When 33-year-old Ryan Jessen died suddenly from a brain hemorrhage, the medical staff responded in an unexpected and compassionate way.
“The hospital was extremely gracious, allowing us to bring my brother’s dog in to ‘say goodbye,’ so she could understand why her human never returned home,” wrote Ryan’s sister, Michelle, on Facebook. “If you knew my brother, you knew how much he loved his precious puppy.”
Though the video of Ryan’s touching farewell with his dog Molly was initially intended for close family, it quickly went viral.
“We have been deeply moved and humbled by others’ stories, their participation in our grief, and the generosity of so many people,” Michelle wrote.
As for Molly, Ryan’s beloved dog, Michelle assured everyone that she is in good hands: “Don’t worry about the dog! We’re going to keep her! She is a member of the family.” Additionally, Michelle shared that Ryan’s donor heart is set to save the life of a 17-year-old just in time for Christmas.