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Earlier this year, MyHMS produced a video profile of Dayton, the HMS therapy dog who could often be found at the Francis A. Countway Library of Medicine. We featured Dayton along with his human companion, HMS IT Support Specialist Beth Beighlie, to mark National Pet Day. We are sad to report that Dayton, age 11, died of cancer on Nov. 13.
Diagnosed with lymphoma in September 2018, Dayton had rebounded last winter. With his cancer in remission, he returned to his HMS Quad duties in January 2019 with a full daily schedule as Beighlie’s steadfast companion, a social influencer, and persuasive co-worker to those with open doors and ready treats. He was also an accomplished soother, contributing to the Countway Cuddles dog therapy program and the Boston Children’s Hospital’s PawPrints visitation program.
In an e-mail message to Dayton’s HMS friends and fans, Beighlie said that she is grateful for everyone who has reached out to share their love and stories about “The Dood,” his sometime nickname.
“As we remember Dayton,” she wrote, “I know that I'm going to try to be more like him: be more kind, be more generous, love everyone and try to lick any cheek that comes near. I don't know how I'll do, but one can try. Thanks for loving him.”
Boston Children’s has set up a tribute page for Dayton and donations in his honor will support the Pawprints program, which provides patients and their families with a healthy diversion from the usual hospital routine and an opportunity for social interaction.
“In the throes of sorrow, it didn't even occur to us that Dayton could still keep on giving and loving his beloved kids,” Beighlie said.
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