ORLANDO, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35 ORLANDO) -
It's not the sound of a doctor's shoes down the hallway at Florida Hospital for Children, but Murray still makes his daily rounds as an "MD" -- medical dog.
"As you see, he's got badges and is an employee here at the hospital who doesn't get paid," explains Murray's handler, Traci Woods with Florida Hospital.
While Murray doesn't get a paycheck, this Yellow Lab/Golden Retriever mix knows it's about what he pays out -- healing and happiness.
"I didn't know that you were allowed to have dogs in the hospital!" says one surprised patient as Murray enters her room.
There are lots of dogs which are certified therapy dogs, but Murray has gone through extensive training: 2 years of training through "Canine Companions," so that he can interact with virtually anyone in the hospital. That's crucial, especially for patients like 16 year-old Cassidey who has been in this room for weeks and may be for many weeks more.
"Every time I see him I just laugh and have fun," smiles Cassidey thinking about Murray. "He's like really cool. He's awesome. He's better than my dog!"
Off to the next room, a highlight of Murray's day is stopping by the nurse's station for treats! "He has probably got loyal followers everywhere. Our surgery, our NICU, our Peds Intensive Care... They all keep treats for Murray and want him to stop by and visit," Traci adds.
Sometimes though, it's the unexpected visit that means the most.
"When I see a service dog, I get overly excited, and I just love 'em to pieces! I really do. I don't think there are enough of them!" says one woman passing Murray in the hallway. "I was so gloomy because my great-grandson is in here having surgery, but when I see [Murray], it just brightens your day!"
Traci Woods sees that kind of reaction every day. "We know that laughter and reducing stress and anxiety with our patients, with our families, with our staff increases the healing process. So, this is just one more way we can hopefully bring that environment to the families and patients."
Murray performs of his signature tricks in room after room without a complaint. 11 year-old Ali Al-Harbi loves every one, "I think he's a cool dog, because the way he knows all that stuff and knows all these tricks to help people."
"What we see is people forgetting for a brief moment that they were in pain," Traci tells us. "We have children who are in pain and suddenly can play and talk and reach and actually will help me walk Murray up and down the halls when they haven't wanted to walk because it did hurt. They forget about that for a brief moment, and I think every time we can do that that's a win for us!
Every win for Murray leaves a smile behind and puts a wag on his tail.
Murray came to the hospital 3 years ago through a grant from the family of a sick child worth thousands of dollars. The family wanted to create a "pet therapy" program, and it continues today through new and ongoing donations from other families.
