Pleased to Greet You: Dogs Welcome Visitors to Cleveland Clinic

Maybe you're not happy about going to the doctor, but Kona's glad you're there.

The 5-year-old golden retriever loves her job as greeter dog at the Cleveland Clinic's .

It's mutual, says her owner, Tom Fobes.

"You see people coming in with a look of apprehension," Fobes said. "Then they see the dog and they smile." 

Once a week, Fobes and Kona make the rounds at the Clinic facility, located at , welcoming people as they come in and visiting patients in waiting rooms.

"It's very rewarding," said Fobes, who also takes his dog to the Clinic's main campus once a week.

For the last year, five volunteers have been bringing their dogs to the Strongsville health center to lighten the tension and spread a little cheer.

"We're always looking for ways to help people feel more welcome," said Elizabeth Stein, director of volunteer services for the Clinic.

The greeter dogs aren't certified, like therapy dogs must be, but they have to pass a strict behavior test -- they have to stay calm, can't jump or lick. 

Stein said most people, especially children, don't look forward to medical visits, but when they walk in and see a dog, "their attention is immediately captivated.

"It really can take the apprehension out of going to the doctor," she said.

Ellen Albright and Brandy, 12, also make weekly rounds in Strongsville and at the main campus, where the dog seems to know when people need her.

"She will actually jump in bed with them and put her head on their shoulder," Albright said. "That's when you see the miracles happen."