TriStar Hendersonville nurse feeds patient's dogs during hospital stay

Raymond Moore had no idea the impact his nurse would have on his life when he was transported to TriStar Hendersonville Medical Center for care. Suffering from heart issues, Raymond had to rely on his neighbor and a friend to care for his two dogs while he received needed care. 

“I was in the middle of doing a deep cleaning of my apartment in Portland and realized I was not well,” said Raymond. “I was having chest pains and called an ambulance. I left my home in a mess and had to leave my two dogs who are not just service animals to me, but my family, with my neighbor and a friend.” 

Raymond took in Ben and Gemma two years ago when their previous owner died. They are brother and sister half American Bulldogs and half bloodhounds. They have been his companions ever since. 

Mary Spencer, a nurse on the medical/surgical unit at TriStar Hendersonville, was caring for Raymond during his stay and happened to be in his room checking his vitals while he was on a video chat with his neighbor. They were talking about his dog, Ben. 

“I was anxious to see my dogs, and my neighbor did a video chat so I could see Ben,” said Raymond. “During the chat, she told me that my dog was almost out of dog food. Since I had left so quickly, there just weren’t supplies there. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do.” 

Raymond and Mary began chatting after the call and sharing stories about their dogs. During the conversation, Mary asked for Raymond’s address. After she got off work that night, she dropped off food and treats to the neighbor for the dogs. 

“There are no words to describe my gratitude for her kindness,” said Raymond. “She didn’t know me, and she didn’t have to do that after working a 12-hour shift. It was out of her way to drive to Portland, but with dogs herself, she knew how I must have felt. I can’t thank her enough for making sure my babies had something to eat.” 

TriStar Hendersonville is committed to supporting patients and colleagues with compassion and kindness. Chief Nursing Officer Lisa Hochstetler says the care teams at the hospital are focused on relieving suffering for patients and approaching every interaction with empathy and respect. 

“Raymond was so touched by what his nurse did for him,” said Hochstetler. “I am grateful for Mary’s compassion and empathy for her patient. She spent her own time and money to ensure that Raymond could focus on his health and not worry about his dogs.” 

Raymond shared that he never expected her to do that and was appreciative for her kindness. 

“Knowing my dogs were taken care of relieved me so much,” said Raymond. “I know my babies were lost without me being there, and I just want to say thank you to my nurse for making sure they were taken care of so I wouldn’t worry and get better for them.”