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Meet Jerry: Best Friend of RMHC

Jerry is a dog, who has a big job – it’s one he takes seriously.  As the resident cheer-giver, his job is to play, give cuddles, listen to troubles, and bring a sense of home to children and families who feel so far from it.  “Our guests are mostly long-term stay families.  They miss their pets and Jerry helps ease homesickness and keeps our families’ spirits up,” Meg Katzman, executive director of RMHC Upper Midwest.

Jerry is a three-year old Labradoodle and has been part of the House’s family since 2006.  Jerry doesn’t shed, bark or have allergens that could make children sick.  He usually positions himself right at the front door in the late afternoon hours when he knows his families will be coming home for dinner.  He is absolutely great at lifting burdens and bringing on smiles. 

According to the House Manager Paula Noonan, Jerry instinctively knows his role is to provide comfort any way he can. "You could hang a sign on him that reads: `The Doctor Is In' the moment he walks in the door," Noonan says. 

One very special bond was formed with Joseph Krupski.  Joseph had a very rare form of leukemia, and required two bone marrow transplants.  The days were long and the treatments hard on Joseph, and there were many struggles to keep him on his medication.  Joseph’s parents quickly figured out that the promise of a visit with Jerry was a sure-fire way to get him to take his medicine and calm his fears. It worked like a charm. Joseph is now fully recovered. 

Joseph, his family and Jerry: 

 

But, Jerry had such an unforgettable impact on the Krupski’s that they adopted Henry, also a Labradoodle, to be the newest member of their family and Joseph’s best friend.

Henry, the Krupski's adopted Labradoodle:

“At the Ronald McDonald House, our mission is to provide comfort and care to families who are going through one of the most difficult, scariest moment in their lives," said Katzman.  "We are not just a bed to lie their head at night; we try to provide services to families that treat their spirit as well.  Jerry, our House dog, has provided a huge lift to all of our guests and staff.” 

If you ever get a chance to visit the Ronald McDonald House in the Twin Cities, be sure to stop by.  Jerry will be waiting to greet you with a lick and a hug.  After all, this is Jerry’s House. 

See photos of Jerry » 

According to the House manager Paula Noonan, Jerry instinctively knows his role is to provide comfort any way he can. "You could hang a sign on him that reads: `The Doctor Is In' the moment he walks in the door," Noonan says.

 

 


Comments (2)|(Hide)

  • NumNuckydut

    14/03/2011 7:32pm

    The mare set off for home with the speed of a swallow, and going as smoothly and silently. I never had dreamed of such a motion, fluent and graceful, and ambient, soft as the breeze flitting over the flowers, but swift as the summer lightening.

  • Immadierm

    09/03/2011 9:57pm

    Dali had a good sense of humor - obviously you could tell just looking at him; he was funny.

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