Morris-Baker Funeral Home & Cremation Services donated a litter of over 70 plush “puppies” to the Child Life Department of Niswonger Children's Hospital. Kibbi, the Morris-Baker therapy dog, was on hand to help present the gift.
Morris-Baker owner Preston McKee and Kibbi have volunteered in Niswonger’s pet therapy program for eleven years, visiting patients and staff at the Children’s Hospital every month. However, due to current Covid restrictions, the pet therapy program has been paused. McKee decided he still wanted children to benefit from something soft and comforting to hold, so he purchased the Kibbi look-alikes for Niswonger staff to hand out to patients.
“We’ve found that at our funeral home, this stuffed toy gives comfort to a child,” McKee said. “Interacting with a pet is hugely helpful, but when Kibbi happens to be out of town, we offer this so that the child has something soft and cuddly to comfort them during their difficult times.”
Morris-Baker is locally owned and operated and committed to programs that support grieving families and caregivers throughout the year.
Pictured here are Amanda Ward, Child Life Program Manager of Niswonger Children's Hospital; Preston McKee, Owner of Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services; Kibbi, Morris-Baker’s therapy dog.