Volunteer Spotlight – Jenny Haverland

Submitted by Katie Mandell, Community Engagement Manager


In 2020, Volunteer Jenny Haverland reached her 20th year of service with Big Bend Hospice. “Hospice looked a little different back then”, she explained, “the Dozier Hospice House had been open a very short time when we started volunteering.” Her favorite people to see back then were transport coordinator Rnea Ryles and volunteer Phil Welsh, both still with Big Bend Hospice!


Jenny’s favorite volunteer role at BBH is serving as Greeter at the Hospice House with her certified Therapy Dog Jack. She feels blessed to live with her whippets, the “finest dogs ever! Sharing them is icing on the cake!” While Jenny’s first Therapy Dog Winnie has sadly passed away, Big Bend Hospice staff all remember her and have hung this photo in her memory.


She shared one of her favorite memories with us, “One day, when my late Therapy Dog Winnie and I were serving as greeters at the Dozier House, we met a lady the same age as I. She told me her husband was declining rapidly, and how hard it was being so far away from home & her beloved dog. She said that my Winnie brought her comfort during that difficult time. It was deeply touching to hear this.”


Jenny enjoys serving not only due to her desire to help others, but because she witnessed the care that BBH gave family members as they passed from cancer.


When she isn’t serving at BBH, Jenny enjoys yard work, gardening, & walking her dog on the weekends.


We would like to thank Jenny for her many years of dedicated service to Big Bend Hospice and look forward to having Animal Therapy back at the Dozier House soon.