One of our Pet Partners teams, Dure' Alamed and her English Springer Spaniel, Hannah, were making one of their weekly visits to the Medical Oncology Department at Exeter Hospital’s Center for Cancer Care.
On this particular day and Hannah were making their way to each patient in the Cancer Center, stopping by to ask each one if they would like a pet visit. They came upon a man who was sleeping in his bed while receiving his chemotherapy treatment. His partner sat in a chair next to him reading. From where Dure' was standing she could not see the patient was sleeping, so, as part of her routine, asked the man's partner if they would like a visit. He said yes, he would wake up the patient for the visit. Of course Dure' told him not to wake up his partner, and assured him she and Hannah would come back in a little while to see if he was awake. However, the man's partner insisted on waking him.
The patient, who is battling cancer for the third time in two years, has had his tongue removed and is not able to speak, but when he spotted Hannah he motioned with his hand for her to come closer. When Dure' took her closer Hannah instinctively put her front paws up on the bed. The patient could just barely reach down to pet her so Dure' asked if he'd like to have Hannah get up on the bed with him. He nodded yes.
Dure' covered the bed with one of the paper tablecloths she uses for this purpose, and helped Hannah up. Hannah promptly snuggled down beside him, quietly allowing him to pet and scratch her. Both patient and dog fell in love instantly – Hannah sighing with content and the patient smiling while he continued to pet her. This went on for quite a while, until he began to fall asleep with Hannah in his arms. The patient’s partner, Dure', and the staff members who were caring for the patient were all deeply moved by the sight. Dure' quietly helped Hannah off the bed and the two went on their way to visit with other patients.
“It was a beautiful moment, " says Dure'. "This is why we are involved in the program."
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Dure' Almed has been involved with Pet Partners and ElderPet for several years with Hannah as well as with her other Springer, Maizie. Their visits include Exeter Hospital and Riverwoods in Exeter. Dure', Hannah, and Maizie also participate in the R.E.A.D. (Reading Education Assistance Dogs) program at Stratham Memorial Library.
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