Alyson was nominated by a Patient Care Coordinator who was so touched by Alyson's compassion towards a patient and his family in a very sensitive situation.

The patient was on a ventilator and had begun to wake up and become more alert. Still on a ventilator, he couldn't go outside or enjoy many things he preferred to do and Alyson was concerned about depression. Alyson got permission from the family to approach a therapy dog handler about visiting his room. The family agreed but told Alyson not to get too excited because he was never really known to have been a dog lover. Alyson brought the dog in and the patient became so excited he moved his own body over and allowed the dog in the bed with him. He petted the dog the entire time the therapy dog was there and never stopped smiling. This was definitely above and beyond as it required a lot of "behind the scenes" planning.