“Thank you for bringing such a kind, gentle spirit to us over a really difficult time,” Whitney Clay, Integrative Medicine Program Coordinator, said in a message to Grace. “You were a rockstar in puppy training, and you are a teacher and an amazing therapist. Thank you for the lives that you touched, including my own, and for all that you taught us. I hope that the rest of your days are spent with folks loving on you and giving you as much care as you have given to all of us.” 

As unit secretary at the Greg and Noreen Wells Hospice Care Center (HCC), Amanda Weber knows that Grace was loved by many and will be missed by all. Many family members would stop at Weber’s desk to ask if Grace was in that day so they could see her and give her a treat. No matter where Grace went, she wanted to be with those who needed her the most. Sometimes she was the only thing that brought a smile to the spouse of a passing patient; her presence even helped diffuse disagreements between family members in some cases. 

“When people are faced with loss, I think we get used to the platitudes that people speak to us,” Scotty Caudill, social worker at the HCC, said. “But when a dog comes up to you and sticks her nose right to your hand and wants to be touched and petted, just that contact alone, that unconditional love means significantly more to families than maybe just words can do.” 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hazard teammates Kelli Callihan and Amy Gabbard took Grace to the Hazard Appalachian Regional Hospital to support staff. Everyone petted and smiled at Grace, but one nurse ran up to her, dropped to her knees and hugged her. Grace snuggled the nurse while she cried, licking the tears from her face. 

“That’s where Grace is,” Sonya Joseph, RN and handler for Grace, said. “She’s with that person who needs her the most. Whether it’s to get extra cuddles or just sit at your feet and let you know she’s there, that’s where she wants to be.” 

Shortly after Grace arrived at the HCC, Monica Couch, vice president and chief hospice officer, watched Grace in action. With what seemed to be a sixth sense, Grace approached a nurse and leaned her head on her leg. After petting Grace, the nurse told Monica that Grace somehow knew she was having a hard day because she didn’t normally engage with her in that way. 

“It just resonated with me how impactful Grace’s care is not only to our patients, but also to our staff,” Couch said. “She has brought love and compassion and has made a lot of hard days better just by being there.” 

Grace has been a vital member of our integrative medicine team. Thank you for all the love you gave to our patients, families and team members! We wish Grace all the best in her retirement!