Retired police officer and popular dog trainer Perry Parks says that receiving a Stage 3 colon cancer diagnosis was one of the most difficult moments of his life. Today, healthy and grateful, Parks is giving back to the health system he credits with saving him by donating a fully trained security dog to Virtua Health.
The Belgian Malinois, valued at $15,000, recently joined Virtua’s security team. Parks had one heartfelt request: the dog is named Meslin, in honor of Keith Meslin, MD, the Virtua colorectal surgeon who performed his lifesaving robotic surgery.
An Exceptional Gift
“Nothing I faced as a police officer was as daunting as being told I had cancer,” said Parks, 65, of Medford, N.J. “After [colorectal] surgery, Dr. Meslin told me, ‘I just put 30 years in your tank.’ He relieved me of all my worries. He truly gave me a new lease on life.”
Parks, who briefly worked in security for Virtua after he retired from theMedford Township police force, has trained dogs for law enforcement and security agencies for decades. Parks trained Virtua’s current security dog, Tosca, who has recently retired.
Last year, as Tosca approached retirement, Virtua’s security team contacted Parks about bringing on a “new recruit.” The call immediately struck a chord—and gave Parks a chance to express his gratitude.
Around the same time, Parks had learned about a rescue dog at a local animal shelter. The shelter employee insisted Parks meet this particular pup due to its exceptionally calm, well-balanced temperament.
The dog was everything Parks was looking for.
“I immediately knew he would be good for a healthcare environment,” Parks said. “Donating the dog is my way of giving back.”
“Perry’s thoughtful gift to Virtua is a heartfelt reminder of the lasting impact our care teams make for patients every day,” said Sarah Fawcett-Lee, FAHP, CFRE, SVP and chief philanthropy officer at Virtua Health. “By recognizing Dr. Meslin in such a meaningful way, Perry offered a beautiful example of how far gratitude can reach. We are truly grateful.”
A Community of Dog Lovers
Dr. Meslin describes Parks as “energetic and down to earth”—and says he is deeply touched by the Parks’ donation and tribute.
“I’ve received a lot of hugs from patients, but I’ve never had a dog named after me,” Dr. Meslin quipped.
A lifelong dog lover (who once considered becoming a veterinarian), Dr. Meslin discovered a second unexpected connection to Perry Parks.
“My wife brought our 14-pound Cavachon, Obi, to Perry for obedience training when he was a puppy. She had no idea he was one of my patients,” Dr. Meslin said.
Onboarding the Patrol Pup
After a few weeks of on-the-job training, Meslin (the dog) is ready to officially join the Virtua workforce. Perry Parks, Dr. Meslin, and various Virtua staff will attend the swearing-in ceremony in Camden, which will include remarks, refreshments, and gifts for the dog.
“We’re honored to welcome Meslin to our security team,” said Gregory Pease, assistant vice president of safety and security at Virtua. “Knowing that Meslin was trained and donated by Perry, someone so deeply connected to Virtua, makes it even more special. His gift strengthens our safety efforts for Virtua patients, colleagues, and the community we serve.”
About Virtua Health
Virtua Health is an academic health system committed to helping the people of South Jersey be well, get well, and stay well by providing the complete spectrum of advanced, accessible, and trusted health care services. Virtua’s 16,000 colleagues provide tertiary care, including renowned cardiology and transplant programs, complemented by a community-based care portfolio. In addition to five hospitals, two satellite emergency departments, 42 ambulatory surgery centers, and more than 400 other locations, Virtua brings health services directly into communities through Hospital at Home, physical therapy and rehabilitation, mobile screenings, and its paramedic program.
Virtua has 3,000 affiliated doctors and other clinicians, and its specialties include cardiovascular and gastrointestinal health, orthopedics, advanced surgery, and maternity. Virtua is academically affiliated with Rowan University, leading research, innovation, and immersive education at the Virtua Health College of Medicine & Life Sciences of Rowan University. Virtua is also affiliated with Penn Medicine for cancer and neuroscience, and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for pediatrics.
As a not-for-profit health system, Virtua is committed to the well-being of the community and provides innovative outreach programs that address social challenges affecting health, most notably the “Eat Well” food access initiative, which includes the unparalleled Eat Well Mobile Grocery Store. To help Virtua make a difference, visit GiveToVirtua.org.