|
Pile of Puppies, a godsend to chronically or terminally ill children and their families.
For children in need, a team of volunteers will set-up a playpen, line it with absorbent pads, place the child inside, and then release a litter of adorable puppies.
As they play with these puppies, the joy these children feel can touch the hearts of everyone near them.
To date, there have been 2,000 of these visits, to homes, hospitals, and local nonprofits such as the Ronald McDonald House.
(Story continues from "Read More")
Pile of Puppies began in 2016 after Jennifer Trepanier, who grew up with a chronic inflammatory condition, and later as a pregnant adult, contracted an autoimmune disease.
A coworker brought a litter of Swiss Mountain Dog puppies into work as a surprise, and they were like a marvelous medicine for Jennifer.
As a result, Jennifer subsequently started Pile of Puppies in Beaverton, Oregon.
Julia Stults was 10 years old and suffering from joint ulcerative colitis and autoimmune disease when Pile of Puppies visited her in 2019.
Now 16, she sees this as a very happy memory during a difficult childhood.
"Having chronic illness as a kid, there are so many downsides," Julia told The Oregonian.
"It's those little, tiny special things that are like, 'Yeah, having (ulcerative colitis) sucks, but then I wouldn't get all the puppies.'"
Her mother Dina added that when the flare-ups were at their worst, Julia needed medication 24/7 and took oxycodone every four hours. The "puppy chaos" in their home was a blessing.
Today, Dina is a Pile of Puppies volunteer.
Speaking of the effect puppies have on children, Dina said: "They just open up. They're chatty, and they brighten up. It's a very enriching experience for a volunteer."
|
