Cian's Kennels, a children’s charity founded in memory of Longford teenager Cian Neary, is calling for sustained government funding so it can expand its services nationwide.
Representatives from the charity along with medical professionals will visit Leinster House today where they will make a presentation to Oireachtas members.
Cian died in 2019, aged 15, from a rare form of Lymphoma.
During his cancer treatment, Cian found peace, and joy in visits from his beloved golden Labrador, Cooper.
His family say these visits reduced his anxiety and brought a comforting sense of home into the hospital setting.
Inspired by his experience, Cian’s parents, Evelyn and Enda Neary, founded Cian’s Kennels to offer other children the same source of comfort, by safely reuniting hospitalised children with their family pets.
"Our mission is simple," said Ms Neary, Chairperson and Founder of Cian’s Kennels.
"We want to give children in hospital the same happiness and sense of normality that Cian experienced.
"Seeing the difference it made to him, we know how much it can help others," she said.
"We’re proud to share his story in the Dáil, but we also need real, ongoing support to bring this service to every child who needs it," she added.
The presentation will include contributions from the Neary family along with healthcare professionals, researchers, and those directly impacted by the service.
Cian’s Kennels currently works at CHI in Crumlin and provides kennelling services through DSPCA Rathfarnham and Pet Therapy Services at the Regional Hospital Mullingar through a mobile unit.
"Cian’s Kennels is an inspiring example of compassion in action, bringing comfort and companionship to children in hospital through the presence of their beloved pets," said Fine Gael Deputy for Longford Westmeath Michael Carrigy.
"I’m proud to support their vital work and welcome their presentation to Dáil Éireann, where their story deserves to be heard and championed," he added.
