LANSING (WWJ) - Caregivers at a local hospital went “above and beyond” to make sure one of their patients wouldn’t lose their dog.
Lansing resident David McKenna had a medical emergency on Jan. 11. McKenna was “incapacitated on the floor of his home for four days with his four-year-old black lab, Matilda, at his side,” E.W. Sparrow Hospital said in a written statement.
McKenna told Sparrow surgical specialties nurse Lauren Corbit that Matilda was at his house by herself.
“I couldn’t get a hold of his family and really didn’t know what else to do, but I couldn't let it go so I went to Jodi for help,” Corbit said.
Sparrow RN Jodi Davis received permission from McKenna to pick Matilda up.
“Davis and her son went to his house, cleaned up the mess the dog had made, took Matilda to be groomed and then let her stay overnight at her home,” Sparrow said in the written statement.
“David told me to just take her to the pound, but that was never an option,” Davis said. “I have dogs and I love animals, and I would hope someone would do that for me. And plus, a patient cannot heal and focus on their own wellness if they are distraught about an animal, a family member, any of those things.”
McKenna was able to see pictures of Matilda that his caregivers were able to share with him.
“Those are not things that you see in today’s world,” McKenna said. “It makes me feel so much better.”
McKenna’s son was able to pick up Matilda from Davis.
“I was able to give him an extra cage to keep the dog in. And then I had everything he needed for the dog,” Davis said. “Honestly, Matilda's reaction was the best. Her tail was just wagging nonstop. She was so excited, and he was equally excited that she was cared for.”
McKenna said he is looking forward to healing and getting back to Matilda.