Four years as a nurse later, Kimberly Still enjoys connecting with her patients and assisting others. She had no idea, though, how one patient would have such a profound impact on her life.
The patient at Georgia’s Northside Hospital Gwinnett, who was terminally sick, was concerned about what would happen to her Chihuahua mix, Jax, once she passed away. So Still pledged that she would see to it that the dog was taken care of. Before Still realized it, she had adopted Jax and was beginning to love him. The widow died calmly because she knew her furry friend was in capable hands.
The only possession the patient Still looked after was her dog because she didn’t have any children or close relatives. She was concerned that Jax wouldn’t have a proper home after she passed away and frequently brought him up.
Some of the patient’s relatives came to town during his dying days. They gave Jax to a shelter after she passed away. She worried since she was still aware that the woman didn’t want it for her dog.
“I was very worried that he was not going to be given a good chance and possibly be put down if he didn’t get out of the shelter,” Still said.
So Still adopted Jax after visiting the shelter. Although she hadn’t specifically been searching to get a dog, it seemed fated for her.
Fortunately, the two dogs rapidly grew close to one another. Still developed a particular attachment with Jax as well, and she is appreciative that she volunteered to provide him with a new home.
“I was like, I am never going to get rid of him. He was so sweet. He is one of the most loving dogs ever,” Still said.
Jax is also a terrific way for Still to be reminded of why she is a nurse. Jax was the key to her one patient’s heart, she claimed, adding that the people she looks for need to feel heard and know that they matter to someone.
Still’s acts so impressed the DAISY Foundation, a group that honors nurses, that they gave her the DAISY Foundation Award. Her tireless efforts and commitment to her patients are recognized with the prize.
She is happy that she had the opportunity even though she is aware that not every nurse is able to adapt to their patients’ canines. She not only fulfilled her patient’s last wish, but Jax and the patient have also improved the quality of her life.
“I could have never guessed the connection that you develop with some people when you take care of them,” Still said.
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