JJ is a 7-year-old golden retriever female who is a Therapy, Hospice, and Crisis Response dog. She’s prone to sassiness and constantly in search of bacon, while often confused by those who meet her with a male Irish Setter of unknown origin, despite wearing flowers on her collar. Tracy Calhoun has been a hospice nurse for 23 years and JJ works three days each week alongside her at an inpatient hospice facility, providing comfort to patients, families, staff, and volunteers. In 2015, a short video of JJ’s work at hospice went viral, sharing the power of the human-animal bond with people across the world.
End of life is a difficult topic for anyone to discuss, and stories including animals can be a more non-threatening bridge to the conversation that everyone will eventually need to face. On JJ’s social media venues, Tracy balances heart wrenching stories with more lighthearted moments in a way to reach out and support not only families we have served in hospice, but the general public. JJ also is a Crisis Response K9, responding to national and local crises offering support and comfort.
In 2016, Tracy was approached to write a book of stories involving JJ, her hospice work, and day to day life. These include stories ofwork and play that make you smile, laugh, and cry. "JJ's Journey: A Story of Heros and Heart" was released in October 2017.
It was during the time of writing these stories that JJ was diagnosed with lymphoma. Even during treatment, she has taught everyone she touches how dogs embody the concept of living in the moment. No one has told her she has a life limiting disease, so she continues to live life with zest and work at her second home. Her motto has become “Barke Diem,” a dog’s take on Carpe Diem, meaning seize the day. She has inspired thousands to take on the same approach to day to day life, no matter the victories or challenges.
Click here to learn more about JJ's incredible journey
Unfortunately, on December 29, 2017, JJ lost her battle with Lymphoma. While Tracy and so many others are heartbroken, her incredible legacy lives on with donations in her name to The Morris Animal Foundation. The Morris Animal Foundation is a non-profit organization that invests in science that makes the world a brighter place for animals and those who love them. Click here to donate in JJ's name.
Every senior dog deserves the chance to live out their final days in comfort and surrounded by love. Yet many senior dogs are not that fortunate. Grey Muzzle's hospice fund is changing that. BuddyRest is pleased to announce a $2,500 matching donation to support The Grey Muzzle Organization's 'Make the Days Count' campaign which is raising money to support desperately needed hospice programs for senior dogs who have only months, weeks, or days to live.
"We envision a world where no old dog dies alone and afraid," says Lisa Lunghofer, Ph.D., executive director of The Grey Muzzle Organization, "and this campaign is moving us a step closer to realizing that vision." As part of the campaign Grey Muzzle is sharing hospice stories and providing information on end-of-life care. The goal is to increase awarenes of hospice-related resources and raise $5,000 to help make hospice a reality for senior dogs in need.
BuddyRest is delighted to partner with The Grey Muzzle Organization and support this campaign. Trevor Crotts said…"It's easy for us to partner with such a tremendous organization with a cause close to our hearts. We are happy to provide amazing support for Senior dogs with our orthopedic beds, in addition to supporting high impact organizations like Grey Muzzle".
About BuddyRest
Since 2011, BuddyRest has utilized innovative design and top-quality construction to develop products that improve the lives of animals and make life easier for pet parents. Their award winning dog beds are designed to eliminate painful pressure points and are Veterinarian Recommended to promote joint health in all animals.
About The Grey Muzzle Organization
Since it began about ten years ago, The Grey Muzzle Organization has awarded more than $1 million in grants to 108 nonprofit organizations in 32 states. These grants provide senior dogs with medical and dental care, adoption, foster and hospice programs, and assistance to prevent them from being surrendered to shelters, among other lifesaving programs.
To donate or learn more, please visit greymuzzle.org and buddyrest.com
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