New charity initiative will bring dogs to visit sick children in hospital

The dogs will be brought to visit patients by Cian's Kennels from DSPCA's hotel for dogs.

A new charity initiative will bring dogs to visit sick children and their families in hospital. Cian's Kennels will transport pets from DSPCA's hotel for dogs to Crumlin Children's hospital to see the children while they undergo treatment. The initiative has been set up by Evelyn and Enda Neary from Longford and was inspired by their son Cian - who tragically passed away after falling ill with a very rare form of Lymphoma. Cian's best friend, a golden Labrador named Cooper, brought so much happiness to him while he was sick. The family had managed to find kennels near the hospital so Cooper could stay and visit regularly. After seeing the positive impact the visit had on their son, the two now want other sick children to be able to experience the same. "Our world fell apart when Cian was diagnosed with Hepatosplenic T-cell Lymphoma in September 2018," Mrs. Neary said. "While in hospital in the early days of diagnosis, we asked him if there was anything we could get him to make him feel better. We already knew the answer. “And a few weeks later Cooper, a gorgeous golden Labrador puppy joined our other dog and cat as part of our animal family. “Cian was on various treatments over the next six months and because he was spending a lot of time at home the bond between him and Cooper strengthened. “Time spent with Cooper, exercising and training him became the highlight of his days at home in between hospital stays and treatments.” Mr. Neary added: "For us as a family, these outings and the time Cian spent with Cooper became the basis of lasting, precious memories when Cian sadly lost his battle for life in the early hours of September 23, 2019. "We experienced first-hand the joy Cooper brought Cian and us during the most difficult days." In the meantime, building work is getting under way at Children's Health Ireland at Crumlin, which will see the construction of kennel facilities, along with a seating area for families.