Finding a new home for a dog is never easy, especially when a dog needs a family because their owner has passed away. In such cases, the dog must not only cope with the heartbreaking loss of their beloved human but also face the uncertainty of finding a new person to care for them. This transition can be incredibly difficult, but sometimes, a kind-hearted individual steps in to make it a little easier. Recently, a special dog found the perfect new home, thanks to the extraordinary compassion of a caring nurse.
Kim Still, a dedicated nurse at Northside Hospital Gwinnett in Gwinnett County, Georgia, formed a strong bond with one of her terminally ill patients, an elderly woman nearing the end of her life. As her patient’s final days approached, the woman had one pressing worry: what would happen to her cherished dog, named Jax, after she was gone? “She didn’t have any kids. She didn’t have any family close by. So all she really had was this dog,” Kim explained to WSB-TV.
To make matters worse, the patient’s family members had instructed Kim to surrender Jax to a shelter after her passing. Kim feared for the dog’s future, worrying that Jax might not get the second chance he deserved and could possibly even be euthanized if he wasn’t adopted quickly. Moved by her late patient’s concern, Kim decided to take matters into her own hands.
In a truly remarkable act of kindness, Kim chose to adopt Jax herself. According to the DAISY Foundation, she went to the shelter and brought Jax home, “ensuring that he would have the best life with her.” This selfless gesture gave her patient peace of mind in her final days, knowing that her beloved dog would be cared for and loved. “She was able to pass peacefully,” knowing Jax was safe, the Foundation shared.
For Kim, adopting Jax was more than just a kind deed; it was an extension of her compassion beyond the realm of healthcare. It demonstrated the deep human connections that can form between a nurse and their patients. “I could have never guessed the connection that you develop with some people when you take care of them,” Kim told WSB-TV. “They just totally changed my life.” Plus, she found herself quickly falling in love with Jax. “I am never going to get rid of him. He is so sweet. He is one of the most loving dogs ever,” she added.
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Kim’s exceptional kindness did not go unnoticed. Her colleagues honored her with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, which recognized her for going above and beyond. A huge shout out to nurse Kim Still for adopting sweet Jax! We are so glad this precious dog has found a loving home after losing his beloved owner. We know his late owner found peace in her final moments, knowing her furry friend was in caring hands.
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