When Shelby Hennick’s grandma was hospitalized, the sassy vet tech knew just what to do to cheer her up. Shelby stopped by grandma’s house, picked up her dog Patsy, and headed to the hospital for a special visit.
With Patsy the Chihuahua swaddled up like a baby, Shelby waltzed right past the nurse station and into her grandma’s lap with ease. Patsy and grandma Dona were delighted to be reunited, and much snuggling was enjoyed by all.
Secret mission: Pose dog as a baby
Shelby posted about her sneaky adventure on Twitter, and readers went wild, sharing personal photos and stories of their own canine hospital shenanigans.
Safety tips for dogs in a hospital setting
Some readers expressed concern over potential safety hazards. Fortunately, research shows that the benefits of dog visitors outweigh the risks, so long as basic vaccination and hygiene are covered. In fact, many hospitals already have a policy of allowing canine visitors on a case-by-case basis.
Research like this has come about thanks in part to studies with therapy and assistance dogs in hospitals. What’s most important is that everyone washes their hands before and after touching a dog and that the dog is up-to-date on vaccines and regularly bathed.
The risk to the general hospital population is minimal when these precautions are in place. Dogs should, of course, stay clear of the food prep, surgery, and ICU areas, as well as immunocompromised patients such as organ transplant recipients.
Here are some of the heartwarming responses to Shelby’s escapades.
People are lining up for Shelby’s services
Sharing their dog visit photos
Aw girl that's so adorable! Gotta say that my sister and I did the same thing with our mom a few years ago! pic.twitter.com/VJOgCVWUrK
— amy (@amynstefan) November 24, 2017
And touching personal stories too
The healing power of dogs
I love it! We snuck my grandmas dog in for her too! ??? pic.twitter.com/DsSMfLJXzR
— D ? (@ddanielleggee) June 12, 2017
Quiet love
I did the same but a nurse helped us smuggle him in!! pic.twitter.com/pY8JWioBBr
— rye (@ryescaf) June 13, 2017
These guys are looking for a twofer situation
I could prolly squeeze these 2 in with a purse ? pic.twitter.com/xN1rIhJ8vt
— Manny Sanchez ☮ (@MannyFresh130) June 12, 2017
This smile is better than any pill
I smuggled my grandpa’s dog to see him when he was in hospice. it was the greatest thing ever to see his smile. pic.twitter.com/yhb91Jdasb
— LipstickNLager (@LipstickNLager) June 13, 2017
