Pets hold a special place in the hearts of their owners and provide companionship that goes beyond measure. This is especially true for hospice patients with pets that bring them comfort during their final days. Gulfside Hospice is holding a virtual Pet Pageant to raise funds for its Pet Peace of Mind® program, which supports hospice patients and their pets during the end-of-life journey. This extra support helps to relieve stress and anxiety of hospice patients and improve their overall quality of life. This program relies entirely on donations to make this support possible.
The community is invited to enter their pet for the chance to be named “Best Pet Pal of Pasco 2022” while also helping bring comfort, care and companionship to hospice patients and their pets.
Furry, feathered, finned, or fanged pets can be entered in the pageant online for a $10 donation at GulfsidePets.org. Each contestant can submit a photo of their pet with a 100-word description and will get their own pet contestant page online to share with friends and family to ask for votes.
Winners will be announced on National Pet Day, April 11. Categories will include Most Photogenic, determined by a volunteer committee, and Most Popular, voted for by the community through donations. Winners will receive a prize basket donated by community sponsors.
For more information about entering or sponsoring the Virtual Pet Pageant, contact Karen LeRette, Annual Gift Assistant, at 727-845-5707 or karen.lerette@gulfside.org, or go to GulfsidePets.org.
About Gulfside Healthcare Services:
Gulfside Healthcare Services is a non-profit organization serving the community for more than 30 years. Its three lines of business include Gulfside Hospice, offering care for patients at end of life, Gulfside Palliative Care, providing treatment options for those with chronic illness, and Gulfside Home Health, helping patients stay independent through skilled nursing and rehab at home. For more information about Gulfside Healthcare Services, visit www.Gulfside.org or call 800-561-4883.
Photo caption: Last year’s pet pageant winner Presley Fryer was crowned Best Pet Pal of Pasco 2021 in the “Most Popular” category. This year’s winner of the Virtual Pet Pageant benefitting Gulfside Hospice’s pet program will be announced on National Pet Day, April 11.