MIAMI (WSVN) — A hospital therapy dog who has helped others fight for their life is now fighting for her own.
Bella is a poodle who makes rounds at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center every week. "Bella brings joy to everybody," said registered nurse Tina McCrink.
Bella allows people like Patricia Suarez — who is battling Hodgkin’s Lymphoma — a distraction. "Pet and hug, it’s really nice. It’s really comforting," Suarez said.
However, 13-year-old Bella has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. "I’m focusing on what she likes to do, and her happy day is coming here," said Jere Miles, Bella’s owner.
Bella has been bringing joy to patients for nine years and her owner said that she will continue to do so for as long as she can. He thinks that while she’s giving, she’s also receiving, and that may be the best medicine for her. "This is like giving her a pain pill, she’s in heaven," Miles said.
With the time she has left, Bella will be sharing lots of love with the hope of getting the same in return.