Brent and Dot take Molly to visit MeShun Keaton
It’s impossible to have sinking spirits when Molly is on the scene. One of our newest Doggie Brigade members, this little Yorkie-Poo is big on personality.
Her handlers are Brent and Dot Frey, of Clinton, and they couldn’t be more pleased to share their beautiful girl with the patients at Akron Children’s Hospital.
“We can’t say enough about this hospital, especially neonatologists Harriet Feick and Jennifer Grow,” said Brent. “Our grandson, Blake Gauze, spent 61 days in the NICU with a diaphragmatic hernia. He’s 6 years old now and doing great. This is the least we can do to give back for what the hospital has done for our family.”
Molly’s first love is bacon but people are a close second. This was clear with all the interactions she made with patients.
With summer break in the final stretch, no doubt Gracie Williams, who turns 11 in 5 days, would rather be at her Medina home with her Labradoodle puppy, Wyatt, dreaming about her upcoming birthday.
After a midnight ER visit that led to an inpatient stay, Gracie had had a long day. But her entire family beamed when Molly arrived on the scene.
“She’s really cute,” said Gracie as she stroked Molly’s soft fur. “She reminds me of Wyatt.”
Gracie’s Mom, Brenda Williams, appreciated the distraction for her daughter after a rough night.
“It brings a smile to her face,” said Brenda. “It is wonderful to see her smile since she was doubled over in pain much of the evening.”
Then it was on to the next room, where 9-year-old MeShun Keaton was spending her fourth day hospitalized and away from her home in Youngstown.
“It’s fun to see the dogs,” she said. “This is my third visit since I got here and these dogs really help make me feel better.”
Her mother, Tiffany Keaton, said the family has been on a virtual rollercoaster ride since learning earlier in the week that their daughter has type 1 diabetes.
“The Doggie Brigade has definitely made her feel better,” said Tiffany. “She’s never been in an emergency department or hospital before. Her whole world has just flipped upside down. The dogs give her that unconditional love she needs right now to help get through this overwhelming time.”
As the Freys strolled through the hospital’s Atrium Lobby, they passed a large entourage of hospital officials giving a tour to U.S. Sen. Rob Portman. Even Sen. Portman couldn’t resist Molly’s charm and stopped to chat and give Molly a few pats on the head.
“We enjoy the time we spend here just as much as the patients enjoy seeing Molly,” said Dot. “It’s really a win-win situation.”
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