A HealthBeat Special Series

A (Dog's) Day in the Life

These Spectrum Health police dogs make their rounds every day, coaxing smiles and bringing joy to patients, staff and visitors of all ages. Their job is to be lovable, but also to stand guard. The pet paparazzi follow them wherever they go.

Health Beat Special Series
Patient Story

The night shift

K9 team works around the clock to protect the hospital, patients and team members.

‘I wouldn’t trade it for the world’

Amid the many demands of official business, Officer Nicole Bowl and police dog Max always make time for the essential—patient visits and playtime.

Patient Story

‘Doggy, doggy, doggy! Here, doggy!’

K-9 officers brighten the day of a girl as she received treatment for cancer at the children's hospital.

Patient Story

Day in the life of Fix

Police dog Fix and the 'guy at the other end of the leash' bring comfort and smiles to patients, staff and visitors.

Patient Story

Day in the life of Cain

'He's helping put smiles on people's faces,' says the officer who calls himself 'just the guy at the end of the leash.'

Patient Story

Day in the life of Rex

'I've had people tell me their kid hasn't smiled for three weeks. The dog shows up and they're aglow.'