AUGUSTA — The Home Care and Hospice Alliance of Maine and the Maine Hospice Council and End-of-Life Care recognized an Auburn volunteer with the presentation of a Home Care and Hospice Volunteer Award at the annual Blaine House Tea held in honor of National Home Care and Hospice Month.

Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice volunteer Dale Gowell of Auburn was presented with the Hospice Volunteer of the Year Award.

Gowell approached AHCH in 2006, to offer his services of pet therapy to hospice patients and their families. He had provided pet therapy visits for patients at a local hospital, and he wanted to bring that experience to hospice patients, especially those at the Hospice House.

Upon learning AHCH did not have a program in place, Gowell worked with staff to develop policies that would institute a program. In March 2007, the program was launched.

Today, the AHCH Pet Therapy Program has three volunteers, and their therapy dogs regularly visiting patients. Dale observes all new pet therapy volunteers on their first Hospice House visit to assure things run smoothly.

In addition, he continues to visit patients each week with his dogs. “Dale has a very calm presence,” said Kathy Baillargeon, AHCH volunteer supervisor. “He, with the help of Rebecca and Hope, bring comfort and smiles to the faces of patients and staff.”

Gowell’s volunteer efforts do not stop at the Hospice House doors. He, Rebecca and Hope, also visit with hospice patients in nursing care facilities.