Avow Hospice offers services for pet parents who are dealing with end-of-life issues and loss of their beloved furry friends.

Pets Are Wonderful Souls (PAWS) is a group of services for both our patients and other pet owners in our community. We celebrate the special gifts that pets bring to humans and incorporate pet activities into our range of complementary therapies.

All PAWS services are offered without charge as a service to our patients, their families and our community.

Animals see only wellness in a person, not illness. They offer affection, companionship and a listening ear -- and can even be the one living creature with which a sick or dying person will share particularly difficult or sensitive thoughts and feelings.

One of the complementary therapies we offer is pet visits through the PAWS program. Members of a dedicated group of volunteers and their pets visit our patients in our Georgeson Hospice House, assisted living facilities or skilled nursing facilities. All pet participants in the PAWS program are screened by our staff and dogs must be American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizens. PAWS pet owners must also participate in our volunteer screening and orientation process.

We work with the Humane Society Naples to find temporary or permanent care for pets belonging to our patients. Services include:

• Foster care - Working with us, the Humane Society Naples will place a patient's pet in foster care until a permanent home can be found or until the pet can return to its owner.
• Adoption - We assist patients with finding permanent homes for pets who will become homeless as a result of the deaths of their masters.

We recognize that pet owners need to say good-bye to their pets with love, dignity and peace of mind. The death of a pet affects everyone in the family and can provide an opportunity for children to learn about death and dying in a positive, constructive way.

We hold a special ceremony, called Rainbow Day, where pet owners pay tribute to lost pets. Rainbow Day is open to anyone who would like to remember a pet.

A special support group for those grieving the loss of a pet is held once a month at our facility located at 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples. The group gathers to share stories, laughter, tears, smiles and fond remembrances of treasured animal companions. It is open to the public and all are welcome. No reservations required - simply join us and bring a photo of your pet if you'd like.

Avow Hospice bereavement counselors are also available throughout the year to talk in person or over the phone with those who have lost a pet or whose pet's death is imminent.

Please visit the Grief Support page of this site for a complete listing of meeting times and locations.

To give pet parents a special place to honor their pet, we have created a Pet Rainbow Garden of engraved bricks. Each brick measures 8" x 4" and can be engraved with your pet's name
or a special message. Click here to open and print the pet memorial order form.