Sissy in the hospital lobby. (KWWL)
While recovering from surgery, many people would expect a few visitors. Most are pretty typical: spouses, children, friends, etc. But some can be a bit of a surprise. For Nancy Franck, recovering from complications related to a cancer surgery, no visitors were as unexpected as her pet Miniature Schnauzer, Sissy.
At around 1:30 in the morning, Nancy's husband Dale let the couple’s two Miniature Schnauzers, Sissy and Barney, out to use the bathroom at their Cedar Rapids, IA home. When only Barney returned, Dale initially didn't notice, but eventually he realized Sissy was nowhere to be found.
"I thought they both came back in the house," Dale said. "I was panicking."
Dale searched the house and yard before calling a local animal shelter, the police, and eventually, the couple's daughter Sarah Wood.
Assuming her father was playing a joke, Sarah didn't take the call seriously until 4 hours later when the hospital called saying they'd found a little dog wandering through the halls and lobby.
Sarah headed to the hospital, entered the security office, and there was Sissy staring out a window.
Sissy had managed to walk 20 blocks, enter the hospital and start searching for Nancy.
"She was on a mission," Sarah said. "The way she walked in to the hospital, she was on a mission - she was determined to do something and she was going to do it."
Sarah was allowed to take Sissy up to see Nancy for a few minutes before taking her home.
"A big boost - it helped a lot, just to see her and talk to her," said Nancy.