Being placed in hospice or palliative care can be just as isolating.
Pet volunteers can help ease their feelings of anxiety and loneliness.
Sven Hamilton is the Director of Volunteer Services with Hinds Hospice.
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"Most importantly, it's just being able to be there for our patients and to bring that little bit of joy as they are facing a disconnection with all the things they once loved," he said.
Health experts say animal-assisted therapy can help enhance physical, emotional and social well-being.
Hinds Hospice started its Dog Visit Volunteer Program in 2023 after they saw the need.
Lorna Mitchell, sitting with her dog Chloe by her side, is one of the volunteers.
"It fills a void," Mitchell said. "They miss their dogs, they miss having their family member around."
When Chloe puts on her red vest, she knows it's time to work.
The pair makes visits to the hospice home at least once a week.
Chloe's presence not only helps those who are in hospice, but also the families who are going through an emotional time.
"I think it just relaxes them," Mitchell said. You can almost see them relax while they're petting the dog."
Sarah Mikolavich and Faith are another Dog Visitor team in the program.
Mikolavich is a retired nurse and felt this was a good way for her and Faith to help in the community.
So far, there are three dogs in the Dog Visit Volunteer program, with the goal of not only growing their numbers but also bringing back a sense of normalcy.
"It's small visits but a huge impact on someone, especially at the end of life, who really needs it," Hamilton said.
Hospice can be a difficult and lonely journey for patients and their families.
Dog volunteers like Chloe and Faith and their owners are doing an important job -- providing a non-judgmental and comforting space.
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