Special Adoptions

Nancy the Rest Home Dog

By Laurali Noteman, hospital employee

In 1991, our local Kane County Hospital adopted a dog named Nancy.

We'd read studies showing the positive effect a pet has on people that are in long term care. And while we were thinking about it, one of our patients passed away, leaving behind her dog, Nancy, whom she had adopted from Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. Soon after, Greg Metcalf, the hospital administrator, agreed that we should adopt Nancy to be with the long term care patients.

Nancy was about two years old when she came to stay with us. She was kind of long, low, and slow. It has been truly amazing all that she has given to the residents and visitors that have come and gone over the years. When a family member was ill and the prospects of recovery where grim, Nancy would show up beside you, sit next to you, cock her head to one side, and look into your eyes just so she could let you know you were not alone.

For staff members, Nancy was a calming presence when times where stressful. She was a reminder to us all that commitment and love come in all forms. She made us all more comfortable.

Nancy's health began failing in early March of this year. When we took her up to the Best Friends Clinic, we were asked what she ate. "Almost anything the residents can sneak her," was our unanimous reply. She was treated for vestibular disease which affects the balance in older dogs. We knew she didn't have very long to go, and when we got her home, she walked with her head titled to one side and wasn't very stable. But at least she was home, for a short time longer.

A few weeks later, she passed on, leaving an obvious space in our long term care area. You could walk into nurse Brenda Martinet's office and still see the dog biscuits lined up ready to be handed out. You noticed the empty space where her bed was under the desk. You missed the look she gave you, letting you know she was just glad to see you.

The staff was asked if they would like to wait a while before they looked for a new "rest home dog," but no one wanted to wait. So we're talking with Best Friends about replacing our beloved Nancy. She was an exceptional friend.

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