PHOENIX – A Valley therapy service dog has a gift for making kids smile.
D’Artagnan is a 6-year-old goldendoodle who visits kids in the hospital every week.
His face, sweet disposition and wagging tail bring out the grins at the children’s rehabilitative services clinic near downtown Phoenix.
The kids here have many different diagnoses, ranging from cerebral palsy to muscular dystrophy to cardiac conditions.
When some of the children get scared or nervous for their check-up, D’Artagnan helps take their mind off the stress.
“He just loves everybody, makes them smile,” said Linda Siefkan, D’Artagnan’s mom.
One of his best qualities is that he’s very patient, Siefkan added.
“He lets kids do all sorts of things to him without even reacting,” she explained.
Every time he walks through the door, D’Artaganan makes friends and spreads happiness.
