Marcus, Franciscan Children's Hospital's new service dog. (Bernice Corpuz/WBZ NewsRadio 1030)
BRIGHTON (WBZ-AM) -- There was a round of applause from the staff at Franciscan Children's Hospital as Marcus, a new service dog, walked into the lobby. The furry, four-legged friend was reporting for duty at his new job--helping patients heal and recover.
Nurse Manager Julie Jankun is Marcus's boss.
"He's very calm, he's very easy," Jankun said. "He just works well with people."
The 20-month-old black lab wore a vest which read "assistant dog," but his title might as well be Chief Cuddling Officer--unlike other service dogs, Jankus says, petting Marcus is welcome.
"Families absolutely love him, they think it's the best thing in the world," Jankun said. "Just having their child exposed while they're in the hospital to dogs, the kids just adore him."
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Bernice Corpuz (@BerniceWBZ) reports