Puppy Love for Amara

Processing the news that your child has cancer is not easy. I was frantic when experts at Children’s National Hospital first diagnosed Amara with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, but I knew there was no better place to take care of my little girl. Her team won us over quickly with their ability to explain everything and to care for us as a family. She loves her doctor and all of the nurses on the oncology floor.

Amara is a sweet, energetic kid who loves dogs, watching movies and playing with her friends at kindergarten. But frequent hospital stays, some planned and some not, can be very stressful for all of us. Chemotherapy, lumbar punctures, bone marrow biopsies and other necessary treatments or procedures can be scary. Sometimes she cries because she misses her dogs, Luna and Harleigh.

The hospital’s animal visitation program helps a lot. Amara lights up when one of the facility dogs or a volunteer therapy dog visits. She especially loves Tux. Amara and Tux are a lot alike. They are both a little goofy, very loveable and super cuddly. She loved him from the first time he snuggled in bed with her. Once, in the playroom kitchen, he went along with the game as pretended to feed him toy food. She laughed so hard, like it was the funniest thing in the world.

Having Tux, or any of the dogs, spend time with Amara makes things easier. Snuggles with the dogs provide a bit of normalcy and happiness and like she has her special friends. Pet therapy visits give her the freedom to escape her illness for a little while.

Having dogs around also helps me cope. I’m a very stressed-out person. Petting them helps me calm down. Knowing they’re brightening Amara’s day is huge for me. I can’t tell you how relieved I feel when I hear her giggle. It’s the best sound. Amara is doing well and has completely kicked the leukemia cells out of her bone marrow. Our whole family is so grateful for everyone, including the dogs, at Children’s National for their persistent and resilient care. They have all taken such loving care of us.