Posted on July 1st, 2010

Photos by The Nielsens

Kids can’t resist the love of a cuddly canine companion. Florida Hospital for Children has just what the doctor ordered, a prescription of puppy love for the peds patients. Murray, a loveable PhD (Pretty Happy Dog),  leaves a trail of smiling faces after he makes his daily rounds. Yep, this dog makes hospital rounds.

The two-year-old yellow Golden/Labrador Retriever mix is a specially trained service dog who responds to more than 50 commands. (Impressive considering how many commands the average prized pooch knows.) Not your ordinary Fido, Murray can “get” items (and give them back), hop “up” in bed with kids and even pose for pictures. 

As the onsite hospital pup, Murray’s job is to bring comfort, smiles and a taste of home to the kids staying there. His remarkably calm demeanor calms even the most anxious tot. Because Murray works full time at the hospital, chronically ill children have the unique opportunity to develop a bond with him. It’s a wonder his “person” Traci Woods, Florida Hospital’s family experience director, gets any of her other work done. In addition to his regular rounds of visits, Murray also makes house calls, quickly making him the most requested hospital staff.

It isn’t all work and no play for this guy, at the end of the day, Murray takes off his vest, heads home with Traci and gets to be a regular dog. But tomorrow, Murray will be back to work spreading a little joy to kids who need a little extra TLC.

You can find more heartwarming photos of this loveable pooch and his friends in our photo gallery.