“For people who have pets and are animal lovers, their pets are part of their family,” Tackett said. “Some people may think it’s just a dog, cat or horse, but to the patient, it’s a big deal. When facing an end-of-life situation, patients are worried about what will happen to that animal when they’re gone.”

Pet Peace of Mind is the only national program providing a care model for the pets of seriously ill patients, and Bluegrass Care Navigators (BCN) operates the Pet Peace of Mind program for our patients throughout Kentucky. Tackett, as well as other team members and volunteers, use the Pet Peace of Mind program at BCN to re-home pets, update shots and occasionally spay, neuter or groom.

Tackett recalled one patient whose family had exiled the patient’s dog from the house because it was dirty. The family, patient and BCN team decided that if the dog went to the groomer, the dog could return to her owner’s bedside.

“When I returned with the dog smelling like shampoo, the patient grabbed her and held her to her chest, while the dog whimpered and cried happily,” Tackett said. “It was such a precious moment, and one of the patient’s family members even stepped up and adopted the dog."

Tackett has served as a chaplain at BCN for almost seven years. She jokes that she came to chaplaincy in a round-about way, through theater and her grandmother. While working in the theater in Houston, her grandmother, who lived in Pikeville, became ill. Tackett came home to be with her, living in her hospital room for two weeks. During that time, the chaplains visited daily, building a relationship with them. Tackett was drawn to that work and moved back to Pikeville to take a chaplaincy job.

“The best part of my job is getting to know people,” she said. “Anytime someone trusts me with their deep hearts, stories and life review, it’s such an honor to me, and I hold these stories as sacred.”

BCN also helped Tackett fulfill her goal of becoming a Board-Certified Chaplain. Tackett completed her certification in 2020, but initially wasn’t sure about going back to school while continuing to work full-time.

“BCN is incredible with their education program,” she said. “They gave me education assistance and supported me throughout the entire process.”

BCN’s primary goal is to provide compassionate physical, emotional and spiritual care to patients and their families coping with serious illness. If your personal goals align with ours, we’d love to have you apply to join our team! View our open positions and apply at bgcarenav.org/careers.

BCN’s Pet Peace of Mind program is supported by donations and volunteers. To learn more about Pet Peace of Mind at BCN or make a charitable donation to this important program, please call 855.492.0812 and ask for the Philanthropy Department or visit https://www.bgcarenav.org/give. To volunteer, visit https://www.bgcarenav.org/volunteer.