A Comforting Presence: Deborah and Grace Bring Support to Grief Group in Colorado Springs
At Compassus in Colorado Springs, grief support extends beyond words—thanks in part to Deborah Shafer, Volunteer, and her therapy dog Grace.
Deborah and Grace attend each weekly grief group session, greeting participants at the door and walking with them to the meeting room. Their presence brings comfort and emotional connection, with Grace offering quiet reassurance through her calm demeanor.
The group members have come to cherish these visits and often express how much they look forward to seeing Grace each week.
Deborah has been part of the Compassus volunteer team since September and contributes in several ways: as a companion volunteer, administrative volunteer and 11th hour volunteer. Grace often joins her, providing a unique kind of comfort that only a therapy dog can.
Also pictured is Brent Wyss, Bereavement Coordinator, from Colorado Springs, CO, whose presence adds to the warm and supportive environment.
Together, this team reminds us that sometimes the most powerful support comes through presence, kindness—and a wagging tail.
At Compassus, our value is in the compassion and expertise of our teams, which act as an extension of patients’ existing care teams. We believe everyone who interacts with us should experience our individualized Care for who I am philosophy, from the care services we provide to patients and families to how we interact with our partners and one another.
