Patients and employees at Cohen Children’s Medical Center have welcomed Dutton, a 17-month-old facility pup, with open arms.

Child Life Specialist Stacy Madelmayer told News 12 that Dutton is “a celebrity” at the hospital.

He works Monday through Friday snuggling with patients, playing fetch and even helping some of them walk.

Dutton's not just a comfort to the patients – his primary handler, Emily Altstadter, a child life specialist at the hospital, said there have been times where Dutton’s pulled her into rooms because he knew a parent needed him.

Jenine Saccente’s son is a patient at the hospital. She said that Dutton is a “big part” of her son’s “healing experience.”

The funding for Dutton was made possible by the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation.