Furever Gratitude goes Hand-in-Paw: Palliative Paws Program

Noah, who is presently being fostered by Kari Broadhurst through CAHS’s Palliative Paws Program, which was made possible by Global Pet Foods Cochrane.

Some of the greatest of life’s moments and the lessons that go along, hand-in-paw, are gifted through the unspoken tales that are told through the eyes of the animals who have walked thousands of miles.  This is something that the Cochrane & Area Humane Society (CAHS) has always regarded, which formed the foundation for the future of forever animal care. 

For the CAHS it all started with a cat named Norm. For 15 years, he was a companion to many who shared their offices and lunchroom, or as he walked by their side up and down the halls of CAHS.  In the end, it was clear that Norm gave to his beloved people much more than he ever took.  Over the years there have been many others like Norm who have come into the care of CAHS and never left.  

Valuing each life has always been the unspoken promise held in the hearts of CAHS staff and volunteers. Now this promise of endless compassion has an official title: Palliative Paws Program, which is made possible by Global Pet Foods Cochrane. This program is our promise to the stray animals who come to our care that says just because they are old or sick doesn’t mean their life is without value. If there is still quality in their lives there is a place for them with us.

Foster volunteer, Kari Broadhurst, has found a special place in her heart and home for animals in the Palliative Paws Program.

After having the experience of sharing the precious last stage of life with the animals in her care she says, to her, is a privilege.

Today, Kari is caring for a cat named Noah.

“He deserves that love, and to know he is not just another foster, he is one of mine.”

The cost of palliative care can be substantial for a shelter, but through the generosity of supporters like Global Pet Foods Cochrane, CAHS can continue to provide its foster families all of the necessities such as specialized food, bedding, crates, medication and all veterinary care.

Foster parent, Sharon Pye, says that for her, offering comfort to an animal who is afraid or longing to be held is the “obvious” thing to do.  She wants the animals to know that they were loved and that they made as much of a difference in her life as she did in theirs.

“If it’s possible, I try to be the one who is holding them when they take their last breath,” says Sharon.

Fostering animals who require special attention and knowing you don’t have an entire lifetime with them is not easy, but for Sharon there is no greater reward.  She says that if someone wants to know they are making a real difference, the Palliative Paws Program is the one. 

“A little one is waiting for you and your love.”

Thank you to all of the loving hands who continue to hold the tender paws until the end.  Because of you, the unprecedented future of forever animal compassion is being set and the world is sure to be a better place. 

www.cochranehumane.ca

By Janaia Hutzal