Hospice Helpers

Hospice Care is all about providing comfort and support to people whose illnesses no longer respond to cure-oriented treatment. We recognize that cats can be an important element of this program and we are honored to help in any way we can. As long as the caretakers are willing to take on the added responsibility of caring for a pet, we are happy lend one of our most social cats to be fostered.

Our Story

Hospice is near and dear to us at Tails High, and you might even say it played a large role in the reason we incorporated. In 2003, the now-president’s mother was in hospice care and wanted a cat by her side in her final days. Neither the president nor his mother had ever been pet owners and didn’t have a clue where to “rent a cat.”

Thankfully, they were able to borrow one from an extended family member, and they fell in love with being cat owners. After working through the grieving process, they adopted two rescue kittens of their own and this time fell in love with the rescue process itself. Over time, they became more and more involved in a local no-kill shelter, and within a few years had learned enough about the business to open a shelter of their own.

Our First Hospice Experience

Sabrina, a 10-month old Manx, was our first hospice caretaker. The patient’s sister wrote with this update:

“Sabrina has truly been a Godsend!! You should have seen my sister smile when they met for the first time. Sabrina has captured the heart of everyone who meets her. My sister is so focused on Sabrina and wants to know where she is when she leaves the room. Sabrina comes when called and loves to be pet (definitely a lap cat). Oddly, Sabrina goes into the bathroom and talks up a storm. Actually, it sounds like she is saying “hello.” An absolutely amazing cat!”

A few weeks later we received this bittersweet note:

Sabrina has truly been a God-send!! You should have seen her smile, when they met for the first time. Sabrina has captured the heart of everyone who meets her. LaVerne is so focused on Sabrina and wants to know where she is when she leaves the room. She has found a quiet place under LaVerne’s bed. She comes when called and loves to be pet (definitely a lap cat). Funny, Sabrina goes into the bathroom and talks up a storm. Actually sounds like she is saying ‘hello’. An absolutely amazing cat!

“On Sunday evening, my sister passed away. She fought hard with this cancer, but is now at peace. Sabrina helped her along at the end and I am very thankful for her. We still need Sabrina’s help through the early grief stages.”

We are saddened by the family’s loss but we are so proud of Sabrina for the comfort she has been able to provide.

Sabrina has been featured in two news articles, first in USA Today, and then she was picked up by The Good News Network, CalorieLab, and several other blogs and radio shows. Go Sabrina!