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PrintSpecial Report: Pooches Helping Patients
Six-year-old Jacob Yezerski of Melrose has dozens of questions about his new friend and Children’s hospital volunteer Amos.
Jacob Yezerski
"Does he sniff any furniture?"
Amos is just one of the many dogs who take part in the Paw-Prints program at the hospital. The program brings dogs and their owners to different patients in hopes of making their visit a bit easier.
Ingrid Dahlin, Children’s Hospital
"It’s one of the best days of the week, it really brightens up everyone's day, even the staff."
Amos is a veteran of the two year old program - - walking the hallways like he owns them, stopping in every room to say hello.
Nora Devlin, Paw Prints volunteer
"He's very responsive, he's probably the most obedient dog I’ve ever had and he loves kids so much. He's perfect for this job."
A job that comes with the heavy responsibility of comforting sick children during a difficult time in their lives.
Nora Devlin, Paw Prints volunteer
"I feel like I’m giving something to the child."
It’s something that the children and their parents are grateful for.
John Yezerski, Patient's father
"I think it’s great. It takes his mind off what’s going on and lets him focus on something happy and makes him feel at ease. It’s perfect."
In order for the kids to spend time with the dogs - - both the dog - - and the child needs to get their doctor's OK.
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