Pet Paradise – FORT PIERCE — Dogs, cats, bunnies, lemurs, and their owners attended the second annual Breakfast in Pet Paradise on June 21 at the Animal Emergency and Referral Center in Fort Pierce. The breakfast was held to benefit Treasure Coast Hospice’s Pet Peace of Mind program.

Participants were treated to breakfast, giveaways and a tour of the Animal Emergency and Referral Center by Dr. Ronald Lyman. Animals and owners also participated in a pet contest judged by Pet Peace of Mind Volunteer Coordinator Peggy Bates, Brenda Weaver of Haisley Pet Loss Services and local animal activist Mike Asaro. Winners of the 2014 pet contest included: Scooter (shi tzu) as the Pineapple Prince, Jazmin (schnauzer) as the Pineapple Princess, Olivia (cocker spaniel) for Most Personality and a tie between Kiko and Moke (ringtail lemurs) for Most Unusual.

Dr. Lyman and his wife, Kip Lyman, of the Animal Emergency and Referral Center, presented a Compassionate Care Certificate with a value of $5,000 to the Treasure Coast Hospice Pet Peace of Mind program at the end of the event.

The Pet Peace of Mind program enables hospice patients to keep their pets at home with them throughout their end of life journey. Treasure Coast Hospice volunteers provide in-home pet care, transporting pets to veterinarians and groomers, pet food delivery and active play.

Treasure Coast Hospice is a non-profit community organization of caring professionals and dedicated volunteers whose mission is to provide compassionate, comprehensive, high quality care for our patients and those who share their lives in St. Lucie, Martin and Okeechobee counties. Services are available to anyone regardless of their ability to pay, including respite care, counseling and bereavement services.

Pet Care Cost Infographic