When Ryan Jessen, 33, passed away suddenly from a brain hemorrhage, medical staff responded in an unexpected way.
“The hospital was extremely gracious to us, 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.”
While the video of Ryan and his dog Molly’s touching moment was intended for their immediate family, it quickly went viral.
“Our family feels so blessed to have witnessed the amount of love and support that Ryan received from his friends, family, and the community,” Michelle writes. “Others’ stories, their participation in our grief, and the generosity of so many people have greatly impacted and humbled us.”
Molly, Ryan’s heartbroken dog, is in good hands, according to Ryan’s sister: “Don’t worry about the dog! We’re going to keep her!!! She is a member of the family.” Ryan’s donor heart is set to save the life of a 17-year-old just in time for Christmas, according to Michelle.
