Dog Trainer Donates and Names Security Dog Meslin in Honor of Dr. Keith Meslin for Life-Saving Cancer Care
Retired police officer and experienced 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 has trained dogs for law enforcement and security agencies for decades. When 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, 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 was ready to officially join the Virtua workforce. Perry Parks, Dr. Meslin, and various Virtua employees attended the swearing-in ceremony at Virtua’s Health & Wellness Center – Camden. Meslin was welcomed with many gifts, including his Virtua employee badge, a comfy bed, a monogrammed blanket, dog bowls, and several bags of snacks.
Virtua is honored to welcome Meslin, who will help to keep Virtua patients, colleagues, and the community safe. He is such a “GOOD BOY”.