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A new light in the hallways: Nightingale’s Paws Carries Hope

Dr. Milo posing with Nightingale and the nurses of 7A Bartter Clinical Research Unit (BCRU); Million Veteran Program.
From left to right Labrador Retriever “Nightingale,” Laura Ramirez RN, Raed Kadhume RN, Samantha Elbel Nurse Manager 7A Research, Yolanda Ruiz-Isales Deputy Associate Director for Patient Care Services, Dr. Eleanor Milo Nurse Executive/Associate Director for Patient Care Services, Norman Diaz RN, and Hue Mang RN, gather to strike a pose holding Nightingale .

By Moses Blount, Public Affairs TCF Trainee

Who doesn’t love a nice cuddle? Nurses at the Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital were delighted to meet “Nightingale” a Labrador Retriever puppy, who has silky beautiful black fur and a big-hearted spirit.

As she made her debut, her trainer strolled her up and down four floors and through the hallways of the hospital. Her warm welcome, joyful spirit, and curiosity raised hearts and smiles among the many nurses who met her for the first time. Even with the heaviest work schedules, a caring connection can elevate one's spirit in ways words cannot be described. 

Nightingale, with her lovely eyes and compassionate temperament, provides more than simple solace; she brings light. Her steady paw to grip and enthusiastic kisses on the nurse's cheeks appear to say, "You're not alone." Worries of the day shed away, and spirits rise—since the smallest companions can provide the greatest strength. Paws for Purple Hearts (PPH) stands as a beacon of hope and healing for our (Veterans and their families), and our dedicated nurses and staff of the South Texas Veterans Health Care System.  

The Lamp

Florence Nightingale, the originator who paved the way for modern nursing, known as the "Lady with the Lamp," arrived at Scutari at the Barrack Hospital on November 5, 1854, as a trailblazer who established standards of care for all nurses and caregivers, bringing hope and healing while also earning the respect of the soldiers. PPH celebrates her legacy with their own bundle of joy. Nightingale was named in honor of the dedicated nursing personnel who recited the “Florence Nightingale Pledge,” devoting their lives to caring for Veterans and caregivers daily. Our tiny Nightingale symbolizes the same compassion as Florence, keeping her legacy of compassion, comfort, and unshakable dedication. 

By pairing the unique power of human-animal connection with their innovative Canine-Assisted Warrior Therapy (CAWT), they help Veterans suffering from mobility issues and trauma-related conditions such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) find their strength. Veterans and Active-Duty service members train great service dogs together, not just to provide life-changing companions for their brothers and sisters in arms, but also to create resilience, trust, and newfound purpose in their own lives. These highly trained dogs will bring with them the promise of confidence, healing, and unbreakable bonds.Together, we’re celebrating a new chapter of connection!

“I think it’s awesome and honored to really acknowledge and recognize our nurses,” said Dr. Elenor Milo, Nurses Executive and Associate Director for Patient Care Services. 

Employee Whole Health’s Ivan McKittick shares in this enthusiasm, recognizing that with each wag and cuddle, Nightingale reminds us of all that healing can start with something as simple as a warm smile…and maybe a few puppy kisses. 

“Lots of smiles today, and nurses reaching back to me saying, it was a nice morale boost,” said Ivan McKittick, Whole Health Employee Coordinator and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitaion.