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One afternoon, Child Life Specialist Beth Welch and I were delivering Owie BowWowies to the children when we walked into a room where a beautiful little girl was unhappy. My heart always breaks when I hear a child crying—especially one in the hospital, wishing to be home with her family, playing with her toys.

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As we entered, her mother smiled warmly, but despite our best efforts to offer her daughter a gift, the little girl was too upset. We gently placed Owie on her bed and quietly left the room, hoping the little dog would bring her some comfort later.

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A little while later, as we were walking back down the corridor, we saw the little girl again—this time, she was holding Owie by the paw and walking hand-in-hand with her mother toward the playroom. As they passed, her mother and I exchanged smiles, and she silently mouthed the words, “THANK YOU!” I nodded with a smile, “You’re welcome,” and watched as they continued on their way.

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A few weeks later, we received a card addressed to Owie BowWowie’s Arf Angels. It read:

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Dear Arf Angel,

Thank you so much for giving my daughter a gift of comfort that calmed her down within moments. I was at my wit’s end and didn’t know how to ease her fears. Please let everyone at Owie BowWowie and Friends know what a difference that little stuffed dog made for my daughter.

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Enclosed are two photographs: one of her resting peacefully with Owie, and another of her playing “Hide-and-Seek” in the hospital playroom. As you can see, that little dog has become her best friend and will be for a long time.

 

Thank you again for your caring and compassion for my daughter.

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Story told by Gina Meyer