ones after they die.
Since 2012, Willamette Valley Hospice has run a program called Pet Peace of Mind where volunteers help patients with tasks like walking, scooping litter boxes and taking pets to appointments. The hospice also pays for food and other supplies and helps find pets a new home after their owner’s death.
Wilson, a four-year-old cocker spaniel, recently received a vet visit for an ear infection and routine vaccinations, courtesy of the program.
Shelley Wagener, volunteer coordinator for Willamette Valley Hospice, pets Wilson while discussing the details of his vet visit with volunteer Sharon Miller. (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter)
Wilson waits to see the vet at VCA Keizer Veterinary Hospital on Sept. 25. (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter).
Wilson waits for his bill to be settled following an appointment at VCA Keizer Veterinary Hospital. (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter)
Wilson greets Loki, the VCA Keizer Veterinary Hospital’s waiting room cat, following an appointment for an ear infection. (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter)
Volunteer Sharon Miller helps Wilson into her car before taking him back to his owner. (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter)
Rachel Alexander is Salem Reporter’s managing editor. She joined Salem Reporter when it was founded in 2018 and covers city news, education, nonprofits and a little bit of everything else. She’s been a journalist in Oregon and Washington for a decade. Outside of work, she’s a skater and board member with Salem’s Cherry City Roller Derby and can often be found with her nose buried in a book.
