Two weeks earlier, the program had just begun. Maya had arranged for therapy dogs from the local shelter to visit the children’s ward once a week. The plan was simple: a few friendly faces, wagging tails, a little happiness. The hospital needed it. So did she.
Milo arrived that first day with the rest of the dogs. He was a brown mixed breed with quiet amber eyes and a calm posture. He didn’t bark or jump, just waited, watching. The shelter worker smiled proudly. “He’s the gentle one,” she said. “Everyone loves Milo.”