The
FUR-REAL
Story
of
Owie BowWowie
Love at FURst hug!
There’s a dog on the loose in children’s hospitals. He roams the hallways, peeks behind closed doors, and patiently waits outside treatment rooms. He’s the cuddliest, most loving dog you’ll ever meet—and he’s known for his extraordinary ability to sniff out lonely and hurting hearts from a mile away. His name is Owie BowWowie, and he has one mission: to comfort the “hurts and hearts” of children facing life-threatening illnesses, especially those without family or friends by their side.
The Birth of Owie BowWowie
Owie BowWowie and Friends was created over 35 years ago by Gina Meyer, inspired by her own childhood experiences of battling illnesses and enduring hospital stays alone—and one unforgettable experience as a young woman.
In her early 30s, Gina was hospitalized for treatment of a serious illness. Due to a lack of beds in the adult ward, she was placed in the pediatric ward. Her roommate was a little girl recovering from brain tumor surgery. Over several days, Gina noticed that no one came to visit the child. Troubled, she pulled the nurse aside and asked, “Why hasn’t anyone come to see her?” The nurse replied, “She doesn’t have anyone.”
The next day, the nurse brought the little girl a stuffed dog. But as soon as the nurse left, Gina saw the toy go flying across the room. Concerned, Gina got out of bed, retrieved the stuffed dog, and brought it back. “What’s wrong, honey?” she asked gently.
“That’s not my toy,” the little girl said defiantly. “It’s BROKEN.”
Gina then noticed the stuffed dog had a tear in its ear. Thinking quickly, she grabbed medical gauze and tape from the little girl’s bedside and wrapped the dog’s head to match the child’s bandages. Handing the toy back, Gina said softly, “He’s not broken. He just has an owie, like you. He’s your Owie BowWowie.”
And just like that, Owie BowWowie was born.
The
FUR-REAL
Story
of
How
Owie BowWowie
Received His ❤
In Memory of Russ Barker
Why it's important to introduce FURiends...
In 2012, my friend Richard Norris introduced me to an incredible woman named Kelly Barker.
At the time, Owie and I needed help, so I put out a request on Facebook. Amidst the responses, my answer arrived in the form of Kelly Barker.
Shortly after we connected, Kelly and I became instant best friends. I sent her an Owie BowWowie as a gift (Kelly lived in Michigan, while I was in Southern California). One Friday afternoon, her brother, Russ Barker, walked into her office, spotted Owie, and said, “If Owie is all heart, why doesn’t he have one?”
Kelly immediately called me to share his question. “Would you mind adding a heart to Owie?” she asked.
“Of course!” I replied. “He needs one!”
Three days later, Russ tragically passed away in a snowmobiling accident. That same day, Owie BowWowie received his heart, and now Russ’s heart lives on within Owie.
It’s incredible how many friends have contributed to creating comfort through Owie BowWowie.
But then again, that’s exactly what comfort is all about...
Friendship.
To see Owie BowWowie being delivered to the hospital,
please take a moment to watch our video...
