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A family’s two basset hounds refused to leave baby’s side in hospital.

Mary Hall of Deluth, Minnesota, told ABC News “It brought us a lot of comfort to have them [there]. But by the end of the first day, you could see they were stressed out and depressed. Normally, they’re very happy-go-lucky. We knew they could sense there was something wrong.”

Nora Hall, 5 months old, died May 2 after suffering a stroke on April 6 and spending three weeks in hospital.

The stroke had affected both sides of her brain, causing severe damage, her mother said.

The family dogs, 8-year-old Grumpy and Gracie, fell in love with Nora as soon as she arrived from the hospital, Hall said.

“Gracie, especially, took on the role as second mother,” she said. “Whenever Nora would cry, Gracie would run to see what was wrong. She was always, always by Nora and kissing her and making sure she was OK.”

The Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis asked Mary and John Hall whether they had any final wishes for their daughter.

“I asked, ‘If you could let us have our dogs [at the hospital], we’d really appreciate that,'” Hall recalled. “I didn’t want to go home and have them sniffing around for her and not knowing where she went. They lowered the bed so the dogs could lay with her and Gracie ran up and licked her [Nora].”

Hall said she is grateful for the hospital honouring the special exception of having Nora, Gracie and Grumpy together one last time.

The family snapped photos of the touching goodbyes and posted them on Facebook.

“She was just a really happy baby,” Hall said. “Before we went into the hospital, she’d just start laughing. She was happy all the time.”

So very sweet and special. RIP Little Nora.

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  • what a wonderful if also very sad stry. zzzzzloosing a child is devastating to say the least. have had a few animals who have been there for me during times of great stress and illness there senses are on higher frequency than we humans and if they love you you are tehere pride and joy I know. Think it was also great hospital allowed dog into hospital to say good bye. What sensible caring parents to make this request. Isend them all love and allthe best

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  • Deepest sympathy to little Nora’s family. Little Nora had her best friends by her side even if she didn’t realise it. Surprisingly at some stages she may have. They say people sometimes hear what is said when they are unconscious or even in a coma and some definitely know when they are touched.
    The dogs may suffer from separation anxiety. Besides Nora’s parents grieving the dogs may casue them concern too.

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  • so sorry for your loss, what a loyal and beautiful dogs they are

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  • What a tragic story this makes me cry reading it

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  • Heartbreaking moments beautifully remembered

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  • This brought tears to my eyes.
    I am so sorry for your loss.
    What a beautiful connection.

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  • oh that is so sweet, what beautiful kind souls your dogs have – I hope they are not missing Nora too much.

    May she rest in peace

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  • How touching …R.I.P. sweet little Nora.
    Loving and healing thoughts sent to the family.

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  • Beautiful that the hospital was willing to honor and respect this special last wish. I’m sure Nora must have felt their and her parents presence and has been helpful with the grieving process for all.

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  • This made me cry, my goodness

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  • A very touching story and a very sad one. May this family find some peace during this time.

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  • How wonderful that the hospital was responsive to your wishes and allowed the dogs to be with her to the end. RIP Norah. And I do hope mum and dad are coming to grips with their loss as well as the dogs.

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  • That’s beautiful that they allowed the dogs to stay.
    RIP little Nora. My heart goes out to your family

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  • May she RIP ????

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  • So sorry for your loss. Great that the hospital allowed these beautiful dogs to be with her. RIP baby Nora.

    Reply

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