The Texas Children’s Hospital West location may be known for its state-of-the-art medical care, but it’s newest therapy tool is one that has been around for thousands of years. Angus, the hospital’s first ever therapy dog, brings healing to young patients in the form of gentle nuzzles and a wagging tail.

Angus, a half- Labrador, half- golden retriever mix and his handler, Meg Gustafson, spend their days comforting children who are inpatients at the hospital. Gustafson is a child life specialist, and her focus is normalizing the hospital experience and minimizing trauma for the children receiving care.

“I have the pleasure of using Angus to complete that work,” Gustafson said. “He helps me build rapport with patients and get an understanding of how they’re coping with their hospitalization.”

Source: Meet Texas Children’s Hospital West’s first ever therapy dog