CHICAGO – It’s a power to “heal” unlike any other.

Unfazed by the cameras and attention, the latest hire at Lurie Children’s Hospital showed why he’s worthy of his new role.

“He’s been here for about a month. He’s doing amazing,” said Lurie Children’s Hospital Child Life Specialist Natalie Sell. “He’s a natural at this; he was raised to do this.”

Hawk is a trained facility dog, raised to help young patients cope with stress in the hospital.

“He is there with no judgment, just there to be there for them and give comfort and support,” Sell said.

During his 40-hour work week, the 16-month-old golden retriever makes his rounds alongside Sell, his coworker.

“He works 9 to 5:30 with me,” Sell said. “We get a lot of ‘Ha!’ A lot of ‘that face’ which is cool. We get a lot of these low energy kids have more motivation to do their goals of the day.”

Hawk’s job requires a gentle bedside manner, a trait he shared with 19-year-old Isabella Pray.

“He is such a well-behaved boy. He is amazing,” Pray said. “He has helped me a lot because I have anxiety, so he’s helped very much and he made my trip a lot better being here.”

“He goes into patient rooms, and immediately he goes right up to them and immediately wants all their love, and it’s been really helpful in helping them open up to me and tell them what’s going on and what they need from us. He is a natural at his,” Sell added.

Hawk’s training was covered through philanthropic support, as is his routine care. He’s also the first facility dog at Lurie, but there are others at pediatric hospitals throughout the country.