Hospice Simcoe mourns loss of COPE service pup

The Hospice Simcoe community is mourning the loss of their Canine Opportunity, People Empowerment (COPE) service dog, Daisy. (Hospice Simcoe)

The Hospice Simcoe community is mourning the loss of their Canine Opportunity, People Empowerment (COPE) service dog, Daisy.

Daisy was Ontario’s first COPE service dog to join a hospice care team. She became an integral part of the Hospice Simcoe family in 2017, after completing training with COPE, according to the organization.

Hospice Simcoe is a nonprofit organization in Barrie that aims to relieve suffering and improve the quality of life for those living with a life limiting illness, as well as their families, stated on the Hospice Simcoe website.

According to the COPE Service Dogs organization, the first ever service dogs were introduced in Germany in the 1920’s for war veterans who lost their eyesight. In 2000, Jane Boake founded COPE near Barrie, and has been working to expand the range of disabilities that may be supported by these special pups.

“Daisy paved the way for many others, touching the lives of countless individuals,” shared the nonprofit in a social media post on Friday.

Over Daisy’s seven-and-a-half years of service, she brought comfort to hundreds of residents, their families, and participants in the bereavement support programs, shared members of Hospice Simcoe.

According to the website, Hospice Simcoe’s Grief and Bereavement Program supports individuals and families who have experienced the death of a loved one within the last five years.

Most would say this support pup had a gentle and loving presence that made her a cherished celebrity within the community.

“She will be deeply missed by all of us at Hospice Simcoe, and by our partners at COPE, an accredited member of Assurance Dogs International,” concluded the organization.