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A Share-A-Pet success story from Chris Evrett's Hospital in Fort Lauderdale FL

Tyler spent several months at Chris Evert's Children's Hospital (Broward General Medical Center) in 2007, most of which was in PICU. With no prior health problems or any warnings to becoming ill so quickly, we did not know what to expect and were very unprepared. Our normal happy life came to a halt in an instant and has since been forever changed. Tyler went through many surgeries with long, tiring recoveries from being bed ridden to learning to walk again. Days were long, sometimes painful, and very lonely for a 7 year old little boy. After Tyler was awake from his first surgeries he just wasn't himself and we weren't sure what we could do. We knew he was tired and confused but we also noticed he was sad and lonely. He desperately missed being with his friends, running, swimming, laughing and most of all....playing football. Tyler has always enjoyed being around family and friends and that hurt him the most. We knew we still had a long road ahead and needed to help him recover emotionally. It was shortly after that we were introduced to a Share-A-Pet dog named Bernie. Bernie was a large black poodle that instantly put a smile on Tyler's face. It was two friends destined to meet! We were told the story of therapy dogs and how they make hospital visits to add joy to a patients day. Tyler was convinced from the minute he met Bernie that he wanted to have a therapy dog and help other kids. Bernie and his owner were so kind and would make special visits to see Tyler. It brightened his day when he had a "friend" visiting and gave him something to look forward too. We were eventually able to get to know more Share-A-Pet friends and it allowed us to really see the therapeutic benefits it brought to sick children. The sound of laughter or a simple smile from a sick child means so much. Tyler continued to fight between his struggles, think positive and stay strong with the hope of coming back to help other kids. He had this goal and would talk daily about his new passion and determination to make it happen. And Share-A-Pet helped Tyler turn his dream into a reality. After coming home, with many months of recuperation and healing in between, Tyler was able to get his future therapy dog, Coco Puff. Coco Puff has brought so much joy to Tyler and his little sister, Carli. They enjoy playing and taking the time to help train her for her future visits to see sick children. In the mean time, Tyler and Carli enjoy visits to the hospital to train with Bernie until Coco Puff is ready.

Tyler has made a remarkable recovery so far, physically, emotionally and spiritually. We are so thankful to the excellent doctors and staff that worked with Tyler, the faithful support from our family and friends and the help of all the Share-A-Pet family. It is with everyones love and support that Tyler is back to the fun loving, sweet spirited little boy he once was. He remains very optimistic and excited about sharing the unconditional love of his dog to other sick children through Share-A-Pet. Share-A-Pet has given my children a way to give back, be part of a community and something to be proud of.