We are delighted to announce that Cynthia “Shanon” Zeisloft is the chosen recipient of the My NHPCO 2020 Volunteers Are the Foundation of Hospice Award in the category of Specialized Volunteer Services for Pet Therapy services and Pet Peace of Mind. There were over 260 nominations nationally.
Shanon is a volunteer at Columbus Hospice of Georgia and Alabama in Columbus, GA, the first hospice to adopt the Pet Peace of Mind program.
She rescued Beethoven from Paws Humane Society in Columbus, GA. She and Beethoven started volunteering with Columbus Hospice in April 2016 and since then have touched many lives of the people they have come in contact with at Columbus Hospice. Shanon also brings Beethoven to see patients regularly at a nursing home. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she was unable to visit her patients in person. On Easter Sunday she put bunny ears on Beethoven and “visited” the patients from outside the patients’ window. She also helps with the Pet Peace of Mind Program at Columbus Hospice where she regularly transports patients’ pets to the vet and groomer. Shanon Zeisloft has been an invaluable volunteer to Columbus Hospice with her contributions as a pet therapy and Pet Peace of Mind volunteer. Her giving heart and positive attitude is an asset to the organization and she AND Beethoven help people wherever they go.
Thank you to the National Hospice and Palliative Organization for honoring her with this award and for recognizing the significant impacts pets play in improving the quality of life for patients. We are ever so grateful for all she does to help patients and pets stay together when they need each other most.
Pictured left to right: Lynn Janney (Volunteer Coordinator), Cynthia “Shanon” Zeisloft (Award Recipient), Beethoven, Katie Greene (Volunteer Coordinator), Terri Roberts (VP of Business Development & Marketing, PPOM Board of Directors)