This was no ordinary return of a dog to its owner. Bentley, the King Charles Spaniel, is best known as the American dog put in quarantine after his owner, nurse Nina Pham, tested positive for the Ebola virus. Pham contracted the potentially deadly illness after treating a patient in Dallas. That patient died.
Bentley was taken away while Pham underwent treatment and has no signs of the virus.
On Saturday, the pair enjoyed a high-profile reunion to the applause of Dallas Animal Services staff, but also Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings and Judge Clay Jenkins.
In a short public address, Pham said she can now resume life with “her best friend at her side again.” She also asked for privacy and told the crowned that she’s “excited to take Bentley home so we can start picking out his gifts for his two-year birthday party next month.”
Here’s the reunion video.
“Reunited and it feels so good!” Judge Jenkins posted to Facebook. “Hometown health care hero, Nina Pham and her beloved Bentley are together again.” He clearly has some experience kissing supporters on the campaign trail.
