AMOREM seeks therapy dog volunteers to comfort Burke hospice patients

Hospice patients in Burke County are receiving comfort from an unlikely source: certified therapy dogs. Now AMOREM is asking the community to help expand the program.

AMOREM, the region’s nonprofit hospice and palliative care provider, is seeking volunteers with certified therapy dogs to visit patients and families in its patient care units.

Officials say the presence of therapy animals can help reduce anxiety, loneliness, and depression for people facing serious illness. Even simple interactions, such as petting a dog, can create a calming environment for patients and their loved ones.

“Our pet therapy volunteers at AMOREM bring a special kind of comfort that words alone can’t provide,” said Cyndi Akins, director of volunteer services. “Their visits offer peace, joy, and healing in moments when it’s needed most. We are endlessly grateful for the light they bring to our patients and families.”

Several therapy dogs already visit patients through the program, including River, Kwacha, Cooper, Sandy, and Gracie. However, AMOREM says there is room for more volunteers and dogs to meet the needs of patients and families.

Therapy dogs must be certified through recognized organizations such as Pet Partners, Therapy Dog International, or Therapy Pets Unlimited.

AMOREM, formerly Burke Hospice and Palliative Care and Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, has served the region for nearly 45 years. The organization provides hospice and palliative care wherever patients call home, as well as in patient care units located in Valdese, Hudson and Lenoir. A new inpatient unit is also planned in Boone.

Volunteers interested in participating in the therapy dog program can contact AMOREM volunteer services at 828-754-0101.

More information about AMOREM’s hospice and palliative care services is available at amoremsupport.org.

— AVN