OUR STORY
Our Story
A note from Cian’s parents, Evelyn & Enda Neary
‘Cian’s Kennels is a charity set up in memory of Cian Neary, our beloved 15-year-old son. When Cian was diagnosed with hepatosplenic T cell lymphoma we asked him if there was anything we could get him to make him feel better. It was then that Cooper, a gorgeous golden Labrador puppy, joined our family.
Time spent with Cooper, exercising & training him, became the highlight of Cian’s days at home in between hospital stays and treatments. When in hospital at CHI Crumlin, Cian pined for Cooper. We managed to bring Cooper to Dublin and base him in kennels near the hospital.
Cian visited Cooper most days, and we cannot overstate the positive impact this had for Cian. The time Cian spent with Cooper became the basis of lasting, precious memories for us when Cian sadly lost his battle for life on 23 September, 2019.
We experienced first-hand the joy that Cooper brought Cian and us during the most difficult days. We established Cian’s Kennels to bring some of that joy and relief to children who have to endure extended hospital stays.
We bring their family pet from their home to DSPCA kennels in Dublin and shuttle the pet to our visiting kennels at CHI Crumlin for visits with the sick child and their family. No cost whatsoever arises for the families involved.
Our visiting kennels at CHI Crumlin were opened in May 2022, we are now planning for a unit at the new Children’s Hospital which will incorporate the main three children’s hospitals in Dublin.
All of this has been made possible by an incredible team of volunteers – drivers, vets, fundraisers, administrators – and the generosity of our donors and commercial sponsors.
Cian’s story has not ended…
Evelyn & Enda
