Tails of Love for the Dying
Memories of Hospice Patients and Their Beloved Pets
by
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About time. She is coming out. The new person goes into the family room and begins writing and making phone calls. After a while, my female and she begin chatting and laughing. My female comes to my gate and calls my name. The stranger comes over to my fence and squats. She has a cookie! I guess I’ll let her slide this time for calling me that ugly name everyone calls me. She knows my name is Rascal, but just like everyone else, she says, “Hello, little raccoon.” What a stupid name for a dog. Who would name their dog Raccoon? And she is giving me that “third head” look that everyone gives me. They must not be accustomed to seeing such a beautiful, intelligent dog. I must be very distinguished-looking for a dog, but I’m still a dog. I can’t be that unusual.
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About the Book
In Tails of Love for the Dying, Karen Pico, RN describes stories of her hospice patients, their struggles at the end of life, and how their relationships with their pets add depth and quality to their end of life experiences. This book shows how human compassion and understanding can bring healing even at the end of life. Pets hold an important role in the lives of these patients, and often show unique ways of expressing their love and devotion. Pico brings out the joy, sadness, and love of these pets by expressing their stories in a way that can be enjoyed by everyone.
About the Author
Karen Pico has been a Registered Nurse for 18 years and has worked in various nursing environments. She has received her training from Indian River State College and her Baccalaureate degree in Healthcare Administration from University of Phoenix. Hospice nursing has been her calling and many of her nursing years have been in this challenging area of nursing. Pico is also an animal behaviorist, with a certification in dog training from Animal Behavior College, and has a unique connection with animals of all kinds, enabling her to understand their imbalances and behavior issues. Her understanding of human and animal psychology has allowed her to bring her two loves together in the writing of this book. Pico lives in Rockledge, Florida with her husband, Rick, her teenage son, Bennett, the dog, the cat, and the bird.