When an unexpected illness brought Alisa’lyn Serna to the hospital, there was one friend she missed most: her French bulldog, Caramel.

By chance (and by care) our Mobile Family Pet Reunion Center was there when it mattered most. Working alongside our on-site Brave Liaisons Lynell and Stephanie, hospital staff, and Alisa’s family, we were able to make a very special reunion happen: Alisa and Caramel, together again.

“You don’t understand how much I’ve been missing my baby,” Alisa said from the Pet Center benches, surrounded by her family as Caramel jumped up towards her favorite person for scratches. “Oh, I’m so happy we’ve been able to come,” she added, as she pet her favorite four-legged friend.

Suddenly, a familiar sight caught Alisa’s eye. “Hey! That’s my room!” she exclaimed, as she looked towards the Pet Center’s Magic Window, a specialized big screen that projects images and video and also has video call capabilities. Scrolling images showed some of Alisa’s favorite places, including her bedroom at home, and connected her to other family members, who were standing by to join her reunion on a video call.

Shifting to the floor with Caramel curled in her arms, Alisa smiled and said, “This is my doggy, you know? This is my best friend.” Caramel returned the affection with a flurry of kisses as Alisa’s mom and siblings looked on with smiles on their faces. Alisa’s favorite songs played softly in the background, and every so often she joined in by closing her eyes, singing along, and grinning from ear to ear.

After the reunion, Alisa’s mom, Jessica Lee, noted that her daughter couldn’t stop telling everyone she saw in the hospital about the joy she felt seeing Caramel. “This experience was indescribable to our family. Thank y’all so much for making this happen for Alisa! We will remember this moment forever,” Jessica said.

‍