A patient was visiting Arizona from out of state when she needed to be hospitalized. She was travelling with her service dog. The patient became unable to care for the dog while here in the hospital. The dog started feeling very overwhelmed and anxious due to the environment of the unit. The patient did not have any family or friends here in Arizona to care for the dog during the hospitalization. This began to cause the patient much distress and heartache as well as increased anxiety for the dog. We notified Risk Management of the situation and received authorization to pay for shelter while the patient was admitted and unable to care for the dog.

Kristin Bast, RN called her Vet and explained the situation. She worked out the details so that the dog could receive temporary shelter while the owner was hospitalized. In order for this to occur, the vet needed the dog's vaccine records, which were located somewhere in the Los Angeles vicinity. After many, many calls, the dog's vet records and immunization records were tracked down from California and faxed to the hospital. Kristin then took the dog to the vet/shelter after her shift. She continued to visit the dog daily; taking him for walks and socializing with him every day, as he was used to being with someone 24/7. Kristin would also take pictures of the dog and show them to her owner, which brought much comfort for the patient. Kristin would share with the patient how her pet was doing. The patient was so relieved and felt so much comfort knowing that her pet was being so tenderly cared for. Kristin continued to do this until the patient was discharged.

Kristin clearly demonstrated empathy and caring for not only the patient but her dog as well. This is the kind of caring acts that makes nursing such an incredible journey.

Thank you Kristen, for showing this patient and her dog compassion and for going above and beyond to make a difference in this person's life. You are amazing!!!!