There's perhaps no greater comfort than the unwavering affection of a creature whose very instinct is to love. And for JJ the dog, love is part of her life's work.

The sweet pup is a certified therapy dog with Project Canine, a group committed to connecting canines with people who stand to benefit from their soothing presence the most. JJ's specialty involves working with patients in hospice care, helping to guide people through the emotionally trying final stages of life.

A video posted to JJ's official Facebook page shows just how tenderly he offers comfort, seen here by simply assuring an ailing blind patient that she is not alone, joining her in bed as she listened to a recording of her favorite poem


"This woman came to us from the hospital and was actively dying, as many who come to us are. She was one of those people who didn't have family; Some people just don't. But JJ stayed with her," said Calhoun. "You can actually see her moving her fingers to pet JJ's face. That was the first time she had moved all day."
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I often do bed visits, though never without The Bossy One. This is a lady who has very few people to visit her. She cannot see and often does not wake up, but she did like having her hand on my fur. She was very calm during my visit. We were listening to Yeats, by the way. I was very insistent to have her touch me, more so than usual. We fell asleep later with her hand splayed on my head, both of us snoring (but no proof of that!) I sure can be silly at times, but I also know when to be quiet and present. Her caregivers were very appreciative when they saw this video.
Posted by JJ, Hospice Therapy Dog on Sunday, February 23, 2014