JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Dogs seem to put a smile on just about everyone's face. It's especially true at a hospital.
That's why The Mayo Clinic has enlisted the help of some special furry friends. They're called Caring Canines. These canines are volunteer therapy dogs whose job is to put people at ease in the hospital.
Two of these special dogs are Lindy and Payton. Lindy is a Golden Retriever that has been volunteering for six years. Payton is a Havanese that is in her third year of volunteering.
Payton's owner Kathie Meyer says therapy dogs hold a special place in her heart.
"My husband was in Hospice and every day we were there, someone brought in a dog. He didn't know it, but it gave me someone to talk to and get a love from. So, down the road I got Payton and decided to look into [him] becoming a therapy dog," Meyer said.
She added that it takes a lot of work for to be a therapy dog, as Payton is usually exhausted by the end of the day.
Caring Canines is looking for more volunteers. If you're interested in getting your dog involved, you can call Caring Canines at (904) 956-0074. Your dog has to go through training classes before they become part of the program.