Health care providers are known for their giving hearts. Harley the dog’s story is just another example. 

Nurse Sandy Scholl was eating lunch with a fellow nurse, Jessica Dickau, at Bellevue Medical Center. Jessica mentioned to Sandy that she had a patient who was concerned about his dog. 

"Jessica’s patient was considering leaving the hospital over concerns about who could care for the dog," Scholl says. "I simply said 'I'll take him.'"

"There was no place to take my dog," says patient Joe Bargonetti. "Every place was closed. I had gone to see my doctor and learned they needed to admit me. I was stuck between a rock and a hard place."

After making the offer, Scholl texted her husband, Jerry, to make sure it was okay. Scholl has two cocker spaniels at home, and also her daughter, son-in-law, and two grandchildren, who are temporarily staying with her.

Harley, Bargonetti’s 2-year-old miniature German schnauzer, was really cute.

"I think Joe was a little concerned I wouldn’t return him," Scholl says with a laugh.

Harley was greeted warmly by Scholl’s dogs and the grandkids loved him.

"They had a ball together," she says. "By that second night, he was pretty tired after being chased by the kids all day."

Fortunately, Harley had a comfortable place to sleep, as he joined the two other dogs in Scholl’s bed.

"We were just one big family," she says.

On the second day, Scholl received a text from a certified nursing assistant asking for a photo of Harley.

"I think Joe just wanted to make sure Harley was okay," says Scholl.

A day later, Bargonetti was ready to be discharged. Scholl returned Harley.

Unfortunately, Bargonetti returned to Bellevue Medical Center a week later

"I overheard one of the house supervisors talking about a patient who needed someone to care for his dog," says Liz Driggers, CNA. "I already knew they were talking about Joe. I’ve had Joe as a patient before."

Driggers, who lives with her parents and a Shih tzu poodle, asked her parents if it was okay to take Harley. They said yes. Driggers’ boyfriend met Bargonetti outside the hospital to pick up Harley, who got along fine with their dog, Teddy.

"He was anxious the first few days but then he relaxed and hung out with us," says Driggers. "He’s a really smart dog."

Bargonetti was hospitalized for five days. When he was ready to go home, Harley was returned to him as he left the hospital.

"As we were leaving, Harley turned around and gave Liz a hug and a kiss," says Bargonetti.

"All the nurses and techs are so sweet," he adds. "It’s the best hospital I’ve ever been in. Harley is my best buddy."