Gainesville resident Penny Britt and Archie the goldendoodle bring comfort through hospice work


photo courtesy of Penny Britt Gainesville resident Penny Britt, right, and her mini goldendoodle Archie meet hospice patients in their own homes, as they are here with Shirley Rubis. The registered nurse working with Shirley recommended an Archie-visit to provide comfort and companionship. After an initial visit, Penny and Archie now visit Shirley monthly.

Gainesville resident Penny Britt says her new co-worker Archie fits in well with patients and employees alike at Hospice of the Ozarks. His teddy-bear-like appearance and sweet demeanor wins over most anyone he meets, and he provides a level of quiet and reassuring comfort that only a canine companion can.

Penny said Archie came into her life three years ago when her husband Gene surprised her with the puppy as a birthday present in September 2019. She immediately fell in love with the F1B mini goldendoodle, which came from ShoalCreek goldendoodles in Exeter, and Archie soon became an important addition to the family. 

“Archie is loving, friendly, happy, athletic, loyal, observant, cute and fluffy,” Penny said. “He loves car rides and being with his people. He has been on family vacations, enjoys hiking, playing fetch and chasing butterflies and birds in the yard.”

Archie spent most of his life serving as a family pet to the couple, who had become empty-nesters before he arrived after their three girls, Ally, Abby and Aspyn, graduated high school and moved out to begin the next chapters of their lives. His duties expanded this June when Penny began bringing him to work with her.

Penny works as a licensed social worker at Hospice of the Ozarks in Mountain Home, Arkansas, visiting with patients and their families during end-of-life situations. She meets patients in their own homes and at various facilities where they might be staying, places like nursing homes, assisted living facilities and the Hospice House. 

“I work to assess and provide support for their end-of-life needs, goals and their available support system. I look at how they are processing their grief, look at what kind of support system they have and make referrals and explore options if additional help is needed,” Penny said. “Archie and I often sit and listen to patients share stories, cry, laugh and express their feelings. Patients often find it comforting to pet Archie’s soft fur while sharing.”

Penny said when she decided she’d like to integrate Archie into her work earlier this year, three observation sessions were arranged, one at Hospice House, another at Baxter Retirement Village and a final visit at Flippo’s Carefree Living. Penny and Archie were observed during the sessions interacting with staff and patients, a process that is required by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. 

“This is part of the process to become a volunteer pet therapy dog. My boss and Executive Director Greg Woods was open and supportive of me bringing him to work to visit patients and families. The hospice staff and volunteers have been gracious and accepting of his presence and consider him part of the team.”

The pair are required to have one volunteer visit for pet therapy during non-working hours every three months, another requirement of the Alliance of Therapy Dogs.

“Archie usually joins me at work one day a week to visit patients that have given permission or have requested a companionship and comfort visit from Archie. Nurses often return back to the office and suggest or request Archie-visits for their patients,” Penny said. “The patients find Archie’s visits joyful and comforting.”

But it’s not just the patients who benefit from Archie’s presence. It is also those who work in the sometimes difficult and heartbreaking field.

“Each morning during morning report, Archie visits with staff who take turns petting him. He is also a comfort to staff on those stressful and sad days. He has become comfortable at the office and hospice house and enjoys prancing around visiting with staff in their offices. He has learned quickly who has treats!”

Penny says she’s thankful to her co-workers and the rest of the Hospice of the Ozarks team.

“It is such an honor to work for Hospice of the Ozarks and have the opportunity to provide support to patients and families during their end-of-life journey. I am thankful for a supportive and compassionate boss and staff who display compassion, and I am encouraged by the response from not only patients and their families but also the staff and volunteers. He puts a smile on everyone’s face,” she said. 

“Our goal is to bring joy and smiles in a comforting way.”

With Archie’s big brown eyes, affectionate personality and devotion to those he loves, it’s easy to see that he and Penny make the perfect pair to achieve just that.

Ozark County Times

504 Third Steet
PO Box 188
Gainesville, MO 65655

Phone: (417) 679-4641
Fax: (417) 679-3423