There are some days that leave a lasting impact—and today was one of them. I had the privilege of bringing my therapy dogs, Max and Daisy, to the Children’s Hospital for a special visit, and what unfolded was nothing short of magical.
From the moment we walked through the front doors, smiles started blooming. Nurses waved, parents teared up, and the children’s eyes lit up with joy and curiosity. Max, my gentle Golden Retriever, wore his therapy vest proudly, while Daisy, a sweet and spirited Labradoodle, wagged her tail nonstop, sensing the excitement in the air.
We began in the oncology wing, where kids undergoing treatment need every bit of joy they can get. One little boy, barely five years old and attached to an IV, reached out and hugged Max without saying a word. The quiet moment between them said more than words ever could. His mother later whispered, “That’s the first time he’s smiled in days.”
In the playroom, Daisy showed off a few tricks—high-fives, twirls, and even a pretend sneeze that had the kids laughing uncontrollably. Laughter turned into giggles, which turned into belly laughs, echoing through the halls. Some children, too tired to move much, still managed to stroke soft fur and whisper “good dog.”
Even staff took a break to cuddle with Max and Daisy. One nurse told me, “This is the best kind of medicine.”
What touched me most was how the dogs seemed to know who needed them most. They gravitated toward kids who looked lonely, scared, or sad—and within seconds, those emotions melted into comfort and connection.
Today wasn’t just about visiting. It was about healing in ways no pill can provide. Max and Daisy gave these kids hope, happiness, and a reminder that even in hard times, love shows up—sometimes on four paws.
