Shirley & Winnie Spread Quiet Joy and Calm

Their Visits with Patients Bring a Warm Presence

There’s something about Winnie that’s very calming. The mild-mannered rescue toy poodle with fluffy black fur likes to sit on people’s laps and share her love.

Winnie’s owner Shirley Beach likes to share Winnie with end-of-life care patients every week when they visit together as a team. They have been volunteering with Crossroads Hospice & Palliative Care in Philadelphia for a year.

After an impressive more than 50-year career in nursing that included working in hospitals, with dialysis patients and in public health, Shirley developed an interest in hospice volunteering, especially in direct care visiting one-on-one with patients. Her familiarity with hospice wasn’t new as both of her parents received hospice care before they passed.

Three Patient Visits Every Week

Shirley knew Winnie, who she had adopted from a rescue agency several years ago, would be a wonderful partner for visiting hospice patients where they live. 

Now together Shirley and Winnie have regularly scheduled visits with patients receiving end-of-life care, usually visiting three a week. The patients live at home and in long-term care facilities. 

As many volunteers will tell it, Shirley said, “you get so much more back than you give,” as a volunteer. She often sees firsthand how family members are struggling with the responsibilities and emotions associated with having a loved one in hospice care. She is happy, along with Winnie, to provide a short respite for both families and Crossroads caregivers when she visits.

“Flexibility and autonomy with scheduling” visits with patients are something Shirley values as a volunteer. She creates her own schedule that works for her and Winnie. This is a big plus for Shirley.

Shirley further explained, “Winnie is not a trick dog.” She sits on patients’ laps while Shirley encourages the patients to pet Winnie. While Shirley’s not sure exactly what they (the patients, especially those with dementia) are feeling, she appreciates how the gentle presence of dogs and their unconditional love can light up a room. That’s one reason, among many, her volunteer work with Winnie for Crossroads is so rewarding.

Learn more about Volunteering with Crossroads

Click here to learn more about becoming an Ultimate Giver with Crossroads, or you can apply here.