Text Box: Bryant's mom says: "... the first time Max and Judy went back to the clinic after Bryant passed away....Max walked in and looked everywhere then went and sat by the only closed door and would not move until the door opened, out stepped the people and she (Judy) said literally his face fell when Bryant did not emerge.....she said that entire day he just was not himself. I think its amazing what dogs know and feel.... ....Bryant was one of those kids that just had a knack with animals. Max comes to the cemetery and each time runs over to Bryant's resting place and lays right down beside him......I know Bryant is smiling from heaven.

A tribute from a friend: pet therapy program offers comfort

EDITORS NOTE: The following is a tribute from Max, a therapy dog at Providence Alaska Medical Center, to Bryant, one of the pediatric patients on the oncology unit. Max was asked to come to the funeral service, gravesite ceremony and reception of Bryant's death. The tribute was written for Bryant from the eyes and heart of Max by his handler and owner, Judy Upton, who read it at the funeral with Max.

A Tribute to a friend

A year or so ago I passed the Delta Society Pet Therapy dog test. Little did I realize how my life would change. I started volunteering at Providence Hospital in the Pediatric Oncology clinic. I was thankful I could love on these kids that were fighting this terrible disease. One day, several months ago as I walked into the clinic a young boy came over to me to introduce himself. He said his name was Bryant - I knew from his first pet that Bryant and I were going to be the best of friends. Even though he was 8 and I am 3 years old we just clicked. He petted me with such skill and tenderness.

As the weeks went by I started to learn his name. Every time I heard "Max do you want to see Bryant today?" I would run to the car and sit there waiting to go. Then when I rounded the corner at Providence I couldn't wait to get out of the car hoping to see Bryant. Bryant asked me one day if I wanted to be with him while he had his chemo. I knew I was up for the challenge. If this young boy had the courage to go through chemo and other procedures, I sure could help him. It got so when I saw Bryant at the clinic - after a few minutes of play he would say "OK Max - lets go together and get our Chemo," and in the procedure room we would go. Bryant would hop up on his chair and I would hop up right next to him. I even got to help him with his first MRI!

As time went on we became the best of friends. Bryant would walk me around and introduce me to other kids, in the clinic and in the Children's Hospital at Providence. We took a short nap together in the chair once or twice. He always threw those Cheezit treats just in the right spot so I could catch them. He taught me how to roll over with just the circle of his finger and "speak" to him when he would ask. I knew Bryant loved John Deere tractors. So I had a John Deere scarf made, to fit in with his John Deere style - Isn't that what friends do?

One of the things I loved the most about Bryant is how patient and gentle he was with me. He would sit on the floor, pet me till I rolled over on my back and closed my eyes. A lot of the time we sat on the floor together and just loved on each other.

Even though you went to heaven last week dear friend - I want you to know - I will never forget your name. I will never forget your smile and tender touch.

Thank you for giving me the privilege of helping you and thank you for teaching me how to help other kids as they fight this terrible cancer disease.

I will be at your funeral.

I will be at your gravesite.

I will visit you often there.

I will miss you dear friend and companion.

Love,

Max

Bryant's "Make A Wish" was to tour the John Deere factory in Moline, Illinois. Bryant toured the factory a year and a half ago. He loved John Deere anything. John Deere provided a new farm tractor and trailer at the cemetery entrance to transport Bryant to his final resting place in the cemetery.

Reprinted with permission

 

Bryant was our friend in Alaska. This is his special buddy, Max, a Delta Society Pet Partner. Jack's DOGs is dedicating our instruction and mentoring efforts to Bryant's memory to inspire others in the work he and Max started below.