Special volunteers visit patients at local hospice
Posted on Saturday, June 24, 2006
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/bcdr/News/36468/
ROGERS — One is a 56-year-old physically disabled man who would rather reach out and help others than complain about his own painful condition. And the other is an 8 1 / 2-pound papillon, the most adorable licensed therapy dog ever. Together, David Hurd and his dog Freddy visit patients in the St. Mary’s Hospice program.
The small, handsome dog was a gift from Rogers veterinarian Dr. Nancy Belknap. A couple of years ago, Hurd began accompanying Belknap when she took her dog Bandit to visit residents at Beverly Nursing Home. The vet bought Freddy from a breeder in Missouri who sensed something special about the dog. Already a champion, the dog was an inch too tall to be a grand champion, so the breeder sold him to Belknap.
The veterinarian had David and his wife, Karen, in mind as a perfect family for the little dog. Sure enough, Freddy bonded with David the first time the two met. Freddy’s been a member of the Hurd family for the last three years. The Hurds chose the name “ Freddy” in honor of Fred, a dear friend from Texas, who had died a year earlier.
In spite of David Hurd’s physical challenges, he and Freddy make the rounds at two nursing homes once a week, and they visit St. Mary’s Hospice patients anytime the team is requested.
“ It’s really something to see how much people respond to Freddy, ” David explained. “ He has a calming effect and, sometimes, both the patient and Freddy will go to sleep with him resting right next to them. They love to feel his soft fur and pat his head. He loves them right back. It’s like he understands that he can help them feel better just by being there with them. ”
The visits can’t be easy for David, who has braces on both legs because of a neurological problem. He must use a walker or a wheelchair. He hasn’t been able to work since fall 2001, when the frontal lobe of his brain was affected by mini-strokes. He continues to have occasional strokes, as well as congestive heart failure, severe asthma, severe sleep apnea and peripheral neuropathy.
Hospitalized more than once in the past few years, David said he has visited heaven briefly but was told he has more work to do on Earth. He described heaven as “ just gorgeous and so peaceful and happy. ”
Shelby Burnett, hospice resource coordinator with St. Mary’s program, said having David and Freddy share their love and compassion with patients is a real blessing for everyone.
“ David and Freddy make quite a team, ” Burnett said, smiling. “ And Karen accompanies them everywhere. She’s their driver and a wonderful supporter of the volunteer work they do. She’s wonderful. All of them are so generous with their time and talents. We’re so happy that they’re part of our program. ”
St. Mary’s Hospice resource staff includes three aides, three full-time registered nurses, two part-time registered nurses, a clerical director, a social worker and a coordinator. St. Mary’s Hospice program averages around 20 to 30 patients.