Recently, ICU RN Patricia Mendez was caring for a patient on our unit who was admitted emergently for GI bleed and cirrhosis of the liver. The patient has no family within the United States and only has distant relatives who reside in Brazil, but we have been unable to make contact with them. Since arrival to the unit, the patient's main concern has been for his dog who was home alone without the ability to feed/water. During the course of her shift, the dog remained the main concern of the patient despite his rapid decline. At the end of her shift, the patient was begging Patricia to go and check on his beloved dog and gave her his house code to get inside.
Patricia agreed and with help of Osceola non-emergent police and animal control services, went and checked on the dog. The police nor the animal control would open the door to the house, but since Patricia had the code, they entered the house together. The dog had no food and no water since the patient had been admitted and was super excited that someone came to take care of him. Per animal control and the police, the animal could not stay abandoned in the house. And if the animal could not go with Patricia, it would be impounded and if not adopted, be put down as all shelters in Orange County are kill shelters. Patricia didn't like the thought of that and agreed to foster the dog until the patient has recovered from our hospital and could return home. She then took the dog to the vet, had it groomed, bought food and a leash for him. Let me also say right now that Patricia is not a pet person and has little kids at home.
That night, the patient was continuing to decline. Our night ANM explained to the patient that Patricia has his beloved dog and is caring for it at home until he recovers. The patient was overjoyed and flashed a priceless smile. He was able to calm down knowing his friend was safe. I am super proud of Patricia as she didn't have to do any of these extra activities. She cared so much for her patient, a perfect stranger, and truly embraced his most important thing. Below is a picture of "Todo" (it's what I'm calling him as he's the same breed as the famous little dog from the Wizard of Oz) a Cairn Terrier.
Unfortunately, the patient continues to bleed and was intubated this morning and his outcomes are not looking too good. Patricia, not being a pet person, has asked the unit if anyone would be willing to foster this little guy for a little longer term than originally expected. "Todo" will come live with my family until we know what his future holds.
Thanks, Patricia, for giving such loving care to the patient and their family pet.