MACON, Ga. — The holiday season can be tough for some, especially if you're spending it in a hospital or emergency room. That's why Coliseum Medical Centers has a new four-legged employee with a goal of spreading love to everyone he visits.
"It has been a week at least, all my days are running together," patient Beverly Turner said.
Since 2001, Turner has been in and out of the hospital because of heart problems.
"I did have open heart surgery in 2005 I think, but all of this started I think on September the 11," Turner said.
There is no guarantee she'll be home by Christmas, but she can count on having a new friend by her side -- a 10-year-old gold retriever named Kiyyaa, the newest therapy dog at Coliseum Medical Centers.
"We started working on the paperwork, which was enormous, and getting him certified, and it finally went through right before Christmas," Doctor Yomiyyu Gammada said.
Gammada is Kiyyaa's owner, and he hated to leave him home every day, so he decided to get him a part-time job.
"I think it is always difficult to be in the hospital, more so during Christmas Eve or Christmas Day," Gammada said.
"This dog would have helped me if it was the fourth of April, he is good, no matter if it is the holidays or not," Turner said.
Coliseum Medical Centers Therapist Bruce Conn says the holiday season can remind people of traumatic events. So having Kiyyaa on staff can allow patients to relax.
"Pets are a benefit to people's mood, because when we look at them, they look at us, everybody feels better, there is something precious about the simple loyalty of a pet, their love is pure it is really pleasant," Conn said.
No matter where Kiyyaa goes, he spreads love.
"It is definitely a treat here, you are in the hospital, and the dog wants to come and see you, " Kenneth Kirkpatrick said.
Now Gammada says Kiyyaa works three days a week. The name Kiyyaa is Ethiopian for "my very own." He gets paid in treats and love from his owner.
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