Tears as 2-year-old with cancer bonds with hospital’s facility dog

A precious video between a patient at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital and the hospital’s working canine has quickly melted hearts on the internet, proving a dog’s presence can make anyone smile even during the hardest times.

The children’s hospital welcomed two facility dogs to the team last year: Nacho and Corrin. The two work in a pediatric health care setting, providing patient care and promoting healing, which is highlighted in their Instagram account @uichildrens_facilitydogs.

The dogs encourage recovery by walking with patients during physical therapy or after surgery, decreasing their fear or anxiety, providing distraction and coping skills, helping patients learn to take medicine, and offering emotional support. The dog handlers are also full-time child life specialists at the hospital. Every time they work with a patient, Nacho and Corrin join.

A May 19 Instagram video especially touched people’s hearts as it gave them a glimpse into Nacho’s day hanging out with patients. This time he was with Mason, a 2-year-old cancer patient. Nacho and Mason are no strangers. They’ve been hanging out frequently since Nacho started.

“They have a really good relationship and Mason is always really excited to see Nacho,” handler and child life specialist Emily Bradley told Newsweek. “I know that Nacho has become a part of his family’s life.”

In their latest session, Nacho and Mason covered it all: treats, pets, stylish glasses, and cars. Mason had the biggest smile on his face the entire time as Nacho sat with him on the bed. And Nacho wasn’t upset about working since he got his fair share of goldfish treats.

Nacho and Bradley have previously spent time with Mason during his appointments, helped teach him how to swallow pills, and offered coping support during fusion appointments.

Mason’s family has shared with Bradley that their son is always asking to look at the new photos or videos on Nacho and Corrin’s Instagram page, which touches Bradley as it shows the impact the dogs have made on the kids not only while in the hospital, but all the time.

Nacho and Corrin have become celebrities at the hospital, Bradley said. Everyone knows their names and the dogs can’t get enough of the attention they receive from patients and staff members.

“He loves his job a lot,” Bradley said. “I think he would rather be at work than at home on his off days…He loves all the attention.”

Bradley noted that Nacho and Corrin are fully supported by philanthropic and donor dollars. The money goes toward the dogs’ food, treats, vet bills, care, and grooming. The hope is to one day have enough funds to bring on a third facility dog that will allow the hospital to have a dog working daily.

‘Fur Covered Angels’

The Instagram video quickly touched people’s hearts, amassing over 6.6 million views and 409,417 likes so far.

“This is so precious and healing!” one Instagram user wrote, while another commented: “I could watch this on repeat forever. Love these two sooo much!”

Another user posted: “Goldens are fur covered angels.”

Touched by the clip, one user wrote: “What comfort in a scary place I love the calm loving nature of this dog this little boy is getting all the love this dog has to offer love the big smile on little man’s face hope he gets better soon.”

Mason’s mother commented on the video as well: “Mason loves his time with Nacho!!! We will cherish this forever.”

Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our “Pet of the Week” lineup.

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