Gale Myers (June Daisy Award Winner) with Liz Kearney (ICU Manager)

Gale cared for our patient who was in ICU for over a month who was severely ill, intubated and sedated. This patient had three Siberian huskies at home that he loved dearly. His mother stated that he took care of his beloved dogs "much better than he takes care of himself”.

The patient's son had actually moved into his father's home to care for the dogs. Gale cared for this patient repeatedly during his hospitalization. On one of her days off Gale arranged with the patient's son to meet him in the ICU with his one of his dogs "Cujo". Once Cujo arrived, Gale asked if the patient's sedation could be put on hold. I turned the sedation off as she requested. Shortly after the patient began to wake up he saw his dog and began to look toward him and outstretched his hand. Cujo licked his hand and began to howl lovingly at his "Dad". Needless to say, the patient's mother, father and son were so happy to see this interaction. Multiple ICU staff members heard Cujo and came to see what was going on, most of whom are also dog-lovers and they were all very touched. The entire unit was in tears as the dog and patient cried.

The family was so appreciative of Gale's caring intervention. Anyone who knows Gale also knows that she spends her free time volunteering at the local humane society to help care for our homeless friends. On this particular occasion, Gale went above and beyond the call of duty to facilitate this reunion.