CLEVELAND — Kid, 3, becomes a four-legged friend to almost everyone he comes in contact with.

Each day, he meets a lot of people. Kid is the facility dog at Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital, a position that his handler, Molly Gross, said he’s been trained for since birth. 

“Kid got the opportunity to practice at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. That's where he can get used to the sounds and smells of the hospital, the equipment, the crowds, the doors opening and closing — really any little thing that may spook a dog,” Gross said. 

Gross is a child-life specialist who works to enhance and normalize hospital experiences for patients and families. Kid has become a large part of her mission to help patients cope with hospitalizations and even have fun while they are in the hospital.

“He is something that's really the opposite of the hospital environment. He's fluffy. He's cuddly. He's warm. He's not sterile or cold. So it's really cool that we can bring something into the hospital that is usually familiar to patients and they immediately gravitate toward him,” Gross said. 

Gross said Kid's role at the hospital these last two years has been vital as the coronavirus has completely changed the patient experience.

“Not only are patients in a stressful and unfamiliar environment, but it's really putting extra stress on our families too because we can only usually have one caregiver recently,” she said. 

When this duo isn’t busy helping patients get through their tasks, Gross said they are sure to stop in offices and nurse stations. She said the staff benefits from Kid's presence, too. 

“I get a front row seat to seeing how happy he makes people and that's a huge gift. It's so cool to see us walk through the halls and have people smile and get excited. So, I’m always reminded about how lucky I am,” she said.