UNC Hospitals' first facility dog Suki helps patients and staff

UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill have welcomed their first official facility dog named Suki, who is already making a positive impact on patients, families, and staff, ABC11 WTVD reported.

Suki is trained to work as a staff member in a public-facing facility and visits pediatric cancer patients, waiting areas, and hospital employees to help them feel calm and happy during difficult times. The program took four years to develop.

Nurse manager Linnea Van Pelt described Suki's presence as the best part of her 16-year nursing career. Hospital doctors and nurses also enjoy having Suki around, often giving her treats secretly.

Suki was bred and trained through a program called 'Able at both ends of the leash,' run by Eyes, Ears, Nose and Paws in Hillsborough. The program partners with incarcerated men who train assistance dogs full-time.

One patient benefiting from Suki's companionship is 12-year-old John Lopez Lopez, who was diagnosed with leukemia five months ago. His family noted that Suki has helped improve his mood and engagement during treatment.