Runaway Dog Visits Sick Owner In Hospital

A woman battling cancer in hospital was overjoyed to receive an
unexpected visit - from her runaway dog.

Sissy dashed from home and wandered 20 blocks into the lobby of
the Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

The miniature Schnauzer belongs to Nancy Franck, 64, who has been
at the facility for about two weeks following surgery.

Her husband, Dale Franck, 66, had been looking after Sissy and her
brother Barney at home.

After the dog went missing, Mr Franck went searching for her
everywhere.

He got a call from the hospital when they found the family's number
and house address on the dog's collar.

Surveillance footage had captured the dog following her nose around
the corridors.

Mr Franck told ABC News: "She was on a mission that night to see
her mom, but she couldn't find the right elevator to take."

Hospital staff allowed Sissy to be taken up for a few minutes to see a
delighted Mrs Franck.

She told KCRG: "That was great just being able to see her. That was
perfect. I'm glad she thought of it."

It is not clear whether Sissy's visit was just a coincidence or another
example of the incredible bond between humans and canines.

Mr Franck says the dog has sometimes joined him in the car when he
drives to pick up his wife from work, next door to the Mercy Medical
Center, but they have never walked the route.

He says his wife has been undergoing chemotherapy as she fights off
uterine cancer.