Dog runs away from home to be with owner battling cancer in the hospital

Nothing was going to keep Sissy the miniature Schnauzer from her owner, Nancy Franck.

Franck has spent the last two weeks at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, recovering from surgery for cancer. Her husband, Dale Franck, has been taking care of Sissy and the family’s other miniature Schnauzer, Barney, at their home 20 blocks away from the hospital, and at 1:30 a.m. Saturday discovered that Sissy was missing. Four hours later, he received a call from Mercy Medical Center, saying they found his dog roaming the halls. "She was on a mission that night to see her mom," Dale Franck told ABC News, "but she couldn't find the right elevator to take."

Dale Franck says he has no idea how Sissy was able to make her way to the hospital solo. He sent his daughter to pick up Sissy, and she was given permission to surprise Nancy Franck in her room. "Nancy and Sissy were able to love each other for a few minutes, and then she went back with me," Dale Franck said. "She's my baby, and though it sounds funny now, it wasn't funny when she was missing. I was worried sick. I'm glad she's OK."

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up