May 21, 1999

Equipped with a stethoscope and dressed in scrubs, "Dr. Nick" gave some special canine care to MGH patient Joseph Eveld, 14, during a visit to Ellison 18 last week.

The friendly long-haired guest belonged to Jennifer Arnold of Georgia who runs a nonprofit organization called Canine Assistants (www.canineassistants.org), which trains service dogs to assist children and adults who have physical disabilities. The dogs have the ability to turn on lights, open doors, pull wheelchairs, retrieve dropped objects, summon help and, last but not least, provide companionship.

"Dr. Nick's" visit was initiated by Merylee Van Houten of the MGH Pediatrics Service and Mia MacCollin, MD, of Neurology, who presented recently at a Pediatric Grand Rounds about using assistance and therapy dogs in medical practice.

From left, Joseph Eveld and Jennifer Arnold with "Dr. Nick."