Rehoming a dog is always a challenging and emotional experience, especially when it comes as a result of the passing of a beloved owner. Dogs form deep and enduring bonds with their human companions, and the loss of that connection can be incredibly difficult for them to understand. The situation becomes even more heart-wrenching when there is no immediate family available to provide a new home, leaving the dog at risk of being surrendered to a shelter, where their future may be uncertain and potentially bleak.
Kim Still, a nurse at Northside Hospital Gwinnett in Gwinnett County, Georgia, has always approached her work with empathy and dedication. Her job involves caring for patients in some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives, and through her work, she often forms deep connections with those under her care. Such was the case with one of her patients, an elderly woman who was facing the final stages of her life. Despite the many concerns that come with such a situation, the patient had one predominant worry: the fate of her beloved dog, Jax.
Jax had been her steadfast companion through thick and thin. The elderly woman had no children or close relatives nearby who could take on the responsibility of caring for her pet after she was gone. This reality weighed heavily on her heart, as she feared what would happen to Jax once she passed away.
“She didn’t have any kids. She didn’t have any family close by. So all she really had was this dog,” Kim explained to WSB-TV, highlighting the deep bond between the patient and Jax.
The situation became even more distressing when the patient’s distant family members instructed Kim to surrender Jax to a shelter after the patient’s death. This request deeply troubled Kim, who understood the risks associated with surrendering older dogs to shelters. Often, these animals face grim odds of being adopted, and many times, if a suitable home isn’t found quickly, they are at risk of being euthanized.
Kim couldn’t bear the thought of Jax, who had been such a loyal companion, facing such a dire outcome. The idea of this little dog, who had provided so much comfort and love to her patient, ending up in a shelter, was too much to bear. It was then that Kim made an extraordinary decision—one that would change both her life and Jax’s forever.
Rather than simply following the family’s instructions, Kim took matters into her own hands. She decided to adopt Jax herself, ensuring that he would never have to face the uncertainty of life in a shelter. According to the DAISY Foundation, an organization that recognizes the extraordinary work of nurses, Kim personally visited the shelter and adopted Jax, bringing him into her home and heart.
For Kim, this decision was about more than just saving a dog—it was about honoring the bond she had witnessed between Jax and her patient. She wanted to ensure that Jax’s remaining years would be filled with love, care, and security, just as they had been with his previous owner.
The patient, aware of Kim’s plans before she passed away, found immense peace in knowing that Jax would be cared for by someone who understood how much he meant to her. This knowledge allowed her to pass away with a sense of tranquility, comforted by the fact that her loyal companion was in good hands.
Kim’s act of kindness also reflects the profound human connections that often develop between healthcare providers and their patients. “I could have never guessed the connection that you develop with some people when you take care of them,” Kim shared with WSB-TV. “They just totally changed my life.”
The decision to adopt Jax not only saved the dog from an uncertain fate but also brought joy and fulfillment to Kim’s life. Jax quickly adapted to his new home, showering Kim with affection and proving to be a sweet and loving companion. “I am never going to get rid of him. He is so sweet. He is one of the most loving dogs ever,” Kim expressed, highlighting the bond that had quickly formed between them.
Kim’s selfless act did not go unnoticed by her peers. Her willingness to go above and beyond her professional duties earned her the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, a prestigious recognition that honors nurses who provide exceptional care and compassion.
Kim Still is the most recent DAISY Honoree at Northside Hospital Gwinnett, and her story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that healthcare workers can have on the lives of their patients—both human and animal.
Rescuers swooped in, but when they got the pup into their care, she had lost the use of her back legs, was struggling to breathe, and weighed just around 20 pounds.
Thank you to Nurse Kim Still for your remarkable compassion and for giving Jax a loving home. The world needs more people like you, who are willing to step up and make a difference in the lives of those who cannot help themselves. We are so grateful that Jax has found a new home, and we take comfort in knowing that his former owner passed away peacefully, knowing her beloved companion was in safe hands.
This touching story of a nurse’s extraordinary kindness is a testament to the deep bonds that can form between caregivers and their patients. It also serves as a reminder of the incredible impact that one person’s compassion can have on the lives of others, especially those who are most vulnerable.
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