Lauri Russell and Jack
July 2015
Lauri
Russell
,
RN
Trauma Services
University Medical Center Brackenridge
Austin
,
TX
United States

 

 

 

After our daughter was involved in a near fatal car accident, I met Lauri early one morning as she was walking Jack, the trauma dog, in the ICU hallway. Having been under extreme stress, I was pleased to see a dog as my family are big dog lovers. She explained Jack's role in the hospital was to visit and care for the staff and brighten their day. I immediately asked if Jack could visit my daughter to cheer her up a little. Lauri said it was really not something Jack does, but she would see.

Later that day, after two extensive surgeries, much heartache and pain, Jack came to visit my daughter. In all her pain, we saw her face light up with joy. She immediately began to pet him and her body relaxed. Lauri brought Jack to visit every day after, and my daughter looked forward to getting some unconditional puppy love that she so needed. He would often show up at her most difficult times and cuddle with her. Lauri also came in on her two days off to bring Jack for a visit. She would blame it on Jack, stating he needed a ride to the hospital to see my daughter.

Lauri has gone above and beyond her nursing role by showing love and compassion to a 24 year old girl with multiple injuries and who was so frightened. Her love for a total stranger, her patient caring attitude toward our daughter will always be remembered and appreciated.