Hospice grants 79-year-old woman’s dying wish to see her horse one last time

Although most people don’t like to talk about or face death, be it the death of a loved one, or their own. However, it’s not uncommon for people to also decide on a list of things they’d like to do or see before they die. In a sad yet heartwarming story, a 79-year-old woman was granted her dying wish—the opportunity to visit her beloved horse one more time.

A Dying Wish Fulfilled

Karina Courtmanche is a 79-year-old woman living in a hospice. Sadly, according to her caregivers, she likely has little time left. As a result, they helped her fulfill her dying wish. Karina’s precious horse Bella is 30 years old. The pair have been a prominent part of each other’s lives since Bella was a baby.

Michelle Walker is an RN Case Manager for Connecticut Hospice and explained, “We were talking with her, and she kept talking about her horse Bella, that she wanted to see Bella.” “I’m very excited that I’m able to give her this last wish. It’s important to her, so it’s important to us,” Walker said.

Bella is living on a small farm called Bittersweet Farm in Bethany, Connecticut, so Walker worked with Courtmanche’s nursing home, helping find a way to make Karina’s dying wish a dream come true. The team coordinated an ambulance ride so Karina could get to the farm while still receiving the care she needed. Bella will stay at Bittersweet Farm after Karina passes. In the meantime, she can be seen petting Bella and feeding her a treat of carrots.

“Her condition has declined where her body is just failing her. She’s a lovely lady, she loves to be dressed up to the nines, she loves having the jewelry on, makeup done.” Walker also disclosed.

Seeking Support in Animals

Karina Courtmanche’s dying wish was to see her beloved horse one last time. Alternatively, she’s not the only person to find comfort in the support of animals or household pets. In fact, there is substantial scientific evidence that having a pet or emotional support animal can be incredibly advantageous. Firstly, spending time with animals, in the same way Karina got to fulfill her dying wish, can significantly boost mood and help relieve stress or anxiety.

Secondly, animals have been known to benefit those who may need physical or mental therapy. Lastly, dogs specifically have proven to help lower cardiovascular diseases in their owners according to one study.

More than Just a Dying Wish

Registering a family pet as an emotional support animal can benefit more than just a family’s mental well-being. In doing so, families pay a reduced fine or none at all for pet security deposits when moving into a new place. Furthermore, families can’t be denied residency because there’s a no pet policy. This required inclusion also applies to most flights and hotels.

It’s important to note that in order for a family pet to be eligible to become an emotional support animal, someone within the household must receive a diagnosis of at least one of the qualifying medical conditions, such as anxiety. After that, the steps are relatively easy and straightforward. Next, a family will need a licensed professional to write an “ESA letter.” The letter recognizes a family pet as a support animal according to federal law, differentiating a lovable pet from a support animal.

Sheep Therapy

Furthermore, there are many programs or classes available that allow people access to precious creatures who can do wonders to help improve mood, and some cases, health. An emotional support group in the UK uses sheep to offer emotional support to people in their community. Pippa Ashton, 46, and 37-year-old Emma Redman started a program called EWE Talk in which they had one sheep to be a mood booster to those in need. They now have seven sheep, all playing an important role in the lives of others.

“One of the things we have always known is how useful animals are as a tool to help those struggling with diversities and mental health issues,” Redman shared. “Sheep aren’t used as therapy animals – people usually think of horse and dog therapy.”

While many people don’t get to accomplish everything they ever wanted in life, there are organizations and community members who go out of their way to help people fulfill their dying wish. Karina’s dying wish was to see her horse one last time. Thanks to unyielding compassion from members of her care staff and community, the 79-year-old was able to see that through.

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