Furry bundles of love, joy and fun in the form of a litter of Bernese Mountain Dog puppies provided a very real healing experience for Julia Thompson and her daughters Zinnia and Ruby of Portland.

In April 2015, 5-year-old Zinnia had surgery to remove a malignant brain tumor. She underwent radiation and chemotherapy.

A caring friend sought to help ease some of the young girl's pain and stress by matching her up with a litter of puppies owned by Jennifer Brightbill of Brechbuhler Bernese Mountain Dogs of Oregon City.

The result was an afternoon of fun and excitement for a very brave little girl (and her sister Ruby, 3) as well as an excellent socialization opportunity for the puppies.

Jennifer Thompson Trepanier (no relation) of Southwest Portland organized what she calls "Pile of Puppies," and she hopes this is just the beginning.

Trepanier spent the bulk of her teen years with a rare autoimmune disease called Dermatomyositis that affects 3,000 to 5,000 children in the United States yearly, according to the Myositis Association.

With the disease came extreme weakness, pain, monthly IVs, and an operation to place a port in her chest. During the visit with Zinnia, the child asked to see her port scar and then showed her own.

"In that moment, I got the shivers because it felt like I came full circle. It was as though I suffered as a child, so that now, as an adult, I could bring joy to children who are suffering. I was bridging my two passions: my love for animals and my calling to help those who suffer," Trepanier said.

Pile of Puppies' maiden voyage last November was the visit to Zinnia's house. But Trepanier wants to expand the idea by creating a service that matches ill children with dog owners raising a litter of pups - first in the Portland area, and then possibly throughout the Northwest and California.

Pile of Puppies maintains a Facebook page with information on how to get involved. Trepanier is especially looking for breeders who are planning litters to discuss the possibility of a puppy visit. Trepanier also hopes to connect with families who want this type of experience for their children. (Message Trepanier directly via the Facebook page.)

The window of opportunity for visits like this can be very small. Trepanier has to juggle the health needs of the child (a doctor's OK will be required) with the best time for breeders to bring puppies for a visit. Most puppies are ready to go to their new homes between eight and 12 weeks. This leaves only a small window of time to organize and schedule a Pile of Puppies visit. Trepanier hopes breeders will contact her directly even before the puppies are born. The logistics of creating this experience for children is daunting, but Trepanier is willing to put in the time.

"When you are severely sick, when you have no energy for anything or are in pain constantly," Trepanier said, "the best remedy are furry little bundles who unconditionally love you and ask nothing in return."